Accountability & Systems Change
Art by Nitya Bellani @itsajpeg nityabellani.com
The Northwest Environmental Justice Center Releases its Year 1 Accountability Memo: Challenges and Recommendations of Federal Environmental Justice Funding
Federal and state governments may create funding opportunities for environmental justice (EJ), but being responsive, informed, and prepared to support EJ communities is another challenge to address thoughtfully. Our annual memos highlight some of the systemic barriers that these communities face when applying for funding. Our goal is to bring together communities, our center, and government agencies to engage in dialogue and drive systemic change. We are dedicated to strengthening the processes that dismantle environmental injustice and reinforce federal commitments to EJ communities. This memo reflects our experience in establishing the Northwest Environmental Justice Center and includes feedback from partner organizations, including regional Tribes and Community-Based Organizations, on navigating federal award applications and securing funding.
We are eager to work with federal agency partners, fellow TCTACs, and congressional partners to identify the next steps in reducing the barriers to federal funding so that the communities most impacted by environmental harm can access historic funds and continue to lead impactful projects in their communities.