Climate Justice Mural with Fresh Paint Springfield Unveiled

July 18, 2023

Mural in the North End of Springfield

by World Renowned Artist Betsy Casañas

On July 12th, the Climate Change & Health Equity (CCHE) Coalition hosted a ribbon-cutting event at 470 Chestnut Street in celebration of the unveiling of our Climate Justice Mural with Fresh Paint Springfield and Common Wealth Murals. The mural brings together arts, culture, and activism. This work was done in partnership with community residents, resident advisors, and climate justice activists. The mural was painted by world-renowned artist Betsy Z. Casañas who engaged the community. Her work has been well received in the city, neighboring communities like Holyoke, and worldwide.

The painting depicts Brendaliz Cepeda, a Bomba y Plena dancer with Bomba de Aqui, and plants native to Puerto Rico which purify the air. Once named the asthma capital of the United States, Springfield now comes in 12th in part because of community efforts to address respiratory health needs and indoor air quality including the Healthy Homes Initiative. The powerful stance of the Bomba dancer represents the importance of taking action NOW on environmental justice issues.

"This mural is a representation of community, partnerships, and trust. The coalition's commitment to work with diverse community partners, such as activists, arts culture, and the economic sector, is the only way we can significantly impact city government and the community," said Live Well Springfield Director Samantha Hamilton.

The Live Well Springfield CCHE Initiative, funded by the Kresge Foundation, is advocating for Community Choice Energy and implementation of recommendations in the Race and Health Equity Impact Assessment. Communications funding from Trinity Health of New England and Blues to Green supported the development and creation of our beautiful climate justice mural in which community members can see themselves. The residents of the North End of Springfield are almost 65% Puerto Rican natives.  

"Blues to Green is a committed partner in the work for climate justice, leveraging the power of the Springfield Jazz & Roots Festival to connect this issue with a large audience, raise awareness, and inspire collective action for change. In the past few years, we have incorporated programming into the festival to connect arts, culture, and activism around the issue of climate justice." shared Kristen Neville, Executive Director of Blues to Green.

Live Well Springfield Resident Advisor Katrelia Bryant shared, "this is a beautiful artwork representing heritage, pride, love, and community bonding." 

The two-year project was carried out in partnership with Fresh Paint Springfield, Common Wealth Murals, Blues to Green, Springfield Jazz & Roots Festival, and Trinity Health of New England Mercy Medical Center. 

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Building Partnerships to Adapt to Flooding in the Connecticut River Watershed

By Samantha Hamilton • February 26, 2026

This month, Live Well Springfield (LWS) and the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission (PVPC) partnered with the City of Springfield to host a listening session on inland flooding. Inland flooding happens when rain overwhelms local drainage systems, for example, when basements flood or when streets and sidewalks turn into rivers and ponds during heavy rain. Participants heard directly from Chris Cignoli, Director of the Springfield Department of Public Works (DPW), about the city's history and infrastructure related to waterways, piping, and flood prevention. Residents gained a deeper understanding of how city systems respond to flooding, what the DPW is responsible for, and the budget constraints the department faces. Chris encouraged residents to contact the city using the local 311 line to report potential flood risks or flooding-related issues, which creates a formal service request that must be investigated. The workshop centered resident voices and explored how flooding from heavy rainfall and the Connecticut River is impacting daily life across Springfield. Residents shared firsthand accounts of flooded basements, eroding yards, blocked storm drains, and chronic street flooding, revealing how widespread and interconnected these challenges are across neighborhoods. Working in small groups, participants mapped the areas in their neighborhoods most affected by flooding, connecting personal experiences with broader patterns of risk across the city. The information shared by residents will help inform Springfield's upcoming 10-year infrastructure plan, as well as regional flood risk reports being developed by PVPC and FRCOG.