Education

GOAL: Educate the community on the issues and practices of environmental and economic stewardship and social equity.

FOCUS AREAS:

• Sustainability Training
• Internal Sustainability Network
• Community Awareness
• Local School, College and University Collaboration

Community Outreach and Education

The City uses various strategies to inform residents about its many sustainability efforts and successes. In 2024, this outreach included:

• 171 sustainability-related social media posts, collectively earning more than 8,072 engagements, including videos that also aired on WCOT-13
• 12 total sustainability-related videos published in 2024 that garnered, collectively, more than 4,500 views on the City YouTube channel
• 50K+ copies of the Insight newsletter produced monthly, with extended reach via the online version, which helps inform City Utility customers about sustainability programs and tips
• 30+ news articles published that highlight City sustainability programs and achievements
• 50K+ copies of the 2025 Customer Service Guide sent to customers providing helpful information about recycling and waste management services

Environmental Awareness

To support the City’s mission to be the national leader in the delivery of public service by providing exceptional environmental regulatory services, the City's Environmental Services Department provides training, education and environmental compliance inspections. The department provided information to citizens, businesses and employees about how to recognize and address issues to ensure environmental protection is a priority. In 2024, the department provided these services to:

• 212 Industrial users
• 858 Restaurants and kitchens
• 11 City facilities
• 771 City employees 
• 136 Demolition permittees or contractors
• 227 Residents or businesses

Electric Vehicle Training

To meet the City’s Clean Energy goal of transitioning its light-duty fleet to electric or hybrid vehicles by 2035, staff must be knowledgeable about the equipment they use.

In 2024, the City developed and held electric vehicle (EV) training to educate City staff on using EVs in daily operations, coupled with EV test drive events to ensure staff are comfortable operating these vehicles.

In addition, Fleet staff attended six public outreach events, interacting with residents from throughout Tallahassee and answering questions concerning electric vehicles, public electric buses and chargers.

Public Transit Outreach

To increase access and utilization of public transportation options, StarMetro provides outreach and educational opportunities year-round. In 2024, efforts included:

• 500+ students participated in transit trainings, field trips and classroom presentations through StarMetro’s STAR program
• $10,000 grant awarded to StarMetro’s Ride Ready Travel Program through AARP’s Community Challenge Grant. Between July and December 2024, the program provided training to nearly 1,150 people using innovative technology and local partnerships. The program acclimates senior citizens and other transportation-dependent individuals to public transit, increasing access and independent mobility.

Together, the City is building a generation of Tallahassee residents who “Think Transit!”