Mayor Supports Youth-Driven Climate Action

Mayor Keller announced today that the City of Albuquerque will join the Bloomberg Philanthropies Youth Climate Action Fund to engage young residents ages 15-24 in addressing local climate challenges.

“We want to help the next generation be part of the solution and learn alongside those already leading on climate action,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “By working together, we can build a better future for everyone.”

As part of this program the City will invite young people to submit ideas, then select the strongest proposals and supply them with funding and technical assistance from Bloomberg Philanthropies. City staff will support implementation from start to finish, helping young residents see their plans through to completion. The City will celebrate all youth-led climate projects on Earth Day 2027. 

"Investing in young people is one of the best ways to make lasting impact,” said Chief of Staff for Policy Arya Lamb. “This opportunity helps the City address real climate issues while helping nurture the next generation of civic and environmental leaders."

At a time when trust in government and youth engagement are low, this program points to a new approach. Participant data showed that trust in local government rose from 61% to 83%, while confidence in their own ability to address environmental challenges increased from 65% to 90%. Nearly three in four youth said their city hall values their input on climate policy – one of the issues they care most about.

“The Sustainability Office is excited to lead this program as part of our ongoing commitment to the 2021 Climate Action Plan and the 2026 Central New Mexico Comprehensive Climate Action Plan,” said Sustainability Officer Ann Simon. “By empowering young leaders to take meaningful action today, we are helping reduce greenhouse gas emissions across key areas like waste, transportation, and our natural environment while ensuring a more sustainable future.”

As part of the Youth Climate Action Fund, Mayor Tim Keller has launched an open call for new and ambitious climate efforts led by young people.

Young residents ages 15-24 years are encouraged to visit www.cabq.gov/sustainability/YCAF to learn more about the Youth Climate Action Fund supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies and how to submit ideas for the opportunity to receive funding.

To date, more than 300,000 young people across five continents have taken part in the Bloomberg Philanthropies Youth Climate Action Fund, working with their cities to create over 1,600 green spaces, plant over 1.8 million plants and 235,000 trees, develop nearly 5,000 gardens, launch 268 composting stations, and collect more than 405,000 pounds of trash and recyclables – visibly improving their communities and quality of life worldwide.

“The Youth Climate Action Fund is helping city halls around the world connect with hundreds of thousands of young people to take action on climate challenges,” said Patricia E. Harris, CEO of Bloomberg Philanthropies. “It’s showing how local government can be a partner on issues young people care deeply about – and building trust along the way. We look forward to expanding on these efforts and inspiring a new generation of civic leaders.”

As part of Bloomberg Philanthropies’ longstanding work to strengthen communities through its Government Innovation program, the fund also provides municipalities and their mayors with a model that extends beyond climate, galvanizing partnerships to solve pressing problems for the people they serve.

About Bloomberg Philanthropies:
Bloomberg Philanthropies invests in 700 cities and 150 countries worldwide to ensure better, longer lives for the greatest number of people. The organization focuses on creating lasting change in five key areas: the arts, education, environment, government innovation, and public health. Bloomberg Philanthropies encompasses all of Michael R. Bloomberg’s giving, including his foundation, corporate, and personal philanthropy as well as Bloomberg Associates, a philanthropic consultancy that advises cities around the world. In 2025, Bloomberg Philanthropies distributed $4.3 billion. For more information, please visit bloomberg.org, sign up for our newsletter, or follow on Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, Threads, Facebook, and X.

Bloomberg Media Contact:
Sam Fuld, [email protected]