September 14, 2026

Southwest Ohio: Building Momentum for Equitable Climate Action

Southwest Ohio is entering an exciting new phase of climate leadership as we expand our regional capacity and deepen our commitment to community-driven advocacy. Communities across Cincinnati, Dayton, and the surrounding region are accelerating climate action, and this growing momentum makes it the perfect time for us to increase our regional staff capacity. This moment offers an opportunity to celebrate progress, welcome new team members, and look ahead to the work that will shape the region’s environmental future. 

Cincinnati’s climate work continues to advance through the Green Cincinnati Plan. City officials recently shared that Cincinnati has achieved a 39.6 percent reduction in carbon emissions since 2006, keeping the city on track to meet its goal of a 50 percent reduction by 2030 and full carbon neutrality by 2050. Work will begin next year on the 2028 update. This year also marked Cincinnati’s first ever Climate Week, where organizers across the region hosted 67 events with more than 1,000 attendees, demonstrating strong and growing public engagement. 

This progress is also reflected in the City of Cincinnati’s Environmental Advisory Board. Last year, the board submitted recommendations on climate resiliency budget considerations, stormwater management, energy aggregation, and the codification of environmental justice in city decision-making. These efforts demonstrate how local leadership is advancing equity-centered climate policy across the region. 

With this surge in regional climate action, Jesse Velazquez is stepping in as our new Southwest Ohio Regional Director. Over the past two years, Jesse has been a driving force behind our climate justice work, advancing solutions that center equity and strengthening relationships throughout the region. His deep roots in Southwest Ohio and his commitment to authentic partnership make him an ideal leader for this next chapter. 

We are also excited to add staff capacity in Dayton with Jasmine Walker as OEC’s new Drinking Water Manager. Jasmine brings extensive experience in water policy and advocacy and has already hit the ground running to advance critical work on lead service line replacement and water affordability. Jesse and Jasmine have both participated in the City of Dayton’s stakeholder engagement process for its ten-year climate action plan, contributing regional expertise and helping ensure community priorities are reflected in the plan’s development. 

With Jesse’s leadership, Jasmine’s expertise, and the continued collaboration of partners across Cincinnati, Dayton, and the surrounding communities, OEC is poised to accelerate climate action in Southwest Ohio. Together, we are building a more just, resilient, and sustainable region