A Chicago nonprofit is working with $10 million in federal funds to transform a disadvantaged neighborhood, but concerns remain over the Justice40 initiative’s impact.
Adam Mahoney reports for Capital B.
In short:
- Blacks in Green is using federal funds to develop a "sustainable square mile" in a historically Black Chicago neighborhood.
- The Biden administration's Justice40 initiative aims to ensure disadvantaged communities benefit from climate investments but struggles with tracking and implementation.
- Despite federal support, many environmental justice groups face bureaucratic obstacles and are concerned about long-term reliance on government grants.
Key quote:
“This work is about helping our community to understand itself again as its own emergency management system.”
— Naomi Davis, founder of Blacks in Green
Why this matters:
Justice40 promises to direct climate funding to communities most in need, but critics argue the lack of clear metrics and long-term support limits its potential. Without sustained investment, the initiative may fail to address the deep-rooted environmental inequities it targets.
