The Syracuse University Environmental Finance Center (SU-EFC) facilitates the development of sustainable and resilient communities throughout US EPA Region 2 (New Jersey, New York, Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands, and eight tribal nations), across the US, and internationally.
Located at the Syracuse University Institute for Sustainability Engagement, SU-EFC enhances the administrative and financial capacities of state and local government officials, nonprofit organizations, and private sectors to make changes toward improved environmental infrastructure and quality of life.
SU-EFC works with elected representatives and technical assistance providers to determine the level of community knowledge of, and support for, environmental improvement projects, including water and wastewater systems, drinking water protection, sustainable materials management, land use planning, agricultural infrastructure, and energy efficiency.
SU-EFC bridges the gap between elected officials and the public by presenting factual information from a neutral position. Outreach methods include public meetings, roundtable discussions, technical assistance and training, and conferences and summits. We have found that environmental improvement projects succeed more often when the public is engaged in decision-making processes.