Mayor Owens Announces Adoption of Inaugural Climate Action Plan

Mayor Owens Announces Adoption of Inaugural Climate Action Plan

Published on July 14, 2026

Syracuse Mayor Sharon F. Owens announced the official adoption of the City of Syracuse's inaugural Climate Action Plan (CAP) for Community and Municipal Operations. As a continuation of the Sustainable Syracuse Initiative, the CAP identifies strategies for the City to increase climate resiliency and quality of life in the fields of energy, transportation, climate adaption, and the natural environment. The Plan includes climate change and emission reduction models that target adherence to New York State climate policy goals.

"I am proud to introduce the City's first Climate Action Plan and grateful to all who contributed to its completion and adoption," said Mayor Owens. "The CAP and its future iterations will serve as a roadmap for the City as we work to achieve the level of climate resiliency and sustainability required to improve the quality of life for all residents."

Climate goals outlined by the CAP include energy management, alternative mobility infrastructure, climate change education, expansion of cooling shelter access, flood mitigation avenues, and implementation of the Urban Forestry Master Plan. Visit syr.gov/CAP to view the full document.

As part of the launch, the Sustainable Syracuse Initiative has compiled climate vulnerability resources that combine environmental, infrastructure, and demographic data to show where climate-related risks for Syracuse residents may be greatest. These resources include three Climate Vulnerability Interactive Maps - action, heat risk, and flood risk - that provide information on the causes of local climate vulnerabilities and the methods, location, and availability of various mitigation resources throughout the City. Visit syr.gov/climate-maps to learn more.

The City's Sustainable Syracuse Initiative and its programming is funded in part by the Climate Smart Communities Grant Program, Title 15 of the Environmental Protection Fund through the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC). The CAP was created with this funding in partnership with C&S Companies, Prospect Hill, and Environmental Design & Research (EDR). The Climate Vulnerability Interactive Maps were created by students in the Syracuse Community Geography program.

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