Jackson Prepares to Apply for U.S. EPA Community Change Grant
EPA Community Change Grant Assembly
On May 14, Jackson residents gathered at Mt. Helm MB Church for a community meeting to share their input for the City's application for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Community Change Grant (Track II). The City of Jackson, the Jackson People's Assembly, One Voice, and the Thomas Consulting Group hosted the event.
Group discussion led by JAN President Andy Frame
The Environmental and Climate Justice Community Change Grant program offers an unprecedented opportunity to transform disadvantaged communities across the United States into healthy, climate resilient, and thriving communities for their current and future residents. The grants will fund community-driven projects that address climate challenges and reduce pollution while strengthening communities through thoughtful implementation. The historic levels of support provided by these grants will enable communities like Jackson and their partners to overcome longstanding environmental challenges and implement meaningful solutions to meet community needs now and for generations to come. Based on EPA criteria, the city of Jackson qualifies as a disadvantaged community and has been notified of its eligibility to apply for this funding opportunity. Track II of the EPA's Community Change Grant, known as "Meaningful Engagement for Equitable Governance," provides $40 million in total funding, with awards ranging from $1 million to $3 million. This track aims to enhance community participation in governmental processes related to environmental and climate justice.
During the meeting, residents participated in a visioning exercise that addressed the highest priority issues related to environmental and climate justice in the Jackson community. Groups determined their highest prioritiy climate change and environmental justice issue from the list below.
Environmetal and Climate Justice Issues
Climate Change
Frequent and intense heat waves
Increased heavy rainfall events and bad flooding
Severe drought periods
More tropical storms
Hazards of tornadoes, winter freezes, and wildfires
Environmental Justice
Food insecurity
Urban heat islands
Disaster-prone housing
Drinking water contamination
Toxic air pollution
Sacrifice zones and fenceline communities
Frontline communities
Group determines its highest priorities for the Jackson community
Under climate change, frequent and intense heat waves and increased heavy rainfall events and bad flooding were identified as the top two priorities. For environmental justice, food insecurity and sacrifice zones and fenceline communities were identified as the top two priorities. Also, residents requested more information about the grant to further educate and engage and to be more involved in the decision-making process. Michelle Thomas of the Thomas Consulting Group indicated that there will be more community meetings scheduled to discuss the grant.
Felicia Tripp, JAN Ward 3 board member
The city of Jackson has until November 21, 2024, to submit a completed application package to the EPA. The city and its potential collaborating entities will continue to plan opportunities for residents to provide feedback and begin the grant-writing process.
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