FY22 Climate and Open Space Priorities

Boston’s climate preparedness program is critical to the City’s long-term success. The Environment Department’s FY22 budget includes funding for a new program manager who will work directly with Boston residents and small businesses to make renewable energy and other climate action resources from the state, utilities, and other sources more accessible. The budget also includes $340,000 for cooling interventions as part of COVID-19 recovery, as well as additional resources for the Landmarks Commission.

The FY22-26 Capital Plan makes investments to help Boston plan for the impacts of climate change and make progress toward realizing the City’s Resilient Boston Harbor Vision, including:

• $2 million for the Climate Resilience Reserve to support adding climate resilience features to existing capital project scopes
• A $1 million increase in the City’s commitment to the Climate Ready Boston Harbor Study, which will be conducted by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to protect Boston from sea level rise and coastal flooding

The City recognizes the important role that open spaces play in an equitable recovery from COVID-19 for all of Boston’s communities. The FY22 budget includes increased capacity for the Parks and Recreation Department, which will support ongoing work with the Environment Department and allow for close collaboration with the newly created Equity and Inclusion Cabinet. The budget also includes funding for an additional arborist to care for trees across the City and maintain our tree canopy. These efforts will ensure that open spaces reflect the equity priorities of the City.

Additionally, a $250,000 investment to support the Citywide Recreation program will expand summer recreation opportunities for Boston youth as the City recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic.