216— Using Rochester’s Family Public Housing in the “Crescent of Poverty” as a Catalyst for a Solar Initiative

Both the climate crisis and poverty rates in US cities have increased rapidly, with few solutions. This research examines the relative solar potential in public housing developments in Rochester, NY, specifically in the area of concentrated poverty called the “Crescent of Poverty.” Also examined are societal benefits that an inclusive solar/sustainability movement provides for Rochester. Rochester is a mid-sized, diversely populated city with an overall poverty rate \u3e30% and a childhood poverty rate \u3e50% (Murphy, 2018). These alarming rates have contributed to the creation of the “Crescent of Poverty”, where the majority of family public housing developments are located. Solar potential is analyzed with ArcGIS Pro, and is then overlaid with family public housing developments to show those that exhibit the highest potential for solar energy. Qualitative data required to understand societal benefits were obtained through literature and interviews with community development officials. Results suggest that many of the areas where solar potential is at its peak are also sites of family public housing. Qualitative results reveal that through implementation of inclusive programs that involve “sweat equity”, populations normally unable to afford solar panels, may actively participate in and benefit from the solar initiative, while also increasing Rochester’s sustainability