Recent Publications
GEM Reports
Publications for GEM Members
Process Guide for City-Community Collaboration
April 2021
Collaboration between local government and communities impacted by inequities are key to transformative climate and equity outcomes. Cities that invest in community partnerships and participatory planning have a greater capacity for practical climate solutions than cities where partnerships do not exist. To prepare for and address the impacts of the climate crisis, city staff and leaders from frontline communities must build strong working relationships.
American Cities Climate Challenge
Energy Burden Reports
Albuquerque, NM
February 2021
In 2013, Albuquerque’s median energy burden of 4.1% was above the national average, exceeding the national average, and below the New Mexico median of 4.9%. Energy burden in Albuquerque decreased by 0.6% by 2019, falling below the national average. This improvement was driven primarily by an increase in incomes, although average energy costs also decreased.
Boston, MA
February 2021
Boston is currently the 9th most energy burdened city out of the Climate Challenge cities. Across the city, Boston's average energy burden is 4.3% as of 2019, 1.19 times the national average. When energy burden is mapped across the city by neighborhood, the data shows that energy burden disproportionately impacts residents in the inner portions of the city.
Atlanta, GA
February 2021
Atlanta is currently the 7th most energy burdened city out of the Climate Challenge cities. As of 2019, Atlanta’s average energy burden is 4.5%, 1.25 times the national average. When energy burden is mapped across the city by neighborhood, the data show that energy burden disproportionately impacts residents in the southern portions of the city.
Charlotte, NC
February 2021
Charlotte is currently the 12th most energy burdened city out of the Climate Challenge cities. Across the city, Charlotte's average energy burden is 3.9% as of 2019, 1.08 times the national average. When energy burden is mapped across the city by neighborhood, the data shows that energy burden disproportionately impacts residents in the northern inner portions of the city.
Chicago, IL
February 2021
Chicago is currently the 11th most energy burdened city out of the Climate Challenge cities. Across the city, Chicago's average energy burden is 4.1% as of 2019, 1.14 times the national average. When energy burden is mapped across the city by neighborhood, the data shows that energy burden disproportionately impacts residents in the southeastern portions of the city.
