NEWS RELEASE: San José Selected for Global Youth Climate Action Fund

CONTACT
Oshi Jauco, Public Information Manager, San José Clean Energy
408-533-3764; [email protected]

San José Selected for Global Youth Climate Action Fund
City Receives $50,000 for Youth Led Projects

San José is one of 300 cities worldwide chosen for this competitive program. Through the initiative, the City will receive $50,000 to support youth-led climate projects aligned with San José's Climate Smart goals, with individual microgrants ranging from $1,000 to $5,000.

"Young people are key to shaping a more sustainable future for San José," said City Manager Jennifer Maguire. "Through this program, San José's youth will join a global network working to deliver real climate solutions. We are proud to support youth-led ideas that advance our Climate Smart priorities, create visible change in our community, and build lasting opportunities for young people to lead."

Over the next year, San José will partner with residents ages 15 to 24 to design and implement projects that support the City's climate priorities - such as clean energy, sustainable transportation, waste reduction, and climate resilience. The program is designed to move youth ideas from concept to implementation while building long-term collaboration between local government and youth.

"For too long, young people have been asked to inherit the consequences of climate change without being given the tools to help shape the response," said Mayor Matt Mahan. "With support from Bloomberg Philanthropies, San José will empower the next generation of climate leaders to turn good ideas into measurable results: cleaner streets, less waste and more resilient communities."

The City will launch an open call for youth-led proposals later this year, fund a portfolio of projects, and provide support to participants throughout their implementation. The initiative also emphasizes collaboration, requiring cities to engage youth in co-design and decision-making processes and to showcase project outcomes. The program will run through May 2027 and includes funding, technical support, and opportunities for collaboration with other cities across a global network.

"Through Climate Smart San José, we are committed to advancing equitable, community-driven climate action," said Julie Benabente, Deputy Director, Energy Department. "This program aligns directly with our priorities by empowering youth to develop and lead solutions in their community."

Stay up to date on grant announcements and information on the Climate Smart Youth Climate Action Fund webpage and by signing up for the Climate Smart San José email list.

About the City of San José
With almost 1 million residents, San José is one of the most diverse large cities in the United States, Northern California's largest city, and the 12th largest city in the nation. San José's transformation into a global innovation center has resulted in one of the largest concentrations of technology companies and expertise in the world.

About Climate Smart San José Climate Smart San José (Climate Smart), adopted by the City Council in 2018 and updated in 2025, lays out how San José is addressing climate change. Climate Smart is one of the first detailed City plans for reaching the targets of the international Paris Agreement. To get there, the Climate Smart 2025 update focused the City's efforts on key strategies for energy, transportation, and buildings.

About the Youth Climate Action Fund The Youth Climate Action Fund, supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies and partners including the Bloomberg Center for Public Innovation, C40 Cities, and United Cities and Local Governments, equips cities to partner with young people to develop and implement local climate solutions. The program supports youth-led projects through microgrants and provides cities with tools, training, and technical assistance to strengthen youth engagement in climate action.

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