Committee advances $100,000 Rockefeller grant to create youth climate action fund

A City committee voted to send Bill 22 to the regular Allentown City Council meeting after a motion to advance the measure passed on a voice vote. The measure, as read in committee, would amend the 2025 general fund budget to appropriate $100,000 from Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors to create a youth climate action fund.

Sustainability coordinator Ms. Delina told the committee the award represents a second round of funding after a smaller initial grant. "Because the sustainability coordinator was successful in awarding the grants and the projects were successful as well, we're able to receive an additional hundred thousand dollars to do the same type of projects for this year," she said. Applications are posted on the city website and have a short turnaround, Delina added.

Committee members discussed the nature of eligible projects and the age range of applicants. Delina said projects must be youth-led and noted the program targets older youth, approximately ages 18 to 23. She said applicants must include a mentor over age 18 so projects remain youth-led rather than adult-led. Examples from last year include a youth-designed mural at Fountain Park (the mural design has been completed but the installation had not yet occurred at the time of this meeting), a reflective surface installed in a parking lot near MLK for a basketball area, a short promotional video, and riparian-area plantings.

A committee member moved to advance the bill "favorably," and Ms. Apfa seconded. The committee chair asked, "All in favor?" and recorded voice votes of "Aye," after which the item was sent forward to the regular council meeting.

The bill text as described in committee specifies the Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors contribution as the funding source. The measure does not specify ordinance or resolution numbers in committee testimony. No final council vote on the appropriation occurred at this meeting; the committee action was to forward the bill to the full council for consideration.

Applications and additional project details are available on the city website, according to committee remarks. Delina said past awards supported relatively small, youth-designed projects taken from concept to completion, and that returning projects could apply for further phases provided the new submission is distinct from the prior project.

The committee recorded no public opposition during the discussion in committee. The item will reappear on the regular City Council agenda for a final vote.