The Sustainability Program is focused on working cross-departmentally to develop and implement environmental sustainability initiatives that will increase environmental stewardship and promote a sustainable and resilient Allentown. Key efforts include seeking funding and developing programs to increase energy efficiency of the City’s buildings, to decrease municipal and community greenhouse gas emissions, to improve the urban tree canopy, and to mitigate exposure to pollution. The goal of all initiatives is to reduce related health risks and improve the overall quality of life for all Allentonians.
Since 2024, the program has received over $1,000,000 in grant funding from federal, state and private grants to expand and support the urban tree canopy in historically underserved communities. Pilot electric vehicles in the City’s fleet begin to identify energy efficiency projects, and administer mini grants to support climate projects led by 15–24-year-olds in Allentown.
In 2025, Allentown launched a Sustainability and Climate Action Plan Survey to support the development of its first Climate Action Plan, scheduled to begin in Fall/Winter 2025.
Related Information:
Urban & Community Forestry Program
In 2024, Allentown received $920,800.00 to advance the health and wellness of the urban forests, ecosystems and people of Allentown. Through the project, Allentown will complete a full inventory of the City’s Street Trees, complete an Urban Forestry Master Plan and aa Species Selection Master Plan, and aim to plant 600 street trees throughout the City’s historically underinvested communities. The project is expected to continue through May 2028.
Related Information: Shade Tree Commission