Climate Smart Communities (CSC)

Contact: Jami Makaehu, CSC Program Coordinator
716-945-5301 Ext. 2207 / [email protected]

Climate Smart Communities Homepage / CSC Grant Program / CSC Grants Fact Sheet / CSC Zero Emission Vehicle Rebate Fact Sheet
CSC Zero Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Grant Fact Sheet / 2022 Climate Smart Communities Flyer

The New York State Climate Smart Communities (CSC) program helps local governments reduce emissions, build climate resilience, and increase sustainability. Southern Tier West Regional Planning & Development Board assists Allegany, Cattaraugus, and Chautauqua counties in CSC certification and climate action.
NYS Climate Smart Communities Program

• Supports municipalities with tools to cut emissions, adapt to climate change, and boost energy efficiency.
• Offering technical support, recognition, and grant opportunities.
• Towns start by passing a pledge and work toward certification by completing climate actions.
• Led by NYS DEC with state agency partners.

Southern Tier West’s Role

• STW guides local governments through the CSC process and connects them to Clean Energy Communities resources and state support.
• STW’s CSC Coordinator helps with task force formation, emissions inventories, and documentation.
• Efforts include education, outreach, and project coordination.

Current Projects & Support

• STW is active in every CSC certification stage, assisting with:
  • Pledge resolutions
  • Task force creation
  • Emissions inventories and risk assessments
  • Climate Action Plan development
  • Securing and managing CSC grants
• Recent projects: adaptation planning, fleet efficiency, organic waste management, sustainability planning, and public education.
• STW offers technical help and facilitates collaboration among municipalities.

Getting Involved

• Municipalities can contact STW for support and networking.
• More details and current projects are at Southern Tier West and NYS DEC CSC websites.​

New York State’s Open Space Conservation Grant Program is offering $25 million statewide for land conservation projects
New York State has launched the Open Space Conservation Grant Program to help municipalities, not-for-profits, and Indian Nations or Tribes purchase land for permanent conservation.
Grants from $50,000 to $3,500,000 are available with no local match, supporting projects that protect drinking water, reduce flooding, enhance habitat connectivity, and expand public access to parks and open space.​ This is a significant opportunity for communities in Allegany, Cattaraugus, and Chautauqua Counties to advance conservation and climate resilience goals.
Applications are due in the State Financial System (SFS)
by 3:00 p.m. on April 15, 2026.  
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Fresh News & Green Innovations

Starting in 2026, CSC certification applications will be reviewed twice a year—once beginning in January and once in May. Announcements will be made during Earth Week in April and Climate Week in September.
For more details and upcoming review dates, please visit the Climate Smart Communities website.