Rilling Taps Longtime Environmental Advocate for Sustainability Role

NORWALK, Conn. — Veteran environmental advocate Jodi Trendler has joined Mayor Harry Rilling’s staff as the city’s first Director of Sustainability and Resilience.

According to a statement from Rilling’s office, Trendler has 20 years of experience in sustainability in the municipal and non-profit sectors.

“I am excited to join the City of Norwalk as the new Director of Sustainability and Resilience and honored to work alongside Mayor Rilling to achieve his goal of making Norwalk the greenest city in Connecticut,” Trendler said. 

Rilling cited Trendler’s “wealth of expertise in climate action planning, zero waste strategies, and fostering resilient communities.” In addition, he said her experience “highlights her commitment to innovative, actionable solutions for environmental challenges, and her academic achievements and numerous affiliations and certifications underscore her knowledge and passion for building a sustainable future.”

In her new position, funded by the American Rescue Plan Act, Trendler will lead the implementation of the city’s Sustainability and Resilience Plan and “advise and assist the Mayor, City departments, and the Common Council on sustainability best practices and policy development,” according to the statement.

Other responsibilities will include overseeing the integration of sustainable practices into City operations, creating action plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve resource efficiency, and helping secure grants and funding for sustainability projects, according to the statement.

“Jodi’s leadership will be critical in … advancing Norwalk’s environmental initiatives so we can achieve our goal of becoming the greenest City in Connecticut,” Rilling said. “I look forward to seeing the incredible work she will carry out with our city and community partners, who are working together towards a more sustainable city.”

Trendler comes to Norwalk from Chicago, where she worked as a sustainability consultant for the Metropolitan Mayor Caucus Environmental Committee. She previously chaired the Naperville Environment and Sustainability Task Force in Naperville, Ill. According to the statement, she cofounded The Resiliency Institute, an organization that focuses on building resilient communities through education and action for sustainable systems designed for communities, natural resources, and daily living.

She said that by adopting the Sustainability and Resilience Plan, Norwalk has “a strong foundation to develop an implementation strategy that will drive real impact for the entire community. Engaging the community will continue to be at the heart of this work, ensuring that all residents have a voice in shaping a more sustainable, resilient future.”

The plan outlines a future for Norwalk as a green city through smart development, waste reduction, and innovation. The plan cites Norwalk’s prime Long Island Sound location and outlines its potential vulnerability to climate-related hazards such as increased potential for flooding and urban “heat island” effects.

The plan’s goals include greenhouse gas reduction, environmental justice, and equity, advancing transit-oriented development, and encouraging community engagement about climate resilience and initiatives.