Page 8 THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, October 31, 2025 Malden’s Climate Action Plan: One Year Later Special to The Advocate L ast fall, in an effort to make Malden more resilient to climate change, the City of Malden published its first ever Climate Action Plan (CAP). The CAP provides a strategic roadmap for reducing Malden’s greenhouse gas emissions while building the City’s ability to prepare for climate change impacts. One year later, Mayor Gary Christenson is proud to report that the plan’s implementation is fully underway. With the help of Councillor-at-Large Carey McDonald, Mayor Christenson established a Commission on Climate Action & Sustainability to drive CAP execution. The mission of the commission is to create and maintain a safe, healthy, sustainable and equitable community by addressing the threat posed by the changing climate to the Malden community. Comprised of seven members appointed by the Mayor and approved by the City Council, the Commission met for the first time in May. Councillor McDonald said, “I’m thrilled we’ve built so much momentum in Malden for clean energy and climate action. This comprehensive plan shows how we can help protect our residents from rising temperatures and worsening storms, promote clean energy, and do our part to protect the planet.” The group’s top priorities for Year 1 include expanding clean energy adoption in the City, mitigating flood risks and fostering community engagement and education around climate change. The group expects to publish their first annual report in June of 2026. As the Commission gained momentum this year, City staff worked on various climate-forward projects aligned with the CAP. Here are just a few examples of these projects: • Public Facilities installed heat pumps in their Oliver Street facility, a project that contributed to the City’s overall energy reduction (Malden’s energy use has been reduced by 30% since the City began decarbonizing in 2016). • In 2024, via the Mass Save program, Malden residents were able to secure 852 home energy assessments; 278 Malden homes were weatherized; and 131 heat pumps were installed. • In the first year of the Malden Community Electricity program, participants purchased close to 10 million kilowatt-hours of voluntary renewable energy, mitigating over five million pounds of carbon dioxide. • The Office of Strategic Planning & Community Development (OSPCD) added three new Bluebike stations around Malden and started a comprehensive planning process for the Northern Strand Community Trail. • The City installed seven new shaded bus shelters in areas prone to dangerous heat levels (“urban heat islands”) on Lynn, Main, Salem and Florence Streets. • In partnership with Creative Malden and the Coffee Shop Artists, OSPCD hosted a monthlong climate action–themed art exhibit called “Our Warming Planet: Visions of a Sustainable Future.” • Via the Wicked Cool Mystic project, OSPCD has planned and is implementing shade structures and water bottle fillers at known hot spots around town. • Malden’s Tree Warden established the Forestdale Arboretum, planted Malden’s first pocket forest on Goodwin Avenue, piloted permeable pavement in Forestdale Cemetery and planted over 600 new trees. • The Malden River Works project to build a new climate resilient park on the Malden River started construction in May. • Malden held a successful weekly farmers market during the summer, even featuring an Electric Vehicle Showcase at the final market. Reflecting on all of the progress made to date, Mayor Christenson noted, “I’m inspired by all of the Malden residents who have enthusiastically participated in this work, whether it be through the CAP steering committee, the new climate commission, or simply engagement in public meetings. Together we’re working to create a better future for all Maldonians.” To learn more about Malden’s CAP and other green initiatives, visit cityofmalden.org/GreenMalden. Neighborhood View Relaunches Citizen Journalism Program in Malden Community news initiative invites residents to get involved A fter a brief hiatus, Neighborhood View—Malden’s citizen journalism project—will be relaunching this November with renewed energy and opportunities for community participation. The program invites local residents to become contributors, telling news stories that matter to Malden. A program of Urban Media Arts (UMA) since 2014, Neighborhood View was created to empower local citizens to report on local news stories and, in doing so, create a more engaged citizenry. The initiative is being relaunched under the coordination of former UMA staff member Anne D’Urso-Rose, who is now serving as an outside contractor to UMA and volunteering her time initially. She and UMA will be exploring ways to sustain the program into the future. “Neighborhood View has always been about amplifying local voices and uncovering the stories that connect us,” says D’Urso-Rose. “We’re excited to re-engage Malden residents who care about their community and want to learn how to tell its stories.” Neighborhood View is a member of the Institute for Nonprofit News, a national organization that supports nonprofit local news initiatives across the country. Recognizing the gradual disappearance of trusted local news sources, the INN provides resources, networking and opportunities to vetted organizations delivering quality local news. “We welcome anyone who enJOURNALISM | SEE PAGE 19
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