Executive Summary: September 23rd AEG NYC Health, Energy & Prosperity Action Challenge + Interactive Community Energy Mural
Overview
Held on September 23rd, 2025 at Fordham University in The Bronx during Climate Week NYC, fifty public and private industry leaders convened for the AEG NYC Health, Energy & Prosperity Action Challenge. The purpose of this challenge was to: 1.) Align on a critical obstacle regarding health, energy, and prosperity affecting NYC and The Bronx; 2.) Empower leaders to deliver the solution and present the outcome at Climate Week NYC 2026.
Surey Miranda, Assistant Vice President of Community Affairs, Fordham University, provided opening remarks to frame the discussion surrounding health, energy and prosperity for NYC and The Bronx.
Opening remarks were followed by the Speaker Challenge, where each speaker provided a presentation that concluded with this completed statement: “To achieve NYC’s Health, Energy, and Prosperity goals, starting with the Bronx, a critical obstacle to collectively address in 12 months is __________.”
5 Key Themes
1. Break Down Silos Between Health, Energy, and Equity
Coordinating billions in separate health and energy investments is essential to reduce duplication and maximize impact. By aligning policies, integrating funding streams, and building community trust, NYC can address asthma, energy burden, and inequities simultaneously.
“To achieve NYC's Health, Energy, and Prosperity goals, starting with the Bronx, the critical obstacle to address in the next 12 months is breaking silos between health and energy.” — Paul Douglas, The JPI Group
2. Provide Affordable, Accessible Cooling for Vulnerable Communities
Extreme heat already causes over 500 premature deaths annually in NYC, disproportionately affecting low-income, Black, and disabled residents. Ensuring access to air conditioning and neighborhood cooling resources must be a top priority.
“A critical action to collectively take in the 12 months is to focus political will, private industry, utilities and resources on providing affordable, accessible cooling for the most vulnerable New Yorkers.” — Sarah Johnson, NYC Department of Health
3. Expand Equitable Access to Clean Energy and Workforce Opportunities
Underserved Bronx communities need targeted clean energy investments, affordability programs, and workforce pathways. Prioritizing local hiring and training strengthens both community stability and the green economy.
“Expand equitable energy assistance + access to clean energy & climate resilience resources in underserved communities—while advancing workforce development as a pathway to stable households and supporting growth of the Bronx green economy.” — Franchesca Diaz, Con Edison
4. Advance Community Resilience Through Food, Energy, and Climate Solutions
Local net-zero food and energy systems can simultaneously address food insecurity, utility dependence, and air quality. Building distributed clean energy and controlled environment agriculture strengthens resilience while improving prosperity in vulnerable neighborhoods.
“A critical obstacle to address in the next 12 months is building a net-zero greenhouse in the Bronx to advance food and energy security—delivering fresh produce, clean energy, and resilient jobs for the community.” — Michael Rohan, Northwell Health
5. Improve Air Quality and Public Health by Reducing Pollution Hotspots
The Bronx bears a disproportionate burden of asthma and respiratory illness tied to diesel traffic and inadequate housing. Targeted electrification of fleets, investments in clean air measures, and local engagement will directly improve health outcomes.
“Zerega Avenue in the Bronx has a high concentration of commercial vehicles, leading to pollution levels that result in residents experiencing asthma-related diseases at rates 16 times higher than the rest of New York City.” — Franchesca Diaz, Con Edison
Inspired by the statement provided by Sarah Johnson (NYC Department of Health), participants agreed to prioritize this selected obstacle statement: To focus political will, private industry, utilities and resources on providing affordable, accessible cooling for the most vulnerable New Yorkers.
12 leaders formed a volunteer Task Force to complete a 90-day sprint and 12-month objective to best address this critical obstacle.
Task Force Volunteers: Sarah Johnson, NYC Department of Health - Lead, Brandon Mohammed, ALIA - Co-Lead, Anya Eydman, Arya Power Solutions - Co-Lead, Franchesca Diaz, Con Edison, Beny Poy, Con Edison, Bo Chung, NYC Department of Health, Rene Luciano, NYC Department of Transportation, Julian Middleton, BRIX Funding, Isaiah Brown, E.B. Green Consulting, Michael Rohan, Northwell Health, Micah Prior, Priority Consulting & Services, Maxfield Parson-Scherban, The Carbon League
To join this group of volunteers, please contact us at info@goadvancedenergy.com.
12-Month Task Force Win
The 12-month deliverable of the 2024 AEG NYC Health, Energy & Equity Task Force was an interactive community energy mural led by artist Tijay Mohammed and co-designed with Bronx community leaders. This collaborative “paint-by-numbers” experience highlighted themes of equitable energy access, clean energy resources, and climate resilience, while giving participants a creative way to contribute to a shared vision for the Bronx’s sustainable future. The finished mural stands as both a symbol of collective action and a lasting reminder of the community’s role in shaping healthier, more prosperous neighborhoods.
To support this initiative, please consider making a donation here.
Local artist, Tijay Mohammed, and volunteers from The Point CDC painting The Bronx Community Energy Mural.
Conclusion
The AEG NYC Health, Energy and Prosperity Action Challenge convened city officials, utility leaders, healthcare advocates, community organizers, and clean energy innovators to confront the region’s pressing challenges at the intersection of health, equity, and climate. The challenge highlighted the need to expand equitable access to clean energy and workforce opportunities, provide affordable and accessible cooling for vulnerable households, and reduce pollution hotspots driving disproportionate asthma rates in the Bronx. Key themes included breaking down silos between health and energy investments, advancing food and energy resilience through net-zero community infrastructure, and prioritizing environmental justice in underserved neighborhoods. As volunteer task force members move forward with a 90-day sprint and 12-month roadmap, their efforts will be critical to delivering a healthier, more resilient, and more prosperous future for all New Yorkers.
Advanced Energy Group is a sponsor supported organization that facilitates quarterly challenges for high-impact stakeholders to deliver on health, energy and prosperity commitments for U.S. cities and vulnerable regions. To become an AEG Sponsor, learn more here: https://aeg.team/engage
