Urban Sustainability Directors Network (USDN) | LinkedIn (original) (raw)

Non-profit Organizations

Pursuing transformative change in local government to build equitable, resilient, sustainable communities

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About us

USDN is a trusted peer-to-peer network of local government sustainability practitioners across the US and Canada who are committed to transformative change that builds equitable, resilient, sustainable communities. Over 250 cities and counties and 2,000 individuals are members of the network. USDN delivers programs, curates partnerships, and creates connections to strengthen sustainability practitioners’ capacity as changemakers and test, spread and scale innovative practices and solutions. USDN’s staff and members collaborate to lead and influence the field to achieve larger systems-level change. We work on adaptive leadership, racial equity, building energy, climate resilience, equity-centered community collaboration and engagement, renewable energy, climate action planning, low-carbon mobility, evolving the field, and more. We believe: A diverse, inclusive, and equity-centered climate movement is essential to achieving our ambitious goals for equitable, resilient, and sustainable communities. Local governments have a responsibility to partner and play an influential role within the movement toward equitable, resilient, and sustainable communities. By working together, local government sustainability practitioners and their partners can accurately diagnose the root causes of the multiple societal emergencies we are experiencing today and identify and catalyze opportunities to resolve them. The network is a unique organizing model that accelerates transformative change because it centers and connects practitioners to each other and their communities. If you want to become a member of USDN, please visit our webpage to join! https://www.usdn.org/join.html#/

Industry

Non-profit Organizations

Company size

11-50 employees

Headquarters

A town near you

Type

Nonprofit

Founded

2008

Specialties

Peer-to-Peer Networking, Resilience Hubs, Building Energy, Electrification, Racial Equity, Community Collaboration, Equitable Engagement, Local Government Sustainability, Renewable Energy, Policy and Programs, Adaptive Leadership, Climate Planning, Climate Adaptation, High Impact Practices, Climate Resilience, and Local Government

Locations

Employees at Urban Sustainability Directors Network (USDN)

Updates

9,597 followers
3d Edited
After the devastating fires swept through Lahaina, HI, in 2023, residents faced immense challenges accessing essential resources while rebuilding their lives. In response, the community came together, establishing resilience hubs to help sustain one another. Watch this video (https://shorturl.at/ESFIM) to see how the West Maui community is uniting to nourish, heal, and build a more resilient future. A heartfelt thank you to the incredible West Maui community members for sharing their stories, to Jensen Morgan for producing this powerful video, and to CO2 Foundation for generously supporting this project. Learn more about USDN's Resilience Hub framework and check out our Resilience Hub Video Series: https://shorturl.at/ThApl #resiliencehubs
USDN is a proud grantee and partner of the Bezos Earth Fund's Greening America’s Cities initiative, a $400 million initiative to help bring equitable and sustainable greening efforts to urban areas. USDN Vice President of Capacity Building, Amber G. Weaver, LEED Green Associate, and Special Projects Manager, Jennifer Mahar, recently joined other initiative partners in Albuquerque, NM, to celebrate the initiative’s impactful first year. They visited local project sites and witnessed firsthand how these green spaces are reshaping neighborhoods, providing health and social benefits, and enhancing environmental resilience. Green spaces are so much more than parks; they’re catalysts for stronger, healthier communities. Yet, true transformation only happens when we commit to equitable access. Through the Greening America’s Cities initiative, we’re not only building greener cities—we’re advancing equity and creating a sustainable future for all. 🌳 🌿 🌎 #greeningconvening24 #greeningamericascities
Dear USDN Community, Today, more than ever, our commitment to supporting people, place, and planet must shine brightly. While the recent election results have undoubtedly brought new challenges, they’ve also strengthened our resolve. Our mission—to create resilient, sustainable communities across North America—transcends any one political moment. We are here for the long haul, and no matter the obstacles, we are determined to advance our vision of a sustainable, equitable future. Throughout history, the power of local communities has been a formidable force for change, even in times of great political shifts. We have always risen to meet challenges head-on, drawing strength from each other and from the partnerships we’ve built across cities and towns. Our network stands united in a shared dedication to building healthy, inclusive, and thriving communities. While the path may feel uncertain, our purpose is crystal clear. Together, we will continue to lead, to innovate, and to inspire action in ways that resonate across our communities. This work isn’t just a response to today’s political climate—it’s a long-standing commitment that drives us every day, regardless of the circumstances. Let’s rally around our shared values, lean into our collective creativity, and remind ourselves that our work is far bigger than any one moment. We are stronger together, and together, we will meet this moment with passion, courage, and an unwavering commitment to the future we believe in. In solidarity, Deneine Powell CEO, USDN
🎉 USDN is excited to welcome Sarah Morehouse as our Senior Director of Administration and Advancement! As USDN’s Senior Director of Administration and Advancement, Sarah provides executive management, spearheads board of directors management, and works with human resources to help streamline processes and procedures. She comes to USDN with a strong foundation in operational management, training and development, project management, coaching, and counseling. Sarah also has extensive experience enhancing individual well-being and organizational effectiveness, and she holds a Master’s degree in Counseling: Interpersonal Dialogue from the University of Edinburgh. She currently lives in Orlando, FL.
Urban Sustainability Directors Network (USDN) reposted this

Nonprofit Executive | Climate Solutions & Policy Advocate | JEDI Master | Connector
2w
Last week, I had the privilege of kicking off our USDN 2024 Annual Meeting in Minneapolis. It was inspiring to see our members, partners, and teammates come together, bringing their expertise and experiences to the table. Over the course of the week, we shared ideas, built connections, and worked collectively toward our mission of creating more equitable, resilient, and sustainable communities. I’m grateful for the energy and commitment everyone brought, and I look forward to the incredible work we’ll accomplish together in the coming year!
USDN is proud of our very own, Summer Sandoval, Environmental Justice Federal Funding Lead, for her leadership and participation at the Building Energy Exchange fifth annual WISE (Women in Sustainability & Energy) Networking Lunch on Nov. 20 in NYC. This wonderful event connects industry experts and emerging industry professionals for a full day of networking, learning, and fun!

7,424 followers
1w Edited
November has begun, which means that BE-Ex's fifth WISE Networking Lunch is almost here! ✨🙌✨ At this fan-favorite event in our Women in Sustainability & Energy (WISE) series, sit down for a networking lunch with seasoned energy & sustainability industry experts and engage in informal networking with peers over coffee and dessert. ❣️ Tickets sell out fast, and there are only a few spots left — don't miss out on this unique networking opportunity and RSVP at the link below! Introducing our 2024 lineup of #WISEWomen table leaders: - Megan Blank, Director, Implementation,New York Power Authority- Francesca Camillo, Manager, Energy Innovation, Vornado Realty Trust- Gizem Karagoz, Senior Project Manager, Green Economy, New York City Economic Development Corporation- Jamie Kleinberg, Energy Manager, NYC School Construction Authority (SCA)- Tess McNamara, Senior Sustainability Consultant, Arup- Summer Sandoval, Environmental Justice Federal Funding Lead, Urban Sustainability Directors Network (USDN)- Sunitha S. Director, Sustainability Programs, New York State Homes & Community Renewal- Rebecca Schmidt, RA, LEED AP, Manager, NY Regional Sustainability, Turner Construction Company- Shino Tanikawa, Executive Director, NYC Soil & Water Conservation District 💚✨ RSVP (Nov. 20, 12 - 2pm EST): https://lnkd.in/ezzpDb7XThe Women in Sustainability and Energy (WISE) series, founded in 2015, is an inclusive platform for all people to learn from experienced leaders, to share knowledge, and to advance equity in the workplace Learn more about WISE: https://lnkd.in/dheDD9E
Last week, we closed out our 2024 USDN Annual Meeting in Minneapolis, and we couldn’t be more thankful, and excited for what is ahead!🎉 We are so grateful for the incredible hospitality and warmth shown by our colleagues from the beautiful city of Minneapolis and Jacob Frey. We had the best week in the happiest city in the US!☀️ Nearly 500 USDN members and partners gathered together for three days of learning, relationship building, and collaboration. A variety of sessions, most of which were member-led, focused on climate and sustainability topics and offered participants the opportunity to interact with colleagues from across the US and Canada. Equitable sustainability in action was highlighted through 14 different immersive experiences that showcased leading climate action efforts taking place in Minneapolis. Our CEO, Deneine C. Powell, MS, wrapped up what was her first USDN Annual Meeting by inspiring us to continue this great work that will positively impact our world for generations to come. We are looking forward to delivering an exciting round of regional meetings in 2025 that will be just as transformative, interactive, and exciting, and we hope you plan to join us!👏
Closing out her first 2024 USDN Annual Meeting, CEO Deneine C. Powell, MS thanked members and partners from across the US and Canada who made the trip to Minneapolis to exchange knowledge with fellow practitioners and build relationships to deepen their vital work. Several immersive tours were featured during the week's program to highlight the impactful work of host-city USDN members focused on equitable sustainability. Members on the tour stop to Sabathani Community Center were treated to a visit to Project Sweetie Pie, a Minneapolis non-profit leading the way in the "Green Movement."
9,597 followers
4w Edited
Thanks to the generous support from the Bloomberg American Sustainable Cities Initiative, USDN hosted its first People of Color Support Initiative (POCSI) Gathering earlier today as part of it's 2024 Annual Meeting in Minneapolis 🎉 Led by USDN's Equity Practice Manager, Celía R. Burke, the full-day event served as focused time for current POCSI members and people of color from Bloomberg American Sustainable Cities (BASC) to network, learn, and collaborate in a healing space with those who share their experiences as local government sustainability practitioners. More than 500 members are registered for this year’s USDN Annual meeting, during which participants will connect with peers this week to share experiences, and learn from experts in a variety of sessions, most of which are member-led. Additionally, several immersive tours will showcase impressive sustainability efforts underway across Minneapolis.

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Urban Sustainability Directors Network (USDN) | LinkedIn (original) (raw)

Non-profit Organizations

Pursuing transformative change in local government to build equitable, resilient, sustainable communities

About us

Locations

Employees at Urban Sustainability Directors Network (USDN)

Updates

Join now to see what you are missing

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