STATEMENT: Climate Mayors to Uphold Paris Agreement Commitment and Accelerate U.S. Subnational Climate Ambition and Global Economic Competitiveness

Washington, D.C. (January 20, 2025) – Today, President Donald Trump announced his intention to withdraw the U.S. from the Paris Agreement and the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change. Under the Paris Agreement, countries have committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions to limit global warming to well below two degrees Celsius in order to prevent severe climate impacts. 

In response, Climate Mayors Chair and Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego issued the following statement:

“Regardless of the federal government’s actions, Climate Mayors are not backing down on our commitment to the Paris Agreement. The cost of inaction is simply too high. As we have recently seen from the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles, extreme summer temperatures in Phoenix, and hard-hitting hurricanes in North Carolina and Florida, the effects of our changing climate are at our doorstep. Now, more than ever, we must accelerate our work to protect our communities, lower energy bills, create good-paying local jobs, and maintain our nation’s economic competitiveness by modernizing our infrastructure and investing in emerging markets.

“Our constituents are looking to us to meet the moment and deliver meaningful solutions, which is why we’re expanding our work with partners across the United States, from philanthropy and business leaders to members of Congress and governors. We're building an implementation plan that meets our targets under the Paris Agreement and ensures that our cities remain resilient and prosperous for future generations.”

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About Climate Mayors
Climate Mayors is a bipartisan network of nearly 350 mayors, demonstrating climate leadership through meaningful actions in their communities since 2014. Representing 46 states and nearly 60 million Americans, Climate Mayors reflects U.S. cities’ commitment to climate progress. For more information, visit our website and follow Climate Mayors on Twitter and LinkedIn.

Media Contact: climatemayors@fgsglobal.com

The Equitable EV Action Plan Framework

Dear Climate Mayors,

We are excited to share The Equitable EV Action Plan Framework, a comprehensive resource designed to empower local government leaders and community stakeholders to develop equity-oriented electric vehicle (EV) action plans tailored to their unique communities. Climate Mayors and the Center for Law, Energy and the Environment recognize that federal and state investments in EVs and charging cannot lead to equitable outcomes without strong leadership from local leaders. Following the 2024 national election results and the anticipated end of crucial federal climate and environmental justice initiatives, the need for strong local leadership and the resources to support cities’ ambitions have become even more critical. 

This framework, developed in collaboration between the Center for Law, Energy and the Environment , Greenlining, and Forth, offers a clear, step-by-step approach to crafting an EV action plan that integrates equity into every stage of development, from stakeholder engagement to policy design and implementation. It highlights proven strategies, actionable recommendations, and case studies from cities and communities that have successfully advanced equitable EV adoption. By centering equity, the framework helps leaders identify and address systemic barriers, ensuring that benefits such as improved air quality, reduced transportation costs, and job creation are accessible to all residents.

We hope this resource serves as a model for kickstarting an equity-oriented EV action plan and a source of inspiration from communities around the country focused on effective and equitable plan development, community engagement, and infrastructure investments. In addition, you can find issue briefs on curbside charging, multifamily charging, shared mobility, and community-oriented project design and a resources webpage to support help with first steps. All the materials are available at https://www.law.berkeley.edu/research/clee/ev-equity/.

We hope this resource inspires collaboration, innovation, and meaningful progress toward a cleaner, more equitable future. Please feel free to reach out to Ted Lamm if you have questions or need support in implementing this framework.

Saporta Report: Mayoral climate coalition announces 2025 leadership team, includes Mayor Dickens as vice-chair

Climate Mayors, a nationwide coalition of over 350 mayors dedicated to climate action, announced their 2025 leadership team on Monday, Jan. 6 — which includes Atlanta mayor Andre Dickens as a new vice-chair along with Mayor Lauren McLean of Boise, Idaho.

During the kickoff event, Dickens expressed his excitement about being a vice-chair alongside Mayor Lauren McLean of Boise, Idaho.

“Local leadership can really deliver on bold, equitable solutions to address the climate crisis and improve quality of life for all of our residents,” Dickens said.

Hoodline: Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego Takes the Helm as Chair of Climate Mayors, Championing Sustainable Urban Policy on National Level

Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego steps up to a new leadership role, this time on a national stage. The City of Phoenix issued a press release sharing that Mayor Gallego, who has served as the Vice-Chair since 2021, will now lead the Climate Mayors network as its Chair. She takes the reins from Mayor Justin M. Bibb of Cleveland, Ohio, and is set to infuse the role with her experience in building resilient and sustainable urban systems against the backdrop of climate change.

Mayor Gallego is not unfamiliar with the arid challenges of the Southwest, nor with the policy-making arena. She ascended to Phoenix's mayoralty in 2019 and won her bid for re-election last November—and sustainability was at the core of her platform. Alongside mayors from Boise and Atlanta, Mayor Gallego is aiming to enhance green initiatives and align supports for cities, large and small, enabling them to tackle weather extremities and champion accessibility to indispensable resources like clean water.

In her statement obtained by the City of Phoenix, she said, “The effects of climate change are on our doorstep, and we must continue prioritizing the creation of resilient, safe, and sustainable communities where anyone can get ahead. Our leadership team will advance climate action from the local level while simultaneously advocating for the support of national leaders.”

Determined to see cities have a greater impact, Mayor Gallego has laid out clear goals for her one-year tenure as Chair. She plans to foster partnerships with private and philanthropic entities to boost federal efforts, tackle the realities of extreme heat through a regional approach, and bolster climate actions at a local level. It's a tri-pronged blueprint that addresses immediate and overarching environmental concerns.

AZCentral: Gallego takes reins of national mayors' climate group, secures $15M for EV charging ports

Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego will be the next chair of Climate Mayors, a community of nearly 350 mayors who have organized to help each other lead city responses to climate change across the nation.

The appointment was announced Monday afternoon by Kate Wright, executive director of Climate Mayors, and outgoing chair Mayor Justin Bibb of Cleveland, Ohio. Gallego has been a member of the group since taking office in 2019 and has previously served as a vice-chair.

Two new vice-chairs, Mayor Lauren McLean of Boise, Idaho, and Mayor Andre Dickens of Atlanta, Georgia, have also joined the 2025 leadership team. Arizona is represented in the organization by five other mayors: Becky Daggett of Flagstaff, Scott Jablow of Sedona, Corey Woods of Tempe, Regina Romero of Tucson and Jorge Maldonado of Nogales.

Climate Mayors, which formed in 2014 and now represents 46 states with bipartisan leadership, aims to support the "economic, health and resiliency benefits to communities" by helping cities maintain momentum on climate action despite nationwide setbacks or delays. The approach aligns with what legal scholars have previously told The Arizona Republic about cities and states often achieving more success on emissions reduction goals, due to greater flexibility in local rules and regulations, compared with countries that repeatedly fall short of national benchmarks and international agreements.

Gallego's leadership in the group could result in Phoenix securing more federal funding to advance local climate initiatives, as well as a greater national focus on regional climate impacts like extreme heat and water shortages. During a call with reporters Monday, Bibb discussed how his involvement as chair seemed to benefit Cleveland. Both Bibb and Gallego welcomed news on Monday of new federal electrification funding for their cities.

The new role could also invite increased scrutiny and elevated standards for Gallego's climate progress in her own city.

Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Mayor Dickens picked for a leadership role in climate-focused mayors network

Dickens’ appointment comes as the federal government is expected to pull back from the global climate change fight under President-elect Donald Trump.

With the incoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump likely to scale back federal efforts to limit climate change, Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens has been tabbed to help lead a bipartisan coalition of U.S. mayors focused on addressing the global problem at the local level.

On Monday, Dickens was named the vice chair of Climate Mayors, a network of almost 350 mayors from cities and towns that are home to 46 million Americans. Founded in 2014, the group aims to advance local, climate-friendly policies and “build political will for federal and global climate action.”

Dickens said he was honored to step into the role at “such a critical time,” adding that cities are on the front lines of the climate fight.

“We are innovation hubs and the closest level of government to our residents, so we’re really uniquely positioned to implement impactful climate solutions,” Dickens said during a virtual news conference Monday.

Dickens will serve alongside Mayor Lauren McLean (D) of Boise, Idaho, who was picked as a co-vice chair. Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego (D) was named Climate Mayors’ chair.

Climate Mayors Announces 2025 Leadership Team Including Vice-Chairs and Sterring Committee Additions

January 6, 2025 – Today, Climate Mayors announced a new leadership team for 2025, reaffirming the organization’s steadfast commitment to local climate action. This team of mayors will aim to build on the climate progress made in cities, and support cities in maintaining momentum by delivering substantial economic, health, and resiliency benefits to communities nationwide.

With Mayor Justin M. Bibb of Cleveland Ohio concluding his term as Chair of the organization, Mayor Kate Gallego of Phoenix, Arizona will take over as Chair for the 2025 year. Having served as Vice-Chair this past year, Mayor Gallego will use this experience to lead the organization and bolster U.S. subnational leadership on climate action. Mayor Lauren McLean of Boise, Idaho and Mayor Andre Dickens of Atlanta, Georgia will serve as Vice-Chairs in the new Climate Mayors leadership team. Climate Mayors is also proud to welcome Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard of Mount Vernon, New York and Leirion Gaylor Baird of Lincoln, Nebraska as new members of our Steering Committee.

This past year, our member cities have felt first-hand the impacts of climate change as the U.S. experienced historic hurricanes, wildfires, floods, and heat events. Our leadership team understands that timely and local action is critical for building resilience against these natural disasters and protecting constituents. As we approach 2025, Climate Mayors also see significant opportunities to deliver economic growth and widespread health benefits for their communities through continued efforts to grow clean energy, deliver good-paying jobs, and reduce pollution. Our incoming Chair and Vice-Chairs alongside our Steering Committee members have been prime examples of effective and steadfast climate leadership, and are poised to continue leading efforts to build prosperous, sustainable, and resilient cities.

New Chair: Mayor Kate Gallego

Mayor Kate Gallego of Phoenix, Arizona has held office since 2019, serving as Vice-Chair of Climate Mayors since 2020 and Vice-Chair of C40 Cities since 2021. As a Vice-Chair, Mayor Gallego has proved instrumental in launching one of the organization’s first regional cohorts, the Western Water Security Network, that aims to implement solutions that reduce dependence on the strained Colorado River. 

“I am deeply honored to lead Climate Mayors into its next chapter of climate action, which may just be its most important chapter yet,” Mayor Gallego said. “The effects of climate change are on our doorstep, and we must continue prioritizing the creation of resilient, safe, and sustainable communities where anyone can get ahead. Our leadership team will advance climate action from the local level while simultaneously advocating for the support of national leaders.”

New Vice-Chairs

Mayor Lauren McLean of Boise, Idaho

Mayor Lauren McLean of Boise, Idaho has served since 2020 and is beginning her second year as a Climate Mayors Vice-Chair. During her time as Mayor, she has advanced localized and strategic climate solutions and focused on delivering public health and economic results for her city. Boise has a goal of achieving 100% clean electricity for city government buildings by 2030 and to be a carbon neutral community by 2050. Since establishing its ambitious objectives in the Climate Action Roadmap, Boise has made significant strides, including powering its city airport and a water renewal facility with 100% renewable energy. To reduce emissions from the transportation sector, Mayor McLean has been working to mobilize a $3.2 million grant to expand EV charging stations. This funding will also support an apprenticeship program to support the workforce of the future. As she continues her tenure as Vice-Chair, Mayor McLean has identified the following priorities for 2025:

• Leading the Climate, Affordability, & Prosperity and Communications Working Group to ensure cities can convey to constituents how climate initiatives are good for the local economy

• Continue to advocate for funding opportunities for cities and local projects so that local leaders can utilize provisions and incentives to deliver results for their constituents

• Partner with our members to be the voice for climate, both in the U.S. and internationally, in 2025 and beyond

“It has been an honor to serve as Vice Chair, and I look forward to continuing the important work of Climate Mayors in building more sustainable, prosperous, and resilient cities,” said Mayor McLean. “In Boise, we’ve witnessed firsthand how advancing clean energy solutions and smart initiatives not only reduces emissions but also creates economic opportunities and delivers widespread benefits for our community. It is crucial to persist in these efforts to address climate change effectively, ensuring that our cities thrive. Our members are committed to building on the momentum in 2025 to achieve our climate goals and targets.”

Mayor Andre Dickens of Atlanta, Georgia

Mayor Andre Dickens of Atlanta, Georgia has served since 2022 and is beginning his first term as a Climate Mayors Vice-Chair. As Mayor of Atlanta, he has renewed his city’s commitment to climate action and worked to incorporate environmental policy into every aspect of city plans. Mayor Dickens continues to drive Atlanta’s goal of achieving 100% clean energy for all by 2035 by accelerating fleet electrification and expanding EV charging infrastructure, reducing the energy burden on the most impacted households in Atlanta, and more. The Mayor has also established the community-led Climate Resilience Advisory Board to inform development of the City’s first Climate Resilience Action Plan and oversaw the expansion of the Solar Atlanta program to 38 municipal buildings which now includes the first of multiple solar installations planned at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport.

To make progress on these initiatives, he has codified the Mayor’s Office of Sustainability and Resilience and added the Chief Sustainability Officer to his cabinet. Atlanta has made significant progress on their climate goals, recently surpassing 40% progress toward the city’s goal of a 56% greenhouse gas emissions reduction by 2030 as part of its Climate Action Plan.

In his new role as Climate Mayors Vice-Chair, Mayor Dickens has outlined the following priorities for this year:

• Advancing equity: Mayor Dickens has made the integration of equity and sustainability a central priority in his mayoral agenda. This commitment is reflected in initiatives such as the Moving Atlanta Forward infrastructure bond program.

• Continuing to advocate for ambitious clean energy goals and fostering collaboration among mayors, with a focus on enhancing the daily lives of all city residents.

• Sustain the climate momentum local leaders have generated and support greater collaboration with other mayoral organizations such as the African American Mayor’s Association to amplify local leaders' impact on climate action.

• Leverage his leadership and expertise in public-private partnerships to advance demonstration projects and investment in sustainable infrastructure that moves us closer to achieving our climate and clean energy goals.

“Now is a critical time for amplifying local climate action and pushing our ambition, and I am proud to begin my tenure as Climate Mayors Vice-Chair to sustain this work and further drive cities’ leadership on climate,” said Mayor Andre Dickens. “In Atlanta, we have focused on progressing equitable, sustainable and impactful programs that deliver results that deliver for residents. Whether through increasing our tree canopy for cooler and greener neighborhoods or delivering lower energy bills and job opportunities for constituents, I look forward to collaborating with my fellow mayors to create a greener future for better, thriving communities.”

New Steering Committee Members

Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard of Mount Vernon, New York has served since 2019 and has worked to bring her city on a path to greater growth, resiliency, sustainability, and effective governance. She has championed climate and environmental action with a focus on delivering direct cost savings and health benefits to her constituents. The city passed a revised Tree Ordinance to restore and expand tree canopies in order to combat the urban heat island effect. To tackle environmental injustice, Mayor Patterson-Howard has collaborated with local and state governments to implement clean water and sanitation infrastructure as residents historically faced sewer challenges with little recourse. 

“Our cities face a host of challenges, and climate is one that affects all areas of our constituents’ lives. By addressing climate change and environmental justice issues, we can deliver wide ranging benefits to our communities including reduced energy costs, healthier air, and more reliable public services,” said Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard. “In joining the Climate Mayors Steering Committee, I am looking forward to collaborating with fellow mayors who are implementing effective and impactful solutions for their constituents.”

Leirion Gaylor Baird was sworn in as the 52nd mayor of Lincoln, Nebraska in May 2019 and reelected in May 2023. As a signature piece of her agenda, Mayor Gaylor Baird launched the Resilient Lincoln initiative and commissioned the development of a Climate Action Plan – the first of its kind in the state of Nebraska. Through the plan, Lincoln is taking tangible steps to decarbonize their transportation system, create more economic opportunities, build a resilient local food system. She currently serves as Chair of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Local Government Advisory Committee and on the Board of Trustees of the U.S. Conference of Mayors. 

"In Lincoln, we’re demonstrating that climate action drives both resilience and economic opportunity," said Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird. "I am honored to join the Climate Mayors Steering Committee and work alongside visionary leaders to advance bold, innovative solutions that make life better for the people we serve." 

Climate Mayors Steering Committee Members: 

We celebrate the following members who will be part of our steering committee in 2025 and will work to advance Climate Mayors mission to drive local climate action:

Tim Keller, Albuquerque, NM; Andre Dickens, Atlanta, GA; Michael P. Cahill, Beverly, MA; Lauren McLean, Boise, ID; Michelle Wu, Boston, MA; Justin Bibb, Cleveland, OH; Barbara Buffalloe, Columbia, MO; Daniel Rickenmann, Columbia, SC; Eric Johnson, Dallas, TX; Jeffrey Mims, Dayton, OH; Jim Hovland, Edina, MN; Indya Kincannon, Knoxville, TN; Leirion Gaylor Baird, Lincoln, NE; Frank Scott, Little Rock, AR; Karen Bass, Los Angeles, CA; Satya Rhodes-Conway, Madison, WI; Jacob Frey, Minneapolis, MN; Shawyn Patterson-Howard, Mount Vernon, NY; LaToya Cantrell, New Orleans, LA; Buddy Dyer, Orlando, FL; Kate Gallego, Phoenix, AZ; Ed Gainey, Pittsburgh, PA; Angela Birney, Redmond, WA; Ron Nirenberg, San Antonio, TX; Caroline Simmons, Stamford, CT; Jane Castor, Tampa, FL; Regina Romero, Tucson, AZ; and Thomas Roach, White Plains, NY.

Climate Mayors Honors Outgoing Chair Mayor Justin M. Bibb for Transformational Leadership in 2024

Mayor Bibb ends his impactful term as the organization’s youngest Chair, leaving a lasting legacy of climate action and collaboration

Washington, D.C. (January 6, 2025) – Today, Climate Mayors proudly celebrates the leadership of its 2024 Chair, Mayor Justin M. Bibb of Cleveland, OH. With a clear vision and an unwavering commitment to climate action, Mayor Bibb has set a new standard for what can be achieved through bold, collaborative leadership.

Under Mayor Bibb’s stewardship, Climate Mayors achieved historic milestones in funding, launched the groundbreaking Electrify50 commitment which prioritized deploying over 160,000 EV chargers in disadvantaged communities, and deeply engaged Congress with various appropriations letters

to ensure the needs of cities were addressed in Washington. From championing decarbonization efforts in Cleveland to addressing fellow Climate Mayors on the heels of the 2024 presidential election results, Mayor Bibb’s dedication has inspired mayors and communities nationwide to rise to the challenge of building a better future at all costs.

"Mayor Bibb has been an energizing and unwavering leader, continuously elevating Climate Mayors to new heights on global and national stages while fostering collaboration and learning amongst fellow mayors," said Kate Wright, Executive Director of Climate Mayors. "His passion and determination have not only advanced the transition to renewable energy in cities nationwide but also strengthened the voice and influence of our network. We are grateful for his leadership and look forward to building on the momentum he has created as we strive for affordable, equitable, more resilient communities."

Mayor Bibb’s transformative accomplishments include:

• Bringing Mayors Together: Strengthened the Climate Mayors network by fostering deeper connections among city leaders and encouraging regional collaboration and peer to peer learning including the largest Annual Forum since the COVID-19 pandemic. More members were engaged than ever under Mayor Bibb’s leadership – attending in-person convenings, participating in virtual workshops, contributing to communications campaigns to elevate local climate action, and providing input to federal policies.

• Securing Equitable Access: Worked to ensure historic federal funding from the Inflation Reduction Act and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law benefitted communities of color and those most vulnerable to climate change. Under Mayor Bibb’s leadership Climate Mayors partnered with C40 Cities and USDN to work with federal agencies on grant guidelines and to provide members guidance on new funding streams including guidebooks, expert presentations, in-person roundtables and six IRA implementation workshops across the country.

• Elevating Climate Mayors: Consistently delivered compelling remarks in remarkable space such as the Clinton Global initiative, the U.S. Conference of Mayors, and countless America Is All In events, while also showcasing the work of the organization in heavy hitter media outlets such as the Wall Street Journal and POLITICO.

• Deeping Federal Partnership: Facilitated dynamic interaction between mayors and federal leaders such as Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm, supporting sign-on letters, and advocated for Congress and the Administration to prioritize climate action and clean energy funding. Through collaboration with the DOT, Joint Office of Energy and Transportation, the State Department, and NOAA, Mayor Bibb led Climate Mayors into a season of advanced action through partnership.

• Strengthening Funding: Increased the diversity and breadth of funding sources to further strengthen the ability for Climate Mayors to provide resources, expertise and guidance to cities across the country.

Climate Mayors thanks Mayor Justin M. Bibb, for his leadership, passion, and fierce dedication. Mayor Bibb’s ability to unite mayors across the nation, advocate for equitable climate policies, and elevate the profile of Climate Mayors on the national and global stage has left a lasting impact. We thank him for his tireless efforts, which have strengthened our network, inspired transformative action, and set a strong foundation for continued progress in the years ahead. 

We look forward to Mayor Bibb’s continued leadership as Chair Emeritus of Climate Mayors.

For media inquiries, please contact climatemayors@fgsglobal.com

Mayor Kate Gallego of Phoenix, Arizona Takes the Helm as New Chair of Climate Mayors

Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego will Chair the Climate Mayors 2025 leadership team, alongside Vice-Chairs Mayor Lauren McLean and Mayor Andre Dickens.

Washington, D.C. (January 6, 2025) – Today, Climate Mayors announced that Mayor Kate Gallego of Phoenix, Arizona will continue her tenure on Climate Mayors’ leadership team as Chair, succeeding Mayor Justin M. Bibb of Cleveland, Ohio. She previously held the position of Vice-Chair

of Climate Mayors since 2021, and brings a wealth of institutional knowledge to her leadership and vision. As a mayor focused on creating jobs, building resilience against extreme heat and storms, and increasing accessibility to clean water, Mayor Gallego looks forward to forging new partnerships to champion the needs of cities. During her term, she will be joined on the leadership team by Mayor Lauren McLean of Boise, Idaho and Mayor Andre Dickens of Atlanta, GA. 

“I am deeply honored to lead Climate Mayors into its next chapter of climate action, which may just be its most important chapter yet,” Mayor Gallego said. “The effects of climate change are on our doorstep, and we must continue prioritizing the creation of resilient, safe, and sustainable communities where anyone can get ahead. Our leadership team will advance climate action from the local level while simultaneously advocating for the support of national leaders.”

As Chair of Climate Mayors, Mayor Gallego has highlighted three priorities for her one-year term:

• Expand the influence of cities by collaborating with the private sector and philanthropy to supplement federal funding.

• Enhance regional work through the Western Water Security Cohort and address the challenges of extreme heat.

• Align and support member cities of all sizes to ensure communities continue to access tools and resources to advance local climate action. 

Mayor Kate Gallego has served as mayor of Phoenix, Arizona since 2019, winning re-election in November 2024 with sustainability as a top-line issue in her campaign. Mayor Gallego’s goal is to make Phoenix the most sustainable desert city on the planet and to elevate the role of mayors and cities in tackling climate change. Mayor Gallego also serves as the North American representative on the international C40 Cities Steering Committee and a member of the Democratic Mayors Association. Before being elected as mayor, Mayor Gallego served on the Phoenix City Council and worked on Economic Development for local utility company, Salt River Project.

For media inquiries, please contact climatemayors@fgsglobal.com 

CNET: For Progress on Climate and Energy in 2025, Think Local

With its sprawling canopy of magnolia, dogwood, southern pine and oak trees, Atlanta is known as the city in the forest. The lush vegetation helps offset the pollution from the commuter traffic as people pour in and out of the state capital every day, so that city dwellers can breathe fresh, clean air.

"When you fly into the city of Atlanta, most people are like, what is this? I can't even see the city because I see trees," Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens tells me.

The mayor's office has been buying up land, laying out trails and protecting the green terrain from development. It's just one small part of the city's ambitious climate plan that ranges from prioritizing the electrification of vehicles to building out rooftop solar, in the name of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 40% by 2030.

Those emissions are directly responsible for the global heating of our planet, which is causing changing climate patterns and more frequent, unpredictable extreme weather events. Cutting those emissions will help us avoid many of the worst impacts on our health, homes, safety and livelihoods. There are some steps we can take in our own homes and lives, such as installing heat pumps and properly recycling our waste, but to make a difference on the scale needed it's the job of businesses and governments everywhere to reduce emissions, with our nation's leaders at the helm.

Dickens, who drives a Rivian EV, is far from the only American mayor committed to a green future for his city. In fact, he belongs to a bipartisan network of 350 "Climate Mayors" across the country, representing 46 states and 60 million American citizens.

Statement: Climate Mayors Welcome New U.S. National Determined Contribution (NDC) to Target 61-66% of National Emissions Reductions Putting U.S. Cities on a Path Towards Economic Prosperity

WASHINGTON, D.C.  (December 19, 2024) – To establish a new path forward in tackling climate change, the Biden Administration has released a new U.S. National Determined Contribution (NDC) target of 61-66% economy-wide greenhouse gas emissions reductions by 2035. On the ninth anniversary of the U.S. joining the Paris Agreement, Climate Mayors welcomes this latest target which will be essential in guiding national and local efforts to address the climate crisis head-on and ensuring America’s economic competitiveness globally. The new NDC sets a bold vision for reducing emissions, supporting clean energy growth, and building healthy communities. Cities and local leaders will be essential for delivering on this vision and pledge to continue and accelerate efforts to ensure that every resident has what they need to thrive: clean air and water, a safer place to live, and opportunities for good-paying jobs.

Climate Mayors and nearly 350 U.S. Mayors have witnessed the impacts of climate change firsthand, such as historic extreme heat waves, hurricanes, floods, and wildfires, all of which have taken a significant toll on our communities. We’ve also seen how advancing clean energy projects, efficiency programs, and transportation initiatives in our cities have not only advanced the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions but have delivered a host of benefits for communities. As a result of city-wide plans to achieve ambitious local targets, thousands of well-paying green jobs have proliferated in American cities and neighborhoods are experiencing less air pollution, better health outcomes, and lower energy costs. Collaboration between local, state, private, and philanthropic partners will continue to prove central in delivering on our goals and ratcheting up an all-of-society approach to climate action. Our mayors remain committed to building cities of the future that effectively meet the needs of constituents and continue to reduce harmful emissions under this NDC. 

“Today’s announcement of a new U.S. NDC serves as an important goalpost for our unwavering ambition as subnational actors continue to lead the fight against climate change and advance America’s economic competitiveness,” said Climate Mayors Executive Director Kate Wright. “Our membership of over 350 U.S. Mayors is ready to do its part to achieve our national target and build on the progress we’ve made over the last decade. Cities across the country are putting the best interests of their communities first by investing in advanced energy and water efficiency programs, more equitable access to green infrastructure, and clean energy solutions that are cutting emissions – further securing a healthy and economically prosperous future for our communities.”

Climate Mayors Announces Appointment of Laura Jay as Deputy Director to Drive Local Climate Strategy

Climate Mayors is thrilled to announce that Laura Jay will be joining Climate Mayors as Deputy Director beginning in 2025. In this role, she will help shape and execute the strategic vision of the organization as set by the Executive Director, Board and Leadership Committee. Laura is an accomplished professional, bringing 15 years of experience working in non-profits advancing solutions to address climate change. Laura's expertise will be instrumental in driving the mission of our expanding organization.

Most recently, Laura served as the Regional Director for North America for C40 Cities where she elevated the position of US mayors nationally and globally and supported the deepening of engagement at the local level to drive impactful change on the ground. Prior to joining C40, Laura served as a Project Manager at Terrapin Bright Green

where she consulted to government agencies, developers and non-profits to create more sustainability policies and designs. She has also worked at the U.S. Green Building Council on governance and strategic planning. Laura holds a Master’s Degree in Urban Planning from Columbia University and is based in Chicago with her family.

Climate Mayors Drive Bold Climate Action in 2024

This year has been BIG for local climate action. Our organization and membership of visionary mayors have taken bold steps to combat the climate crisis. Climate Mayors cities have led the charge, deploying cutting-edge clean energy solutions, advancing comprehensive city-wide climate plans, and enhancing the quality of life for all residents. We’ve built strong momentum and are moving full speed ahead into 2025 to continue delivering results and driving climate ambition.

This year, our mayors spoke and gathered at a host of events including the U.S. Conference of Mayors, Aspen Climate Ideas, Climate Week NYC, and COP29 to engage in regional, national and international conversations to keep the needs of cities at the forefront of climate conversations. Climate Mayors were proud to rally around our shared mission of protecting cities and fostering effective collaboration across local, state, national, and global partnerships alongside U.S. climate leaders such as Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and Biden Administration Senior Advisor John Podesta.

We launched our new #Electrify50 commitment to accelerate the US electric vehicle transition. This commitment will save taxpayer dollars, improve public health, increase access to charging, and create clean energy jobs across the country. Climate Mayors also announced a formalized collaboration with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to help cities across the nation better prepare for and respond to the impacts of climate change. 

To advance policies and solutions that reduce emissions and protect cities from climate impacts, our organization urged the current administration and Congressional lawmakers to take critical and immediate action. We called upon the Biden Administration to finalize the strongest possible standards for heavy-duty vehicles and advocated for Congress to pass a comprehensive clean emergency disaster relief bill. Climate Mayors also applauded the release of final guidance on elective pay for the Inflation Reduction Act’s clean energy tax credits, the EPA’s final emissions rules for vehicles, and the announcement of $7 billion for EPA’s Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund. 

Following the Presidential election, Climate Mayors affirmed their unwavering commitment to accelerate local climate action and to defend the investments on the national and local level that have launched us on a trajectory toward a sustainable future. Regardless of federal action or inaction, Climate Mayors across the nation will continue to be pragmatic leaders and deliver programs that ensure our environment, communities, health, and economy all thrive. In 2025, we will double down on investments that will lower energy costs, make our air and water cleaner, and bolster resilience to climate disasters. Climate Mayors seeks to deepen regional partnerships to form a bulwark against efforts to roll back progress and expand collaboration with business leaders investing in America’s economic prosperity. Are you a local leader or organization looking to do the same? Join us in 2025 as we fight for the future Americans demand and deserve.

Bloomberg: What Can US Cities and States Do for the Climate Under Trump? Plenty

The Climate Mayors is a bipartisan network of roughly 350 mayors working to drive change locally but also the federal level. In the West, cities including Phoenix and Salt Lake City, which have been struggling with water shortages in the Colorado River basin, “are starting to get together to share best practices on what individual cities can do to better manage water,” said Mark Gold, the director of water scarcity solutions at the National Resources Defense Council. “This concept of trying to move towards self-sufficiency to build climate resilience is something that we’re talking about at length,” Gold said.

Earth Matters: Local activists and leaders could undermine Trumpistas' anti-climate, anti-eco moves

For instance, at Energy News Network, Dan Haugen points to the potential for a collision between mayors and the new administration in an interview with Justin Bibb, chair of Climate Mayors, a bipartisan group of city leaders determined to keep climate on the agenda regardless of what the White House does.

“It’s going to be incumbent upon mayors, and also Republican governors and members of Congress who have seen the benefits of these investments, to make the business case to the Trump-Vance administration,” Bibb said. “I don’t want to cede our innovation in the EV sector to China. I don’t want to cede our innovation around green energy and renewables to Europe. We have to make the case … on why these investments are important for America’s national security and America’s economic competitiveness.”

Bibb said Exxon Mobil CEO Darren Woods has publicly urged Trump not to abandon U.S. leadership on climate change, and there are hopes that some prominent Republicans will press the president-elect in the same direction.

On the day after the election, Climate Mayors, America Is All In, and the U.S. Climate Alliance issued the following statement: “America’s climate-leading states, cities, Tribal nations, businesses, and institutions will not waver in our commitment to confronting the climate crisis, protecting our progress, and relentlessly pressing forward. No matter what, we’ll fight for the future Americans demand and deserve, where our communities, our health, our environment, and our economy all thrive. We will not turn back.”

Smart Cities Dive: ‘We’ve been here before’: What Trump’s win could mean for local climate action

“[Mayors] are going to double down on our commitment, passion and vigor to continue to address these issues, especially at the local level,” said Cleveland, Ohio, Mayor Justin Bibb, who is the chair of Climate Mayors. “We’ve been here before, when President Trump was first elected in 2016 and pulled out of the Paris Accords,” a legally binding international treaty to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

It will likely be more difficult for local governments to take on ambitious climate projects under a second Trump administration than it was under the Biden administration, said Amy Turner, director of the Cities Climate Law Initiative at Columbia University’s Sabin Center for Climate Change Law. But the next four years won’t be the first time that U.S. cities lack a strong federal partner on this front. In fact, the Biden administration is the first strong federal climate partner cities have ever had, Turner said. Even so, Biden’s climate track record isn’t spotless, with the U.S. breaking global records for crude oil production under his administration.

Fast Company: The Biden administration launched 66,000 infrastructure projects. Pete Buttigieg talks about what’s next

I think local government is hugely important, and state government will be very important as well. None of the projects we’re talking about, these 66,000 projects, none of them was conceived here at headquarters. And none of them is being delivered directly by the federal government. We provide the funds. It’s really the state, the city transit agencies, tribes, and others who are making it happen. So I do think that they will continue to lead the way. I remember a few years ago when a number of cities came together on the Climate Mayors—not just U.S. cities, but cities around the world that were tired of waiting for their respective national capitals to catch up on sustainability—and realize that between them they had most of the world’s GDP anyway. I do think you’ll maybe see a renewed season of leadership from the ground up to make sure that things keep happening even if it’s less steady here in Washington.

PRESS RELEASE: 415 Mayors and City Councilmembers Urge Congress to Swiftly Pass a Comprehensive, Clean Emergency Disaster Relief Bill for Impacted Communities

Washington, DC (November 18, 2024) –  Communities across the U.S. have been devastated by more than 160 disaster declarations since 2023. Today, 415 mayors and councilmembers call on Congress to swiftly pass an emergency disaster relief bill to support communities impacted by these disasters. The initial Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) disaster relief funding allocated by Congress will soon be exhausted, and local leaders are urging Congress to fully replenish this funding. Mayors and councilmembers across the country are on the front-lines of disaster response and in order to effectively support their communities in responding to the devastating effects of historic storms, they will require strong and consistent support from Washington. 

Communities across the country are grappling with increasingly frequent and intensified extreme weather events caused by the climate crisis. This is their new normal. The safety and livelihoods of communities must be a priority in the context of a warming world. The letter asks Congress to fully fund FEMA’s recovery efforts, replenish the Small Business Administration’s loan program to help businesses and homeowners, provide a flexible funding structure to allow cities to address the specific recovery needs of their communities, and more. Fully funding recovery efforts is not merely a matter of good economic policy, but a fundamental obligation of the federal government to deliver support for constituents who depend on these resources in their most vulnerable times of need.

“Hurricane Helene was a storm unlike Asheville has ever experienced – leaving our community devastated and working to rebuild our homes, infrastructure, and businesses,” said Mayor Esther Manheimer of Asheville, North Carolina. “This storm has shown that no place is truly a haven from climate change. Asheville is on a long road to recovery and our community needs federal funding now to not only deliver much-needed relief but to prepare for inevitable future disasters that are becoming more frequent and intense due to our changing climate.”

As American cities continue to recover from Hurricanes Helene and Milton, local leaders who are a part of Climate Mayors—a bipartisan network of nearly 350 mayors committed to climate action; the National League of Cities, representing 19,000 cities, towns and villages nationwide; U.S. Conference of Mayors, representing over 1,400 cities with populations of 30,000 or more; and C40 Cities, a network of mayors from nearly 100 world-leading cities, including 14 in the United States, supported the letter and urged Congressional leadership to pass a clean, disaster emergency supplemental bill as soon as possible.

“As mayors, we are the first line of defense when disasters strike, and we see firsthand the profound impacts on our communities,” said Mayor Jane Castor of Tampa, Florida. “After the unprecedented disasters that struck Tampa Bay this year, back-to-back hurricanes, federal support is critical for a whole of government approach to disaster response. We need to ensure FEMA and our first responders have the funding ready when the next disaster strikes.”

“Cities across our country are experiencing unprecedented, and repetitive, weather-related disasters. I can personally attest to the importance of Federal disaster assistance funding as a lifeline for our residents and our city. Supplemental funding is imperative to meet the needs cities around our nation are facing,” said Councilmember Abbie Kamin of Houston, Texas.

“Our mayors and their communities are experiencing first-hand the personal impacts of extreme weather events, said Climate Mayors Executive Director Kate Wright. “Rebuilding stronger, safer, and more resilient communities requires a true partnership with the federal government. With timely support from Congress, cities can recover from this historic year of disasters and rebuild essential infrastructure that prioritizes the well-being and future of our residents.”

“Local leaders are on the front lines, as more severe and more frequent natural disasters hit their communities,” said National League of Cities CEO & Executive Director Clarence E. Anthony. “Cities, towns and villages need a federal partner to support response, recovery and rebuilding with resilience in mind. NLC urges Congress to pass an emergency supplemental disaster funding bill without delay to provide federal agencies with the essential funds necessary for recovery efforts.”

"The U.S. Conference of Mayors is pleased to join with the National League of Cities, Climate Mayors, and C40 Cities to encourage mayors and other elected local officials to urge Congress to swiftly pass a comprehensive, emergency disaster supplemental appropriations bill. This bill is essential to fund the recovery from more than 160 major disaster declarations since 2023 that have impacted communities across America. Our cities and the people who reside within them desperately need this help and Congress must act now,” said Tom Cochran, U.S. Conference of Mayors CEO and Executive Director. 

"Mayors in the US and around the world are on the frontlines of their communities' impacts to extreme weather caused by climate change. Every year we see more historic disasters and there is no time to hesitate in giving people the support they need to recover from these devastating events," said Laura Jay, Regional Director for North America at C40. "We, along with our partners at Climate Mayors, US Conference of Mayors and the National League of Cities, call on Congress to swiftly pass the Federal disaster assistance relief that communities desperately need."

In the letter, local leaders called for the supplemental funding to:

• Fully fund FEMA’s recovery efforts for recent and future disasters

• Replenish the Small Business Administration Assistance Loan Program to help business owners and homeowners rebuild

• Ensure funding for the Economic Development Administration’s on-the-ground response programs

• Refill the U.S. Department of Transportation Emergency Relief highway and transit funds

• Provide funding to support long-term recovery efforts through the Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Resilience program, which is essential for helping communities sustainably rebuild their infrastructure, and

• Increase funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program for families and children impacted by major national disasters since 2023.

Read the full letter here.

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About Climate Mayors:

Climate Mayors is a bipartisan network of nearly 350 mayors, demonstrating climate leadership through meaningful actions in their communities since 2014. Representing 46 states and nearly 60 million Americans, Climate Mayors reflects U.S. cities’ commitment to climate progress. For more information, visit our website and follow Climate Mayors on Twitter and LinkedIn.

Media Contact: climatemayors@fgsglobal.com
 

About National League of Cities:

The National League of Cities (NLC) is the voice of America’s cities, towns and villages, representing more than 200 million people. NLC works to strengthen local leadership, influence federal policy and drive innovative solutions. Stay connected with NLC on Facebook, X, LinkedIn and Instagram.

Media Contact: media@nlc.org

About U.S. Conference of Mayors:

The U.S. Conference of Mayors is the official nonpartisan organization of cities with populations of 30,000 or more. There are more than 1,400 such cities in the country today, and each city is represented in the Conference by its chief elected official, the mayor. Follow our work on X, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Threads, and Medium.

Media Contact: Sara Durr, sdurr@usmayors.org

About C40 Cities:

C40 is a network of nearly 100 mayors of the world’s leading cities working to deliver the urgent action needed right now to confront the climate crisis and create a future where everyone, everywhere can thrive. Mayors of C40 cities are committed to using a science-based and people-focused approach to help the world limit global heating to 1.5°C and build healthy, equitable and resilient communities. We work alongside a broad coalition of representatives from labour, business, the youth climate movement and civil society to support mayors to halve emissions by 2030 and help phase out fossil use while increasing urban climate resilience and equity.

To learn more about the work of C40 and our cities, please visit our website or follow us on X, Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.

Media Contact: c40@fgsglobal.com

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“It’s going to be incumbent upon mayors, and also Republican governors and members of Congress who have seen the benefits of these investments, to make the business case to the Trump-Vance administration,” Bibb said.

The stakes in his city include a $575 million commitment to help mining company Cleveland-Cliffs transition to green steel production, as well as a $129 million regional grant that’s funding solar projects on brownfields and former landfills. Tax incentives under the law spurred an area welding equipment company to launch a line of electric vehicle fast charging stations. 

“I don’t want to cede our innovation in the EV sector to China. I don’t want to cede our innovation around green energy and renewables to Europe,” Bibb said. “We have to make the case … on why these investments are important for America’s national security and America’s economic competitiveness.”

To make that case, Climate Mayors hopes to enlist allies, including Republican elected officials and business leaders. Bibb noted that Exxon Mobil CEO Darren Woods has publicly urged Trump not to abandon U.S. leadership on climate change.

“I think it’s going to be [about] having the right kind of conversation to make the case to this incoming leadership in the White House,” Bibb said.

And if that doesn’t work, expect Climate Mayors to keep pushing for ways to act collectively to advance climate and clean energy. For example, the organization announced a commitment this summer by more than 350 mayors to electrify half of their fleets and increase EV chargers by at least 500% by 2030.

“We’ve been here before. We’ll get through this,” Bibb said, but “it’s going to be a lot harder if we don’t have a federal partner in Washington, D.C.”

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