In the development of our latest city budget — and honestly, in every budget — someone inevitably asks whether it’s worth it to fund sustainability initiatives, especially when we have so many priorities like public safety. It’s a fair question. Public safety is and will always be one of our highest priorities, and our budget reflects that. In fact, we spend more on our police and fire departments than any other department in the general fund.
Sustainability funding is a much smaller slice of the pie by comparison. But here’s the thing — it’s not an “either public safety or sustainability” choice. It’s a “yes, and” conversation.
When we invest in sustainability, we’re also investing in public safety, economic stability, and the long-term health of our community. The truth is these priorities are deeply connected. For example, upgrading stormwater systems to handle heavier rains prevents flooding that can damage roads, homes, and businesses — and reduces the number of emergency calls during severe weather. Improving energy efficiency in city buildings saves taxpayer money and ensures that critical facilities, like our fire stations, can keep running during heat waves or winter storms without excessive energy costs.
Our Climate Action and Adaptation Plan is Columbia’s roadmap for becoming more resilient and reducing the pollution that drives climate change. These projects may not be the largest line items in the budget, but their impact is felt across the city. National research shows that every dollar invested in preparedness can save communities an average of thirteen dollars in recovery costs. That means fewer repairs after disasters, fewer lost workdays, and less strain on our emergency services.
Closer to home, energy-efficiency projects in our municipal buildings have already cut operating costs, and initiatives like tree planting and green infrastructure have reduced heat in neighborhoods and helped manage stormwater. These improvements lower utility bills for residents and make neighborhoods safer during extreme weather. They also reduce the wear and tear on city infrastructure, which keeps long-term maintenance costs down.
Here’s something I find especially powerful that I learned from my peers at the U.S. Conference of Mayors meeting in June. Other cities have found that planting more trees doesn’t just beautify neighborhoods — it makes them safer. A study in Baltimore found that a 10 percent increase in tree canopy was associated with a roughly 12 percent decrease in violent and property crime — even after accounting for income, density, and other factors. That positive effect was even stronger when trees were on public land. I heard similar statistics from Cleveland, New Haven. Boise, and more.
We don’t have to choose between short-term needs and long-term planning. By using federal funding opportunities — like those from the Inflation Reduction Act and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act — we’ve been able to expand electric vehicle charging, upgrade critical facilities, and pilot renewable energy projects without increasing the burden on local taxpayers. These programs let us say “yes” to both immediate priorities like public safety staffing and forward-looking investments in sustainability.
When we invest in sustainability, we’re not just planting trees or putting solar panels on rooftops — we’re building a safer, more resilient Columbia. The steps we take now protect our residents during emergencies, reduce costs for both the city and households, and help our community bounce back faster from challenges.
It’s never really a question of “either/or.” It’s about making smart decisions that protect our community now and into the future. Public safety and sustainability work hand in hand, and both are worth every dollar we put toward them.
