Cities milestones from around the world

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Pittsburgh launches ‘guaranteed income’ program with Jack Dorsey donation

By Peter Schulte / August 5, 2020 / Good news links

Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto announced that his city is now joining 15 other American cities in a program receiving funding from Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey, in which eligible residents will receive $500 in monthly “guaranteed income.”

The money used to start the program will come from funds Dorsey gave that is allowing Pittsburgh and 15 other cities to help those who are struggling during the economic crisis brought about by the coronavirus pandemic.

City of Sydney now runs on 100% renewable energy

By Peter Schulte / July 2, 2020 / Good news links

Central Sydney, Australia is now entirely powered by renewable energy. By using locally sourced clean energy from wind and solar farms, the region will now see CO2 emissions reduced by around 20,000 tonnes each year. The move will save an estimated A$500,000 per year over the next decade.

Municipal elections in France yield a string of victories for environmentalists

By Peter Schulte / July 2, 2020 / Good news links

The unprecedented showing for Europe Écologie Les Verts, a once minor political party, means Green mayors will take charge in Marseille, Lyon, Bordeaux and Strasbourg. The party also came out on top in mid-sized cities such as Tours, Besancon, Annecy and Poitiers, while retaining control of Grenoble.

Santiago, Chile to purchase more than 700 electric buses in 2020

By Peter Schulte / July 1, 2020 / Good news links

Chile just order 150 electric buses from BYD to transport people around its capital city of Santiago. Santiago intends to have its public transportation system fully electric by 2040.

Los Angeles, Atlanta among cities joining coalition to test universal basic income

By Peter Schulte / June 29, 2020 / Good news links

The mayors of Los Angeles, Oakland, Atlanta, Georgia, Tacoma, Newark, Saint Paul, Jackson, Compton, Shreveport, and Stockton have joined Mayors For A Guaranteed Income, a coalition advocating for UBI policies, or the idea of giving out recurring cash payments to all individuals without any strings attached.

South Korean local governments declare climate emergency

98% of South Korean local governments have declared a climate emergency

By Peter Schulte / June 25, 2020 / Good news links

226 local government leaders across South Korea have declared a climate emergency. Their declaration emphasizes the roles and responsibilities local governments have in tackling climate change, noting that local governments are the ones who often make the first move in response to climate change impacts.