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.

STATEMENT: Climate Mayors, America Is All In and U.S. Climate Alliance on Future of Climate Action Under Trump: “We Will Not Waver…We Will Not Turn Back”

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, the leadership of the country’s top subnational climate action coalitions – Climate Mayors, America Is All In and the U.S. Climate Alliance – issued the following statement regarding the future of climate action in America after Donald J. Trump was elected President: 

“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.” 

Delegations representing these three coalitions will carry this message with them to the global stage, including to the UN Climate Change Conference in Baku, Azerbaijan and to Urban 20 (U20) 2024 Mayors' Summit in Brazil, where they will also strongly affirm America’s sustained commitment to working with the global community to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement. 

America Is All In, the U.S. Climate Alliance and Climate Mayors together represent nearly two-thirds of the U.S. population and three-quarters of U.S. GDP through 24 governors, nearly 350 mayors, and thousands of public and private institutions. 

###

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: Climate Mayors, climatemayors@fgsglobal.com 

About America Is All In 

America Is All In is the most expansive coalition of leaders ever assembled in support of climate action in the United States. Mobilizing thousands of U.S. cities, states, tribal nations, businesses, schools, and faith, health, and cultural institutions, the coalition is focused on pushing and partnering with the federal government to develop an ambitious, all-in national climate strategy that meets the urgency of the climate crisis; scaling climate action around the country to accelerate the transition to a 100 percent clean energy economy; and promoting the leadership of non-federal actors on the world stage. With its Co-Chairs Michael R. Bloomberg, the U.N. Secretary General’s Special Envoy on Climate Ambition and Solutions, Washington Governor Jay Inslee, Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles, Apple Vice President of Environment, Policy and Social Initiatives Lisa Jackson, and former White House National Climate Advisor and 13th U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Gina McCarthy, America Is All In, supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies and led by World Wildlife Fund, is driving a nationwide movement to cut U.S. emissions in half or more by 2030 from 2005 levels and reach net zero emissions by 2050, while protecting against the impacts of climate change. 

MEDIA CONTACT: America Is All In, all-in@fgsglobal.com  

About the U.S. Climate Alliance 

Launched on June 1, 2017 to help fill the void left by the Trump administration’s decision to withdraw the U.S. from the Paris Agreement, the U.S. Climate Alliance is a bipartisan coalition of 24 governors securing America’s net-zero future by advancing state-led, high-impact climate action. Governors in the Alliance have pledged to collectively reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 26-28% below 2005 levels by 2025, at least 50-52% below 2005 levels by 2030, and collectively achieve overall net-zero greenhouse gas emissions as soon as practicable, and no later than 2050. The Alliance’s states and territories continue to demonstrate that climate action goes hand-in-hand with economic growth, job creation, and better public health. While reducing collective greenhouse gas emissions by 19%, Alliance members have increased their collective GDP by 30%. The coalition’s states and territories are employing more workers in the clean energy sector, achieving lower levels of dangerous air pollutants, and preparing more effectively for climate impacts and executing more pre-disaster planning than the rest of the country.  

MEDIA CONTACT: U.S. Climate Alliance, press@climatealliance.org 

STATEMENT: Climate Mayors Reaffirm Commitment to Local Climate Action and Pledge Continued Ambition Under Second Trump Administration

Washington, DC (November 6, 2024) – Today, Mayor Justin M. Bibb, Mayor of Cleveland and Chair of Climate Mayors – a network of nearly 350 mayors demonstrating local climate leadership through meaningful action – issued the following statement in response to the election of Donald Trump as President of the United States: 

“As Chair of Climate Mayors, I’d like to reaffirm that our network of nearly 350 U.S. mayors are steadfast in our commitment to accelerating local climate action and meeting our established national goals under the Paris Climate Agreement during the second administration of President Donald Trump. Mayors engage closely with their communities every day and understand that we cannot afford the costs of exiting the Paris Agreement as was done in 2017. Climate Mayors nationwide 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. Which is why we are doubling down on climate action and continuing to reduce emissions, support clean energy growth, and build healthier communities. Our commitment to combating the existential threat of climate change and protecting the federal legislation that provides cities with vital funding remains unwavering.

“By utilizing funding and provisions within the Inflation Reduction Act and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, our city leaders have launched us on a trajectory toward a sustainable future. Despite 60% of Inflation Reduction Act projects benefiting Republican districts, conservative congressional leaders continue to threaten our progress with sweeping rollbacks of much-needed support. These clean energy provisions have sparked a surge in clean energy manufacturing, private investment, and job creation, prompting 18 Republican members of Congress to urge leadership to keep them in place. As we enter the Trump-Vance administration, Climate Mayors will continue to fight for legislation that benefits hard-working Americans and protects the most vulnerable populations by engaging key partners, policymakers, and stakeholders in our fight for just and innovative legislation. 

“We understand the urgent responsibility to deliver on U.S. climate action in the absence of national leadership. Our members will work alongside states, businesses and other sectors to ensure our cities are beacons of climate progress.”

Through the collective power of the network, cities can forge a path toward a sustainable and just tomorrow for all. As the big tent for local climate leaders, Mayors can demonstrate their commitment to keeping the U.S. on track through subnational climate leadership and benefit from the support of our growing network of Climate Mayors at https://www.climatemayors.org/join-us.

###

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

​​PRESS RELEASE: Climate Mayors and NOAA join forces to advance climate resilience

Today, Climate Mayors and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announced a new memorandum of understanding (MOU) that advances collaborative efforts to help cities across the nation better prepare for and respond to the impacts of climate change. 

This MOU formalizes collaboration between NOAA and Climate Mayors to accelerate the use of climate information and expertise at the local level. The agreement will also ensure that NOAA’s world-class climate science and tools are easy for local leaders across the country to access, understand and use. By strengthening collaborative efforts between NOAA and Climate Mayors, mayors will have the resources they need to act on their commitment to take climate action in their communities.

“The climate crisis continues to threaten the lives and livelihoods of communities across the nation,” said NOAA Administrator Rick Spinrad, Ph.D. “This partnership with the Climate Mayors will undoubtedly help make way for NOAA's vision of creating a more climate-ready nation — one that is ready for, responsive and resilient to the rapidly changing climate.”

“Impactful solutions only evolve from a deep understanding of climate science and what is truly at stake for cities in the face of climate change,” said Kate Wright, executive director of Climate Mayors. “By partnering with NOAA, Climate Mayors across the country will gain access to insightful climate data and services — enhancing their ability to prepare for and respond to a changing climate. This partnership will ensure that all communities, especially those most at risk, have the opportunity to bolster resilience and build a safer tomorrow.”

The MOU outlines ways for NOAA and the Climate Mayors to work together to boost climate resilience by improving the development and dissemination of climate information and services.

NOAA and the Climate Mayors agree to collaborate on the following actions, with the shared goal of increasing local access to climate science and tools:

• NOAA will provide regional and local climate decision support services, including relevant climate information to help core partners and communities prepare and make decisions when faced with high-impact weather or climate-related events.

• Climate Mayors will inform NOAA’s climate service development and delivery to support a climate-ready nation and provide annual reporting of data gaps.

• Climate Mayors will highlight adaptation successes, contribute to case studies and lessons learned and encourage its members to participate in monitoring and evaluation efforts led by NOAA and its partners.

• NOAA will annually brief Climate Mayors leadership on climate products, data, tools services and other relevant opportunities. The Climate Mayors will also receive timely updates on climate tools and other informational products related to seasonal and high-impact events.

The MOU will remain in effect for five years and will be reviewed every two years.

Climate, weather, and water affect all life on our ocean planet. NOAA’s mission is to understand and predict our changing environment, from the deep sea to outer space, and to manage and conserve America’s coastal and marine resources. 

##

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 NOAA

Climate, weather, and water affect all life on our ocean planet. NOAA’s mission is to understand and predict our changing environment, from the deep sea to outer space, and to manage and conserve America’s coastal and marine resources. 

Media Contact: Lori Arguelles, lori.arguelles@noaa.gov, 571 439-4084

​​PRESS RELEASE: Northeast Ohio Mayors Unite to Deliver Climate Action that Benefits Local Residents

White House representative joins seven mayors across the region to coordinate implementation of the Inflation Reduction Act

Cleveland, OH -  (August 29, 2024) — On Tuesday, August 27, seven mayors from the Northeast Ohio region met with White House representative John Lucey, Senior Advisor to the White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs for Implementation, to discuss local and regional opportunities for clean energy, transportation, and infrastructure projects that will improve residents' health, safety, and environmental impact. The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) is delivering unprecedented funding to cities across the country for transformative projects that reduce carbon emissions and improve lives. Tuesday’s meeting focused on how the region’s mayors and city leaders can ensure Northeast Ohio residents benefit from lower energy costs, infrastructure improvements, and climate benefits created by the IRA. 

The convening took place as part of a two day workshop on IRA implementation, led by Cleveland Mayor Justin M. Bibb, and organized with Climate Mayors, C40 Cities, and the Urban Sustainability Directors Network. The workshop gathered NE OH City staff and community stakeholders in a collaborative learning environment at Cleveland Public LIbrary where they worked to transform innovative ideas into actionable plans that will help build a thriving and resilient Cleveland and greater Northeast Ohio region.

Cities across Northeast Ohio are implementing transformative projects with support from the Inflation Reduction Act. Notable projects include:

• $1 million US EPA Climate Pollution Reduction Grant (CPRG) planning grant awarded to Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency (NOACA) in support of a regional decarbonization framework for NE Ohio

• $129 million CPRG Implementation Grant awarded to Cuyahoga County, the City of Cleveland and City of Painesville to develop solar on landfills

• $3.4 million from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forestry Service for transforming urban forestry maintenance and management in environmental justice communities in and around Cleveland  

• Two Solar for All awards that will benefit NE Ohioans. $156M for the Industrial Heartland Coalition and $156M to the State of Ohio for the equitable distribution of residential solar

Workforce development and forecasted economic and health benefits are integrated into each of these projects.

White House representative John Lucey led a mayoral roundtable discussion on local strategies for engaging residents and community stakeholders in project development, additional funding sources, and ensuring individuals and families have access to the tax breaks and funding for personal action. 

Justin Bibb, Mayor of Cleveland, said, "Local leadership and collaboration is crucial in leveraging historical federal funding from the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) and taking meaningful and equitable climate action in cities like Cleveland throughout NE Ohio that continue to experience climate vulnerability as a result of historic disinvestment." 

Kate Johnson, C40 Cities, said “Cities are bringing the promise of federal climate funding to life. The Inflation Reduction Act provides unprecedented tools and funding to local governments to invest in projects that will improve health and safety, create good green jobs, and reduce emissions. The world is watching the U.S. for climate leadership, and events like today’s summit are proof that when mayors act, progress is achievable and everyone from local residents to global citizens feel the benefits.”  

Kate Wright, Climate Mayors, said, “Today’s collaboration between Northeast Ohio mayors and the White House underscores the vital role that local leadership plays in driving impactful climate action. Climate Mayors is committed to aligning the efforts of our member cities with the unprecedented opportunities offered through the Inflation Reduction Act to not only advance sustainable infrastructure but also ensure that these initiatives directly benefit the residents of communities across the nation. This is climate action that is both ambitious and equitable, creating healthier, more resilient cities for all." 

Julia Peek, USDN, said, “We are so excited to see this collaboration across cities and sectors in Northeast Ohio to help communities get the most out of the Inflation Reduction Act. This funding is creating opportunities for communities to have cleaner air, healthier families, well-paying jobs, and thriving places to work, live, and play.” 

Kahlil Seren, Mayor of Cleveland Heights, said “As a Mayor addressing the climate crisis, I’m centered on the practical ways that I can secure a safe and healthy future for the people I serve. Federal funding for public EV chargers in our city is one of many practical examples of making it easier for all of us to contribute to the solution.”

Jack Bradley, Mayor of Lorain, said, “Lorain is proud to collaborate with county and state partners in addressing the critical issue of brownfield sites within our community.  This joint effort reflects our shared commitment to revitalizing these areas, ensuring a safer environment, and unlocking new opportunities for development and growth. Together, we are turning potential hazards into promising futures for our residents and businesses.”

Annette Blackwell, Mayor of Maple Heights, said, “The City of Maple Heights is a city that has found its way back and that journey has included a focus on a better quality of life which include advancing environmental justice and addressing health inequities.”

David Weiss, Mayor of Shaker Heights, said, “The IRA’s rebates and education help support our broad-based climate change and sustainability efforts in Shaker Heights. Specifically, Direct Pay is helping us to electrify our fleet of city-owned vehicles. Through Direct Pay, we are eligible for a payment of $30,000 to offset our purchase of four EVs for our expanded mental health response program. That is nearly enough for one additional vehicle. In addition, we have been looking at options for solar on City buildings for several years and are closer now than at any other time because of the possibility of offsetting 30% to 40% of the cost through these programs.”

Michael Brennan, Mayor of University Heights, said, “Local leaders are working in concert to reduce greenhouse gas emissions on a local level. Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, local governments have resources to draw from. This roundtable was an excellent opportunity to show our constituents that like-minded leaders are making change happen incrementally at home, so that together we will create global progress.”

Shammas Malik, Mayor of Akron, said, "Forums like today's are vital to helping cities like Akron take advantage of federal funding and develop projects that serve the environment, our people, and our economies. We aim to leverage funding for the benefit of our community through initiatives that tackle important issues like housing rehabilitation, emissions-free transportation, clean energy integration, climate resilience improvements, and so much more."

 ###

About Climate Mayors
Climate Mayors is a bipartisan network that has mobilized more than 750 U.S. mayors since 2014, demonstrating climate leadership through meaningful actions in their communities. 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 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. Through a Global Green New Deal, mayors are working alongside a broad coalition of representatives from labour, business, the youth climate movement and civil society to go further and faster than ever before. To learn more about the work of C40 and our cities, please visit our website, or follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.

About USDN

USDN brings local government sustainability practitioners together to learn, collaborate, and accelerate the work of local sustainability. By equipping them with the knowledge, resources, and partnerships they need to succeed, USDN helps advance change locally in member communities as well as across the field of practice. The aggregate impact and influence of our collective work makes an equitable, resilient, and sustainable society more attainable.

Letter: Climate Mayors, C40, and USDN Urge President Biden and Director of the Office of Management and Budget, Shalanda Young, on Fiscal Year 2026 Agency Budget Appropriations Priorities

August 20, 2024

Dear President Biden and Director Shalanda Young: 

Local governments are committed to proactively preparing for climate change that avoid and minimize its negative impacts, to rebuilding stronger and better when disasters strike, to mitigating structural inequities, to slashing greenhouse gas emissions, and to building opportunities for Americans to thrive and reach their full potential. These goals require targeted investments in American cities to build out our nation’s sustainable infrastructure, to create well-paying “high road” jobs, and to support a resilient, clean energy future. 

As members of Climate Mayors, a bipartisan network of over 350 mayors committed to climate action, the Urban Sustainability Directors Network (USDN), a coalition of local government sustainability leaders representing more than 320 communities in the US and Canada, and C40 Cities, a global network of nearly 100 of the world’s leading cities, we are writing to share our FY26 appropriations priorities for climate and clean energy programs. On behalf of these national organizations that represent mayors and sustainability offices that are leading on climate action and sustainability, we respectfully ask for your support in making federal funding more accessible for cities that are often capacity and resource constrained. Additionally, we recognize the federal government's budgetary constraints due to the Fiscal Responsibility Act (debt ceiling bill) and hope you consider these requests from our organizations.   Local governments play a pivotal role in climate action and the federal government has a crucial role in supporting local governments in their place-based actions to achieve climate resilience. We ask that you review this paper, developed by  C40 Cities, Climate Mayors and USDN to illustrate the roles that cities will play in implementing IRA and BIL, identify the tools and resources local governments need to deploy federal climate funds most efficiently and effectively, and recommend what federal agencies, state governments, funders, and climate advocates can do to help.

Remove Barriers to Help Local Governments Confront the Climate Crisis 

In the face of frequent and immediate climate emergencies, local governments need funding and support to simultaneously cut greenhouse gas emissions, confront climate hazards, and address long-standing and intersecting issues related to equity, health, and economic opportunity. Thanks to the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), historic levels of funding are available for climate action; however, barriers remain for cities that are due to or exacerbated by the design of federal funding programs.  We urge the federal government to adopt the following principles, which centers local climate action, and we urge the uptake of these specific recommendations related to individual program areas, to ensure that spending supports, and does not hinder, confronting the climate emergency.

Principles for Federal Support of Local Climate Action

Local governments are ready to meet this moment and build an economy that is inclusive, robust, and sustainable. Therefore, we urge federal agencies to adopt the follow principles to support local climate action:

1. Prioritize and expand programs where funding flows directly to local governments from the federal government.

2. Provide clear guidance to states on how to effectively engage local and tribal governments and community organizations in the award of state formula funding, to improve inclusivity and accountability.

3. Ensure that federal programs and funding (including IRA rebates and tax credits) reach disadvantaged communities and allow sufficient administrative and implementation flexibility to meet their needs, including pre-award flexibility to allow for the use of state and local data that is more up-to-date and in tune with community needs..

4. Simplify the process, remove administrative hurdles, and provide accessible funding and technical assistance to local and tribal governments and community organizations to ensure they can participate in funding opportunities, including budget allowances for pre-proposal costs for more programs, building on the recently announced and welcome changes to the Uniform Grants Guidance.

5. Provide technical assistance and other resources for post-award grants management that builds capacity within local governments and provides confidence in the ability to handle additional awards if received.

6. Ensure that federal spending is accompanied by workforce standards and funding for workforce development that prioritizes job quality and equitable access to well-paying high road careers.

Summary of the FY2026 Budgetary Requests

In addition to the federal government adopting the above principles for federal support of climate action, our organizations recommend the following budgetary requests for the following priority federal programs.

Building Decarbonization

• U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) - Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Program

• Increase funding for EECBG to $3.1 billion and broaden the scope and definitions within EECBG. 

• Fund the EECBG program annually.

• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) - Green and Resilient Retrofit Program (GRRP)

• Renew this direct loan and grant program at $1 billion as initially authorized by the IRA.

Climate Resilience & Hazard Mitigation

• Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) Program

• Increase BRIC program funding to $2 billion. 

• Require FEMA to brief on its current and planned strategies to help state, local, tribal and territorial governments effectively leverage the BRIC program. 

• Set aside funding to provide technical assistance to communities in the development of building codes, or, where local governments do not have jurisdiction over the building code, other strategies to decarbonize and improve the resilience of buildings.

• Allow funding to flow directly to local governments. 

• Update the program to include heat waves as one of the natural hazards projects can address.

• Maintain a streamlined benefit-cost analysis process in competitions where such data is required.

Community-Centered Transportation

• U.S.Department of Transportation (DOT) Reconnecting Communities Pilot Program (RCP)

• Fund the program at $205 million in FY26 including funding for out-years of current grants and new funding for additional grants.

• Renew this grant program at $1 billion annually as initially funded in FY22. 

Sustainability Workforce Development

• U.S. Department of Energy, U.S. Department of Transportation, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

• Provide additional funding for clean energy, transportation, and green infrastructure projects built with high road labor standards, and additional funding for projects built with domestic content standards. 

• Provide $500 million to help cities formalize community workforce agreements (CWAs) including support for CWA capacity building (training and technical assistance).

Building Decarbonization 

Local governments are uniquely positioned to implement building decarbonization.  Building decarbonization is a critical pathway for local governments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, lower energy costs, and provide healthier, more comfortable homes and places of work.  We very much appreciate the increased emphasis on energy efficiency programs in the IIJA and the IRA, and we request that you include increases in the following programs. 

U.S. Department of Energy

Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Program - $3.1 billion

The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Program represents the largest nationwide direct, equitable investments in energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies at the local level in U.S. history. The legacy of the EECBG program provides local communities with consistent funding resources that will increase renewable energy capacity, technical knowledge, and deployment of energy efficiency projects at the local level.

EECBG is one of the most important programs for local sustainability offices, because it is flexible and much of the funding is given directly to local governments. The program empowers local governments to make decisive actions in their communities that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, reduce total energy use and costs, and spur economic growth with the creation and retention of jobs. Communities are able to use EECBG to directly implement their own energy and conservation goals and Climate Action Plans. The continued investments in the EECBG program will rapidly increase local government's capabilities to meet national carbon emission reduction goals while also improving local economies. 

Therefore, we ask that you increase funding for EECBG to the ARRA-era funding level of $3.1 billion. We also ask to broaden the scope and definitions within EECBG to allow funding for: 

• community-based project development and implementation; 

• water efficiency;, 

• energy efficiency in building retrofit programs; 

• decarbonization of transit modes and buildings through electrification; 

• seed money for finance programs; 

• training and support services related to jobs; 

• an oversight mechanism that ensures rapid and equitable distribution of funds; and 

• the incorporation of labor and community standards for projects. 

Finally, we urge you to recommend that the EECBG funding receive annual, permanent appropriations and additional funding for staff at DOE to implement the program.  The predictability of funding enables cities to build capacity and plan for future investments and sustained programs.  

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development 

Green and Resilient Retrofit Program (GRRP) - $1 billion

The Green and Resilient Retrofit Program provides grants or loans to landlords of HUD assisted properties serving  very low-income families, seniors, and persons with disabilities.  Projects can measure energy usage and efficiency, reduce energy use, improve energy and water efficiency, enhance indoor air quality, implement zero-emission strategies, and address climate resilience. This funding is essential to communities as it prepares and protects the most vulnerable residents and properties by reducing their exposure to hazards and by protecting life, livability, and property when disaster strikes.  Therefore, we request that this program be renewed at $1 billion as initially authorized by the IRA.

Climate Resilience & Hazard Mitigation

In the face of frequent climate emergencies, local governments need continuous funding to proactively improve community resilience alongside the intermittent funding that comes following a disaster. There is disproportionately more federal funding available for disaster recovery than hazard mitigation, and the funding that is available for recovery is difficult to access and comes with procedural delays and obstacles. Therefore, we recommend additional funding and policy consideration for the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities Program. 

Federal Emergency Management Agency

Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) Program - $2 billion

The national significance of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) Program lies in its ability to support states, local governments, tribes and territories across the country as they undertake hazard mitigation projects, reducing the risks they face from disasters and natural hazards. 

For the FY 2023 competition, the program received 1,234 sub-applications from every state, 5 territories, and 35 tribes, requesting $5.66 billion in federal cost share funding. However, it was only able to fund 656 projects. We are thankful for these resources and the $1 billion authorized in the IIJA for FY2023. However, as with other grant programs relevant to sustainability, we also know that the program is consistently oversubscribed. 

We request that the BRIC program be funded at $2 billion in FY2026, as included in the FY 2025 Appropriations Committee budget and the Homeland Security Appropriations Bill. We also request that additional funds be set aside as part of BRIC (or in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Energy’s Building Energy Codes Program) to assist communities in the development of building codes or, where local governments do not have jurisdiction over the building code, other strategies to decarbonize and improve the resilience of buildings and other community assets. 

Finally, eligible direct applicants for BRIC funding include States, the District of Columbia, U.S. Territories, and Federally Recognized Tribal Governments. This process, while encouraging coordination within a State, also delays the distribution of funding to local communities and poses additional hurdles. We urge you to allow direct funding to local governments with a requirement that they coordinate with and get approval from the State Hazard Mitigation Officer on their projects.

Community-Centered Transportation

Local governments play a crucial role in shaping sustainable transportation systems that benefit their residents and the environment. Federal investments in community-centered transportation and clean mobility initiatives allow local governments to create comprehensive public transit networks, expand cycling and pedestrian infrastructure, reduce traffic congestion, improve air quality, enhance accessibility for all residents, and significantly lower greenhouse gas emissions. Ultimately, federal investment in local community centered transportation is vital for creating livable, sustainable urban environments that support both human well-being and environmental goals. Therefore, we suggest additional funding for the Reconnecting Communities Pilot Program.

U.S. Department of Transportation

Reconnecting Communities Pilot Program (RCP) - $1 billion

Federal highway policy in the mid-20th century allowed for the construction of highways where land costs were the lowest or where political resistance was weakest, often cutting through low-income and minority communities.  Community members that remained have continued to deal with the impacts of highways, creating a physical barrier to

opportunity and other negative impacts. The DOT Reconnecting Communities Program helps reverse these harmful policies by advancing community-centered transportation connection projects that improve access to daily needs such as jobs, education, healthcare, food, nature, and recreation, and fostering equitable development and restoration.  Therefore, we request that this program be funded at $205 million in FY26 to accommodate both ongoing grants in progress and new awards.  We also recommend that this program be renewed at $1 billion as initially funded in FY22.  

Sustainability Workforce Development 

There are not enough contractors and workers available to meet the true need of building retrofits, construction, and clean energy installation to meet local climate goals.  Current workforce development programs do not have sufficient scale for the training and reskilling necessary. We recommend that more opportunities be added for low-income and communities of color to benefit from the sustainability job boom and to access high-road, family-sustaining jobs that serve their communities.  This is key to meeting just transition goals.  

Labor Standards

High road labor standards sit at the intersection of worker rights, social justice, and environmentalism – and they offer a platform to build coalitions that can collectively pursue climate and equity goals with a more inclusive perspective. These standards include family-sustaining wages (i.e., prevailing wages for construction occupations, wage floors for other occupations), employer-provided benefits, career pathways, and safe and healthy working conditions.  We request that you provide additional funding for clean energy, transportation, and green infrastructure projects built 

with high road labor standards, and additional funding for projects built with domestic content standards through the following programs: 

• DOT On the Job Training Program, 

• DOT Public Transportation Technical Assistance and Workforce Development Program, 

• DOE Advancing Equity Through Workforce Partnerships, 

• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) EPA Brownfields Grant Program, and

• EPA Innovative Water Infrastructure Workforce Development Grant Program. 

We ask that at least $500 million should be provided through the above mentioned programs to help local governments formalize community workforce agreements (CWAs)  between government, labor, and community stakeholders, including support for CWA capacity building (training and technical assistance), facilitated convenings, negotiations and collaborative oversight for such agreements, as well as support for aligning the workforce ecosystem around high road standards.

International Climate Financing

In addition to financing solutions to combat the climate crisis at home, the U.S. has a moral responsibility as a major contributor to climate change to lessen the burden it has passed on to countries who’ve done the least to cause the problem. Many low-and middle-income countries experience greater harm than do rich countries, but they have less wealth with which to repair the damage.   Rich countries pledged to provide $100 billion a year by 2020. The US share of this, based on its past emissions, would be $40 billion. The US must, at a minimum, deliver on its commitment to provide climate financing of $11.4 billion per year to the developing world while mainstreaming consideration of climate change across all foreign aid funding. This level of climate finance would not only signal the commitment of the US government to addressing the global climate crisis, but would also spur the growth of green investment and business opportunities for US firms.

Conclusion 

We appreciate your urgent consideration of the priorities noted above. Should you be interested in additional priorities and needs of local government needs related to climate and sustainability, please consider C40, Climate Mayors, and USDN as resources and call on us if you need information in this space. Should you have questions, please contact Cynthia McCoy, Urban Sustainability Directors Network Director of Federal Engagement at cynthiamccoy@usdn.org; Kate Johnson, C40 Director of Federal Affairs at kjohnson@c40.org; and Meghan Pazik, Policy Director at Climate Mayors, meghan@climate-mayors.org. .

Sincerely,

Kate Johnson, Interim Regional Director for North America, C40 Cities

Cynthia McCoy, Federal Engagement Director, Urban Sustainability Directors Network

Kate Wright, Executive Director of Climate Mayors

​​PRESS RELEASE: Climate Mayors Announces Major New Commitment from Nearly 350 Mayors to Accelerate US Electric Vehicle Transition

Mayors pledge to electrify 50% of city fleets by 2030 and increase EV infrastructure by 500% by 2035

EV transition will save taxpayer dollars, improve public health, increase access to charging, and create clean energy jobs, while sending strong market signals to manufacturers

Washington, DC (August 13, 2024) – Today, as a part of the 2nd anniversary of the Inflation Reduction Act, nearly 350 Climate Mayors announced a commitment to electrify at least 50% of municipal fleets by 2030 while increasing electric vehicle (EV) chargers by at least 500%, with at least 40% of the charging infrastructure benefitting disadvantaged communities. This collective effort is a pivotal move to meet the Biden-Harris Administration’s goal to make 50% of all new vehicle sales electric by 2030. Sending a major market signal to auto and light duty truck manufacturers, the commitment comes on the 10-year anniversary of Climate Mayors, which was first launched in 2014 by three U.S. mayors coming together to galvanize local leaders to act together on climate change. With today’s commitment, the mayors pledged to bring cleaner air and green jobs to their cities by supporting the growth of EVs, investing in infrastructure, increasing public charging stations, and accelerating fleet electrification.

“As a proud former mayor, I have seen the effectiveness of local leaders coming together on a global issue like climate change - and today is a powerful example of that impact,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. “This announcement by nearly 350 mayors to electrify at least 50% of their fleet and increase the number of EV chargers by 500% will deliver a range of benefits: cost savings for residents, cleaner air, and a lot of good jobs. The Biden-Harris Administration is proud to support these mayors in ensuring that the EV revolution plays out on efficient, affordable, and equitable terms for American drivers and American workers.”

“This is what strong local leadership looks like. I am so proud of these mayors. They're driving change in their communities by getting creative with historic federal funding and designing smart policies and new partnerships. By committing to switch to clean energy - they're investing in public infrastructure, cutting harmful tailpipe emissions, growing jobs, and improving the health and safety of their residents. They're delivering what people want and deserve: safe streets, less pollution, and more resilient cities,” said Gina McCarthy, first White House National Climate Advisor, former U.S. EPA Administrator, and Managing Co-Chair of America Is All In.

“As Chair of Climate Mayors, I’m excited by our collective commitment to electrifying 50% of city fleets across the entire network,” said Mayor Justin M. Bibb, Mayor of Cleveland, OH and Chair of Climate Mayors. “Transportation accounts for tons of toxic emissions and it's up to us to lead by example by prioritizing clean technologies. There’s power in numbers, and together we can energize the local green economy while prioritizing access for Black and brown communities through the Climate Mayors commitment.” 

“Building on 10 years of climate leadership, Climate Mayors is entering into our next decade with even bolder commitments to address the greatest threat of our time – climate change,” said Kate Wright, Executive Director of Climate Mayors. “Cities have been leading the way on reducing transportation emissions, and our members are committed to doubling down on our commitment to providing clean transportation options for our communities.”

“Today the Climate Mayors continue their leadership in sending clear market signals to OEMs for growing demand for EVs while accelerating the electrification of fleets to reduce emissions and operating costs for municipalities,” said Matt Petersen, Board Chair of Climate Mayors. “This historic commitment to EV fleets and charging builds on the Climate Mayors’ 2017 RFI issued to auto and truck manufacturers showing that 112,000 vehicles across 30 cities worth over $10 billion could be electrified, and the 2019 EV Purchasing Collaborative helping cities to procure EVs and plan for charging infrastructure—as a result, cities are continuing to lead on reducing emissions for healthier communities, creating green jobs, and growing the clean energy economy.”

The U.S. transportation sector is the single largest source of carbon pollution, accounting for 29% of total greenhouse gas emissions; transitioning to electric vehicles has the potential to rapidly decrease the country’s emissions. And there is market momentum in the shift to electrification, with nearly 17 million new fully electric and hybrid vehicles expected to be sold worldwide in 2024. By transitioning municipal fleets to EVs and expanding public charging infrastructure, cities can decrease harmful pollution from internal combustion engine vehicles, create green jobs, save taxpayer money, reduce the country’s dependence on fossil fuels, and foster an environment that encourages consumer choice for electrification beyond municipal fleets. With today’s announcement, Climate Mayors is ensuring cities can effectively respond to EV growth and build infrastructure that encourages widespread adoption of electric vehicles. The commitment also launches around the second anniversary of the Inflation Reduction Act, a historic piece of legislation for climate action. The pledge will take advantage of the pathbreaking opportunities the Inflation Reduction Act and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provide to build cleaner, more equitable and prosperous communities.

Climate Mayors will work with its member cities to accelerate municipal fleet electrification and charging infrastructure by providing policy, technical, and analytical resources to achieve these goals. This will include developing formal partnerships with manufacturers and national clean financing institutions funded by the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund. These partnerships will bridge the gap between private capital and municipal needs. Climate Mayors will also work with the Biden-Harris Administration and federal agencies to access funding and usher in a new era of clean transportation in cities. 

Today’s announcement builds on Climate Mayors’ longstanding commitment to local climate action and advancing accessibility to EVs and EV charging stations in U.S. cities. In 2017, Climate Mayors found that across 30 cities 112,000 vehicles could be electrified, providing a signal to manufacturers on potential increased market demand. In 2019, Climate Mayors launched the EV Pooled Purchasing Collaborative (EV Collaborative) to help cities electrify their fleets and plan for EV charging; since then, over 250 municipalities, counties, transit agencies, port authorities, and colleges and universities have committed to purchasing over 4,000 EVs. 

“This commitment to electrification not only underscores our drive for reducing our carbon footprint but also signifies the importance of bipartisan action on climate change, said John Giles, Mayor of Mesa, AZ. “By working together across party lines, Climate Mayors can achieve significant progress toward a safe, sustainable, and prosperous future. Embracing electric vehicles will bring long-term benefits to our community, and we are proud to lead this important transition as a united front." 

“Our collective commitment to accelerate electrification of our municipal fleets demonstrates the power of partnership when striving to meet our climate goals,” said Satya Rhodes-Conway, Mayor of Madison, WI and Chair Emerita of Climate Mayors. “With over 100 light duty EVs in our fleet and 62 all-electric buses on the streets in Madison, we’re all about breaking barriers in order to bring cleaner air and green jobs to our cities. Together, with the backing of our federal partners, we’re primed and ready to create new norms for electrification, equity, and local sustainability.”

“Promoting the use of electric vehicles is essential in our efforts to reduce air pollution and lessen the burdens of the climate crisis,” said Barbara Buffaloe, Mayor of Columbia, MO. “With the help of federal grants, we’ve been able to jump start our transition to cleaner transportation options. The City of Columbia is proud to double down on our efforts through this commitment to secure a healthier environment for all our residents.”

“With the transition to electric vehicles comes cleaner air, healthier neighborhoods, and opportunities for people to build careers in the green economy,” said Bruce Harrell, Mayor of Seattle, WA. “In Seattle, we’re taking a multi-pronged approach centered around the needs of our residents and community members to ensure EV use and charging is accessible for all. We are launching dozens of new curbside charging stations, offering rebates for charging in multi-family buildings, and expanding businesses’ use of cargo bikes for urban delivery. These initiatives, driven by the ambitious goals set in Seattle’s Transportation Electrification Blueprint, are driving us towards a cleaner, greener future. In partnership with other Climate Mayors, I am committed to accelerating climate emission reduction, focusing on climate justice for those most impacted by environmental harm, and supporting the resilience of Seattle communities.”

“Electrifying municipal fleets and building our charging infrastructure is key to building a green economy in Redmond. By investing in sustainable transportation alongside fellow Climate Mayors, we not only reduce emissions but also lay the foundation for new opportunities for innovation and sustainability in our community,” said Angela Birney, Mayor of Redmond, WA.

“As Mayor of Fayetteville, I am proud to share our commitment to the adoption of electric vehicles and the expansion of charging infrastructure in our city,” said Lioneld Jordan, Mayor of Fayetteville, AR. Public charging stations are available downtown and our EV access policy standardizes public access on private property. We are actively transitioning our City fleet to EVs, marking a significant step towards reducing our carbon footprint. Federal funding and support is instrumental in accelerating our progress towards achieving our EV goals. Together, with Climate Mayors we are making strides towards a sustainable future, ensuring cleaner air and a healthier environment for our communities.” 

“As we commemorate the 10-year anniversary of Climate Mayors, the City of New Orleans reaffirms its dedication to a sustainable and resilient future. By prioritizing electric vehicles (EV), we are not only improving air quality and public health but also serving as a role model in climate mitigation strategies for other cities to follow. Federal funding and support have enabled us to accelerate our City's Climate Action Plan goals to reduce our transportation emissions, making it easier to implement innovative solutions and technologies” said LaToya Cantrell, Mayor of New Orleans, LA. “In recent years, the City of New Orleans has made significant strides towards improving EV infrastructure and ensuring that charging access is equitably spread throughout all neighborhoods. Twenty of the 25 charging station sites that were recently installed by Entergy New Orleans are in disadvantaged census tracts, our public transit system and school systems are receiving federal funds to electrify their bus fleets, and a comprehensive transportation electrification master plan is underway.  Working stronger together, we are driving towards a greener, cleaner, and more vibrant New Orleans for generations to come.”

“To achieve our Climate Action Plan goal to reduce community-wide greenhouse gas emissions 45 percent by 2030, the City of Edina is transitioning its municipal fleet to electric, hybrid and biodiesel vehicles in effort to reduce our municipal emissions,” said James Hovland, Mayor of Edina, MN. “With successful implementation of our Green Fleet Policy, Edina has 17 fully electric fleet vehicles, as well as several hybrid and biodiesel vehicles already. Paired with fleet and public EV charging stations, our EV fleet conversions are reducing our municipal transportation emissions.”

“As we strive to combat climate change, embracing electric vehicles citywide is a crucial step forward,” said Ted Wheeler, Mayor of Portland, OR. EVs have historically been a staple of our course of action and we’re thrilled to be supported by Climate Mayors in ramping up ambitions. By reducing our carbon footprint and promoting sustainable transportation, we can ensure a healthier, greener future here in Portland and across the country.” 

“As a champion for clean energy, I am proud to support the Climate Mayors' collective network electrification goals. Miami-Dade County is leading by example as we work to electrify our County fleet by 2030, from our daily operations vehicles to our buses. We are currently operating one of the largest zero-emissions electric bus fleets among public transportation agencies in the country. We are also installing EV chargers throughout our community, with a goal of converting 30% of vehicles in our community to electric power by 2030, and we just launched one of the nation’s most aggressive rollouts of shore power at PortMiami, connecting up to five cruise terminals,” said Daniella Levine Cava, Mayor of Miami-Dade. “We know that transportation-related emissions have the largest single impact on climate pollution, and by joining forces with climate-focused mayors across the nation, we can significantly reduce these harmful emissions and create a cleaner transportation system for all.”

About Climate Mayors

Climate Mayors is a bipartisan network that has mobilized more than 750 U.S. mayors since 2014, demonstrating climate leadership through meaningful actions in their communities. 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

Letter: Climate Mayors and C40 Cities Fiscal Year 2025 Appropriations Letter

June 25, 2024

The Honorable Charles Schumer, Majority Leader U.S. Senate, S-221, U.S. Capitol Washington, D.C. 20510

The Honorable Mitch McConnell, Minority Leader U.S. Senate, S-230, U.S. Capitol Washington, D.C. 20510

The Honorable Mike Johnson, Speaker of the House, U.S. House of Representatives H-232, U.S. Capitol Washington, D.C. 20515

The Honorable Hakeem Jeffries, Minority Leader, U.S. House of Representatives,H-204, U.S. Capitol Washington, D.C. 20515

The Honorable Patty Murray, Chair, U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee, S-128, U.S. Capitol Washington, D.C. 20510

The Honorable Susan Collins, Ranking Member, U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee S-128, U.S. CapitolWashington, D.C. 20510

The Honorable Tom Cole, Chair, U.S. House Appropriations Committee H-307, U.S. Capitol Washington, DC 20515

The Honorable Rosa DeLauro, Ranking Member, U.S. House Appropriations Committee 1036 Longworth House Office Building Washington, DC 20515

Dear Speaker Johnson, Majority Leader Schumer, Minority Leader Jeffries, and Minority Leader McConnell:

First, we want to thank you for your commitment to advancing the Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25) appropriations legislative packages. We recognize the short-turnaround period between the passage of the FY24 spending packages and beginning of the next appropriations cycle, and appreciate Congressional leadership’s commitment to maintain consistency in the annual appropriations process. As members of Climate Mayors, a bipartisan network of over 350 mayors committed to climate action and C40 Cities, a global network of nearly 100 of the world’s leading cities, we are writing to share our FY25 appropriations priorities for climate and clean energy programs.

The federal government plays a crucial role in supporting local governments in their place-based actions to achieve national, state, and international climate ambitions. Local governments across the United States are hubs of leadership, innovation, and resilience. For decades, local leaders have witnessed what the changing climate means for families, for the economy, and for our nation’s future. That’s why local leaders are focused on deploying people-first solutions and delivering results for the long-term. Localities big and small, are home to nearly 83 percent of Americans and are central to building an economy that is inclusive, robust, and sustainable.

This means dissolving political barriers and working to ensure cities and their residents can benefit from all the climate and clean energy provisions in the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and the infrastructure investments from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL).

Our organizations jointly ask you to consider funding these priority federal programs and additional policy considerations that are vital for continued local climate action:

1. Supporting and empowering local governments in addressing community energy burdens through direct, flexible funding.

   DOE’s Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Office (EERE) –$4 billion DOE’s Office of State and Community Energy Programs (SCEP) – $574 million

   It is imperative for reducing energy burdens for families across the U.S. to increase federal funding for essential energy efficiency programs. We urge you and your colleagues to appropriate $4 billion, above the President's budget, for the Department of Energy’s EERE Office, along with $574 million for the SCEP Office.

   This funding supports the Weatherization Assistance Program, State and Local Government Energy Programs, and Energy Future Grants. Specifically, funding for SCEP provides direct, equitable, investments through the Energy Efficiency and Community Block Grant (EECBG) program. While EECBG received $550 million through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, this program empowers local governments to make decisive actions in their communities that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, reduce total energy use and reduce total energy costs, and spur economic growth with the creation and retention of jobs and should continue to receive funding on an ongoing basis.

   Additionally, we urge you and your colleagues to consider providing annual appropriations for EECBG. This program is one of the only formula based, flexible funding streams at the local level. Increasing funding for this program supports local governments in providing essential energy efficiency and weatherization upgrade services to residents.

2. Increasing the EPA’s core capacities to protect public health and the environment, including increasing funding for environmental justice efforts, staffing, and additional climate-related programs.

   The EPA has been under critical funding recessions, leaving the agency at a deficit to administer programs that align with the agency’s core capacities to protect public health and the environment. Major funding recessions have limited the agency’s ability to implement programs that are essential to lifting up communities burdened with polluted air, water, and soil. Therefore, we urge you and your colleagues to appropriate funding at or above the President’s request to ensure EPA’s core agency functions are maintained to further the implementation of IRA and BIL. This includes increasing capacity for EPA’s State Water Revolving Fund, the Office of Air and Radiation, the Office of Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights, the Superfund Program, the Electric School Bus Program, and supporting additional staff capacity that could potentially add an additional 2,000 employees to the agency. The EPA is a critical agency and we hope leaders continue the agency’s vital legacy of protecting public health and the environment.

3. Increasing funding to grow support for climate-resilient infrastructure and update federal response to mitigate against future climate-related disasters.

   Homeland Security, FEMA BRIC Program – $2 billion – FEMA’s BRIC program supports states, local governments, tribes, and territories across the country undertaking hazard mitigation projects to reduce the risks localities face from disasters and natural hazards. We urge you and your colleagues to appropriate $2 billion for the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Building Resilience Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program. Addressing wildfires, hurricanes, droughts, extreme heat, and flooding helps make communities more resilient and reduce future costs associated with natural disasters.

   Additionally, we urge you and your colleagues to consider the inclusion of H.R. 3965, Extreme Heat Emergency Act, which adds “extreme heat” as an eligible disaster under the STAFFORD Act, in the final appropriations bills. Currently, heat waves are the leading cause of disaster deaths in the U.S., yet they are ineligible from being declared a “disaster” or receiving federal disaster declaration or funding.

4. Increasing funding to reduce energy burdens and help protect communities of color and low income constituents with increasingly frequent extreme weather emergencies.

   LIHEAP – $5.1 billion – There is a paramount need for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) to receive full funding as you develop the FY2025 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill. We urge you andyour colleagues to appropriate funding that meets the $5.1 billion maximum authorized amount for LIHEAP1 to help protect communities of color and low income constituents from rising energy costs and extreme weather emergencies.

5. Supporting funding for climate friendly housing to build new, resilient, and energy efficient affordable housing in cities.

   Housing and Urban Development, New Project Based Rental Assistance – $7.5 billion – The affordable housing and climate crises are closely intertwined. Our nation’s aging housing stock is extremely energy inefficient, and disproportionately so in poor neighborhoods who are forced to pay a larger percentage of their household budget on utility costs. We urge congressional leaders and appropriators to invest in funding at or above the President’s budget for rental based assistance contracts to incentivize the development of new climate-resilient affordable housing. These dual crises are particularly acute for people with low incomes and people of color, who are both disproportionately cost burdened and more vulnerable to the effects of climate change. The scale and urgency of the affordability and climate crises requires concerted action from all levels of government, but cities are at the frontlines of climate change.

6. Avoiding any rescissions from the IRA or BIL – During the FY24 appropriations cycle, there continued to be a push to rescind major funding from the IRA and BIL. This funding is vital to a local government’s ability to provide energy efficiency upgrades for residents, safer and cleaner roadways, and reduce our nation's carbon emissions. However, programs funded through IRA and BIL, such as the Department of Energy’s Building Codes Technical Assistant program, the EPA’s Greenhouse Gas Reduction Program, clean energy tax incentives, DOT’s RAISE grants, DOT’s NEVI and CFI grant programs, and more continue to be targets for Congressional leaders. These vital programs touch every state and Congressional district in the U.S. We urge you and your colleagues to avoid any rescissions of IRA or BIL, as these imperative and comprehensive programs continue to support local and community needs across the country and your districts.

We appreciate your consideration of our organizations’ joint priorities. We appreciate your time and efforts and look forward to opportunities to provide further support on future federal spending bills. If you have any questions or would like to meet to discuss these priorities further, please contact Climate Mayors’ Policy Director Meghan Pazik at meghan@climate-mayors.org and C40 Cities Head of US Federal Affairs Kate Johnson at kjohnson@c40.org.

Sincerely,

Kate Wright, Executive Director of Climate Mayors

Kate Johnson, Interim Regional Director, North America for C40 Cities

Climate Mayors Joins 125 Affordable Housing, Consumer, Health, Energy Efficiency, Environmental, Business, and other Organizations On Letter to FHFA re Support for Energy Efficiency Building Codes

The 125 undersigned affordable housing, consumer, health, energy efficiency, environmental, business, and other organizations at the national, state, and local levels urge the FHFA to direct the Government Sponsored Enterprises, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, to join the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Department of Agriculture (USDA) in requiring that all new homes with mortgages backed by the Enterprises meet updated building energy code requirements.

Read the full letter and recommendations therein HERE.

Signed,

Action for the Climate Emergency (ACE), Allendale County ALIVE, Alliance of Nurses for Healthy Environments, American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE), American Lung Association, Americans for Financial Reform Education Fund, ARCH Community Health Coalition, ASHRAE, Bread of Life CDC of La, Brunswick County Habitat,  Building Electrification Institute, CASA of Oregon, cdcb | come dream. come build., Center for Responsible Lending, Ceres, Change the Chamber*Lobby for Climate, Chesapeake Climate Action Network, Climate Action California, Climate and Community Project, Climate Equity Working Group, Climate Mayors - Kate Wright, Executive Director, Climate Psychiatry Alliance, Climate Stick Project, Collaborating Voices Foundation, Common Roots, Community Ventures, Connecticut Citizen Action Group, Consumer Action, Consumer Federation of America, Consumer Watchdog, Damascus Outreach Association Inc, Dance With Todd Inc, Dandelion Energy, Earth Advantage, Earth Ethics. Inc, Earthjustice, ENERSTRUCTA, Enterprise Community Partners, Ethical Capital Investment Collaborative, Evergreen Action, E2, Family Resources of New Orleans, Fauquier Habitat for Humanity, Frontier Housing Corporation, Full Spectrum Labs, Gary E. Hanes & Associates, LLC, Green & Healthy Homes Initiative, Green America, Green Builder® Coalition, Green Projects Group, Habitat for Humanity of Bulloch County, Habitat for Humanity of Wisconsin River Area, Heart House Inc., Highland Community Builders,  Homes and Hope Community Land Trust, Housing Assistance Council, Housing Development Alliance, Inc., Housing Options & Planning Enterprises, Inc., Housing Sustainability Advisors, Institute for Market Transformation, Integrated Community Solutions, Inc, Intentional Endowments Network, Interfaith Housing and Community Services, ISAIAH (MN), Just Solutions, League of Conservation Voters, Lincoln Institute of Land Policy, Local Initiatives Support Corporation, Maine People's Alliance, MHP, MICAH- Metropolitan Interfaith Council on Affordable Housing, Michigan Climate Action Network, Michigan Energy Efficiency Contractors Association (MEECA), Michigan Environmental Council, Mid-Missouri Peaceworks, Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance, MSCCH, National Community Reinvestment Coalition - NCRC, National Consumer Law Center (on behalf of its low-income clients), National Electrical Manufacturers Association, National Environmental Health Association, National Housing Law Project, National NeighborWorks Association, Network for Oregon Affordable Housing, New York Geothermal Energy Organization, Next Step Network, North American Insulation Manufacturers Association, Northwest Kansas Housing, Inc., NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council), Our Spring Lake Store, LLC, Oxfam America, PathStone Corporation, Pennsylvania Utility Law Project, Physicians for Social Responsibility, Prelude Coast Construction, Public Citizen, Rebuilding Together Henry County, Regional Housing Legal Services,  Revolving Door Project, Rewiring America, Rise Economy, RMI, Rural Housing Opportunities Corp., San Francisco Bay Physicians for Social Responsibility, San Joaquin Valley Housing Collaborative, Santa Cruz Climate Action Network, SEEDS Ecology and Education Centers, Seventh Generation Interfaith Coalition for Responsible Investment, Sierra Club, Sisters of St. Francis Dubuque, IA, South Carolina Appleseed Legal Justice Center, Southside Community Development & Housing Corporation, Southwest Energy Efficiency Project, The Center for New York City Neighborhoods, Inc., The Housing Assistance Corporation, The People's Justice Council, The Phoenix Group, THIS! Is What We Did, Under Gods Care Inc, U.S. Green Building Council, U.S. PIRG, "We Are Your Neighbors" Speakers Bureau, ZeroCarbonMA, 350Hawaii, 350 Yakima Climate Action

Statement: Climate Mayors and C40 Cities Renew Commitment to Electrifying Transportation in Cities as the EPA Passes Final Emissions Rule for Heavy-Duty Vehicles

March 29, 2024 – Today, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) adopted a final rule for the GHG Emissions Standards for Heavy-Duty Vehicles – Phase 3 rule (HDV rule). The new standards will allow cities to accelerate the transition to zero emission vehicles, eliminate harmful greenhouse gas emissions, improve air quality, and cut fuel and maintenance costs.

The final rule will reduce greenhouse gas emissions from heavy-duty vehicles – such as trucks and buses – in model year 2027 and apply new and more stringent standards for model years 2028 through 2032. The EPA’s final standards for vehicles are critical for reducing CO2 emissions and are expected to reduce approximately 1 billion metric tons from 2027 through 2055 and deliver climate benefits at $13 billion per year through the rule.

This heavy-duty vehicle rule complements the EPA’s action to control air pollution from vehicles under its “National Freight Strategic Plan,” which will support the transition to electrify our nation’s heavy-duty fleets and reduce harmful pollution. By implementing this final rule, the EPA is driving the transition to zero emission fleets of delivery trucks, school buses, and more in cities.

Mayors are committed to cutting emissions from the transportation sector and increasing the deployment of zero-emission vehicles. Transportation emissions account for nearly 30% of total U.S. carbon emissions with heavy-duty vehicles accounting for nearly 23% of transportation emissions. And while medium-and heavy-duty vehicles only account for a small portion of vehicles on U.S. roads, they generate the majority of harmful emissions. This rule will further bolster the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) which support progress in zero-emission heavy-duty vehicle manufacturing, consumer adoption, and expansion of charging infrastructure.

By electrifying our vehicle fleets, we can impactfully deliver cleaner air and improved health outcomes in our cities – especially for disadvantaged communities who are disproportionately impacted by harmful pollution from heavy-duty trucks and buses.

“The EPA standards for heavy-duty vehicles will allow our cities to take critical action to decarbonize the transportation sector, provide cleaner air, and improve public health,” said Kate Wright, Climate Mayors’ Executive Director. “Our mayors will continue to strive to reach net zero goals as soon as possible in their cities and towns in order to tackle air pollution in our communities and reduce the rates of asthma and other respiratory illnesses. With these new standards, cities can continue to accelerate the transition to electric vehicles and meet our climate goals.”

“Across the US, mayors are taking action to cut pollution from trucks in their cities to improve air quality, support economic development, and meet their climate goals,” said Kate Johnson, Head of US Federal Affairs at C40 Cities. “The EPA’s final rules for heavy duty vehicles will help cities transition to cleaner vehicles, while delivering important health benefits to environmental justice communities by reducing air pollution along trucking routes. The sooner this transition happens, the better. Along with the powerful actions included in the IRA, BIL, and recent EPA rules on light duty vehicle emissions, the federal government is giving cities the tools to create a healthier, safer, and cleaner future for all.”

Statement: Climate Mayors and C40 Cities Support Another Step Forward in Decarbonizing the Transportation Sector with the Finalization of EPA’s Light-Duty Vehicle Standards

March 20, 2024 – Today, on the road to a zero-emission transportation future, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) adopted a final rule for Multi-Pollutant Emissions Standards for Light-Duty and Medium-Duty Vehicles (LDV). We thank the EPA and the Biden Administration for this final rule and continuing to cut pollution from the transportation sector. Climate Mayors and C40 Cities look forward to continuing to work with the Administration to push for ambitious carbon reductions from transportation in cities while also providing low-cost mobility options and ensuring strong labor and job markets for residents.

The transportation sector accounts for 29% of GHG emissions nationally. This makes the transition to clean, zero-emission vehicles critical to achieving our climate and air quality goals —particularly for the wellbeing of low-income communities and communities of color who historically bear a disproportionate burden from harmful air pollution. EPA’s final standards will strengthen federal greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions standards for passenger cars, reducing air pollutants, helping residents save on fuel and maintenance costs, and improving public health.

Local leaders have long been at the center of delivering innovative solutions to lower transportation emissions in their cities. Last year, 66 U.S. mayors and other local officials sent a letter to EPA Administrator Regan urging more stringent standards for both Light-Duty and Heavy-Duty Vehicles. While these final LDV standards are vital to cutting pollution and cleaning up our air, more will need to be done to achieve our shared climate goals.

As we await a strong final rule on GHG Emissions Standards for Heavy-Duty Vehicles that many of our members called for in February, we are excited to see the final LDV standards and know cities will continue to lead on implementing smart and equitable climate solutions.

“The EPA standards are a step in the right direction toward achieving progress in the green transition and improving air quality in communities,” said Kate Wright, Climate Mayors’ Executive Director. “Many cities are taking ambitious steps toward decarbonizing our transportation systems, and with support from the Biden Administration, we can continue to build on crucial local momentum and deliver for generations to come.”

“Mayors across the United States are implementing exciting projects to cut transportation pollution, create jobs, and protect the health and safety of their residents,” said Kate Johnson, Head of US Federal Affairs at C40 Cities. “The EPA's new rule will accelerate the transition to clean, zero-emissions vehicles in every city, and provide critical national support for the local action that will create stronger and healthier communities for all.”

Statement: Climate Mayors Supports Final White House Guidance on Elective Pay for Clean Energy Tax Credits in the Inflation Reduction Act

March 5, 2024 – Today, President Biden released final guidance on elective pay (also known as “direct pay”) for clean energy tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act. With billions of dollars in provisions available, the Inflation Reduction Act will supercharge progress toward an equitable, clean energy economy in cities across the country. Elective pay will enable tax exempt entities including state, local and Tribal governments, public utilities, rural electric cooperatives and non profit organizations to gain access to transformative clean energy tax credits—for the first time ever.

Climate Mayors is dedicated to ensuring that cities have access to the necessary support to actualize ambitious decarbonization plans, build out clean energy infrastructure, lower energy costs for consumers, and promote an equitable and resilient future. From electric vehicle charging infrastructure to solar power to building community wealth through renewable energy, these funds will be highly transformative for the speed and efficacy of the green transition. Now, with the final guidance, local leaders can leverage historic investments to their fullest potential, and take climate action further, faster.

We thank the Biden administration for once again showing unwavering support for city governments and taking into consideration our call for clear elective pay guidelines. Importantly, this final guidance resolves the concerns of many local leaders over the Fiscal Year hangover, by clarifying that any eligible entity who has never filed a tax return can declare the taxable year as the calendar year. With this update, local governments will be able to take full advantage of tax credits towards eligible clean energy projects. With support from the Biden Administration, we look forward to continuing to deploy critical clean energy programs across the nation.

“We’re glad to see the Biden Administration’s steadfast commitment to supporting local leaders in meeting and exceeding our nation’s climate goals,” said Climate Mayors Executive Director, Kate Wright. “Thanks to this final guidance on elective pay, our mayors are empowered to meet this historic moment, leverage tax benefits to support community needs, and bolster cleaner, greener, and more resilient communities for generations to come.”

About Climate Mayors: Climate Mayors is a bipartisan network that has mobilized more than 750 U.S. mayors since 2014, demonstrating climate leadership through meaningful actions in their communities. representing 46 states and nearly 60 million Americans, the Climate Mayors coalition reflects U.S. cities’ commitment to climate progress.

For more information, please visit our website and follow Climate Mayors on X and LinkedIn. For media inquiries please contact climatemayors@fgsglobal.com.

Media Contact: climatemayors@fgsglobal.com

75 Mayors Urge President Biden to Finalize the Strongest Possible EPA Heavy Duty Vehicle Rules

As members of Climate Mayors, a bipartisan network of over 350 Mayors committed to climate action and reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in our cities, we write to urge this Administration to finalize the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) strongest proposed rule for the GHG Emissions Standards for Heavy-Duty Vehicles – Phase 3 rule (HDV rule).

Our coalition believes that finalizing the EPA’s HDV rule will protect public health, address the climate crisis, and align with the heavy-duty vehicle industry’s commitment to transition to zero-emission vehicles. We know that transitioning from Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicles to Electric Vehicles (EVs) results in cleaner air and positive public health benefits from improved air quality, reduced carbon emissions, and financial savings in terms of fuel and maintenance costs. Additionally, the EPA forecasts that depending on the vehicle type, their proposed rule would lead to 25-50% of new sales of HD vehicles being zero-emission in 2032. We must meet the moment and accelerate our efforts to pave the way for sustainable and systemic change.

Read the full letter and recommendations therein HERE.

Signed,

Mayor Justin M. Bibb, Climate Mayors Chair, City of Cleveland, OH

Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway, Climate Mayors Chair Emeritus, City of Madison, WI

Mayor Lauren McLean, Climate Mayors Vice-Chair, City of Boise, ID

​​PRESS RELEASE: Climate Mayors Announces its 2024 Leadership Team

Climate Mayors Closes Out the Year by Welcoming a New Leadership Team to Drive Local Climate Action in 2024

December 12, 2023 — Today, Climate Mayors ushered in its new leadership team to supercharge climate action in 2024. With Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway of Madison concluding her term as Chair of the organization, Mayor Justin Bibb of Cleveland, Ohio will carry the torch in 2024. He will lead alongside Mayor Kate Gallego of Phoenix, Arizona, who has held her Vice-Chair position since 2021, and new incoming Vice-Chair, Mayor Lauren McLean of Boise, Idaho. These admirable leaders have served as models for city-led climate solutions and are positioned to continue their leadership with an acute focus on environmental justice, building and fleet electrification, and public health and safety.

Climate Mayors thanks the outgoing Chair Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway for her dedication to climate action and impactful organizational leadership in 2024. Mayor Rhodes-Conway represented Climate Mayors at the national and international levels and provided the organization with a strong foundation moving into 2024 — encouraging mayors to work together to cultivate new climate solutions, implement game-changing federal funding, and promote climate justice in communities across the country.

The first millennial Mayor of Cleveland, Ohio since 2022 and Vice-Chair of Climate Mayors for the past year, Mayor Justin Bibb has worked tirelessly to advance key policy initiatives that support cities and elevate local voices at the federal level. Mayor Bibb emphasizes the crucial role of local leadership in leveraging historical federal funding from the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) and taking meaningful and equitable climate action in cities like Cleveland, which continue to experience climate vulnerability as a result of historic disinvestment.

With climate justice at the heart of his platform, Mayor Bibb works to represent and uplift the concerns of community members who have experienced adverse effects to health and wellbeing as a result of climate change. To ensure this remains a priority, he appointed Cleveland’s first Director of Sustainability and Climate Justice during his first year as mayor. Mayor Bibb has continued to prioritize environmental justice by advancing affordable solar energy for low and moderate-income families in the city, championing the 15-minute city framework as an economic and climate justice policy that connects communities while decreasing transportation emissions and air pollutants, and mobilizing historic federal funding to take multi-level action in order to rapidly decarbonize the Greater Cleveland region. Mayor Bibb also passed an improved Complete and Green Streets Ordinance, which calls for a restructuring of Cleveland's roads to prioritize people over cars, and is working to reduce flooding and boost communities’ access to water and green spaces through new climate resilience proposals.

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

• Increase the recognition of Climate Mayors at the national and international levels and showcase city success stories.

• Build up funding infrastructure for the organization.

• Emphasize and empower regional engagement with peer mayors.

• Ensure federal funding benefits communities of color and those most vulnerable to climate change.

“I am honored to step into the role of Climate Mayors Chair and to champion ambitious climate action for more just and sustainable cities,” said Mayor Bibb. “With this platform, I will work together with fellow Climate Mayors, the federal government, public and private institutions, and community-based organizations to leverage historic federal funding in a way that benefits communities across the country – particularly those that are most vulnerable to climate impacts due to historic injustices.”

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. Continuing her role as Vice-Chair of Climate Mayors in 2024, Mayor Gallego emphasizes that Climate Mayors must have a strong voice in advocating for a sustained commitment to the promises made in the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL).

“Cities have long led on the forefront of climate change solutions – and with more federal funding flowing than ever, we’re taking our commitments to new heights,” said Mayor Gallego. “I am excited to continue my role as Vice-Chair of Climate Mayors to serve Phoenix and the nation at large, especially at such a pivotal time. Together with Mayors Bibb and McLean, I am committed to leveraging the Climate Mayors network to advance people-first climate initiatives that meet the unique needs of our communities.”

As the first woman to be elected as mayor of Boise in 2019, Mayor Lauren McLean is no stranger to breaking barriers and raising ambitions. In her time as mayor, she has proved her steadfast commitment to advancing localized climate solutions – believing strongly that mayors, local governments, and tribes know best what residents and communities need to be prepared for climate impacts now and in the future.

“Climate Mayors is providing crucial guidance to city leaders across the country to access funds and pool resources and knowledge to advance meaningful climate solutions,” said Mayor McLean. “The role of local governments in creating a climate-ready future for our kids and theirs cannot be understated, as we hear from our residents every day how important this work is to them. I am thrilled to join Mayors Bibb and Gallego on the leadership team and to continue this essential work for Boise and beyond.”

“It's been an honor to serve as the Chair of such a future-forward organization that’s dedicated to helping mayors act on climate solutions,” said Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway. “Cities are a critical actor in climate action, and mayors have the ambition to achieve climate goals. Organizations like Climate Mayors help grow local efforts through the exchange of ideas and tools for implementation, while also amplifying the voices of cities nationally. I’m pleased to see the progress we’ve made together in 2023, and am excited to see Climate Mayors continue to grow in the years to come.”

“Climate Mayors is thrilled to welcome these three outstanding mayors to our leadership team as they integrate their fresh and diverse perspectives into the vision of our organization,” said Kate Wright, Climate Mayors’ Executive Director. “With the leadership of Mayors Bibb, Gallego, and McLean we will continue to challenge ourselves to ramp up decarbonization, climate justice, and community resilience in 2024 while providing a network of support to local leaders – laying the foundation for healthier and more sustainable cities across the country.”

About Climate Mayors: Climate Mayors is a bipartisan network that has mobilized more than 750 U.S. mayors since 2014, demonstrating climate leadership through meaningful actions in their communities. Representing 48 states and nearly 60 million Americans, the Climate Mayors coalition reflects U.S. cities’ commitment to climate progress. For more information, please visit our website and follow Climate Mayors on Twitter and LinkedIn.

For media inquiries please contact climatemayors@fgsglobal.com.

​​Climate Mayors Welcomes 2024 Leadership Team

Climate Mayors closes out the year by welcoming a new leadership team and looking ahead to key 2024 climate action priorities

December 12, 2023 – Today, Climate Mayors looked to the future as it ushered in its new leadership team and honed in on new pathways to supercharge climate action in 2024. With Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway of Madison concluding her term as Chair of the organization, Mayor Justin Bibb of Cleveland, Ohio will take over as Chair for the 2024 year. Having served as Vice-Chair in 2023, he will continue to build his climate legacy as a strong advocate for elevating local climate leadership. Mayor Kate Gallego of Phoenix, Arizona, who has held her Vice-Chair position since 2021, and new incoming Vice-Chair, Mayor Lauren McLean of Boise, Idaho will round out the Climate Mayors leadership team. Over the past year, cities have begun to feel the transformative impacts of federal investments like the Inflation Reduction Act and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. 2024 will be another crucial year to further accelerate climate action, with no time left to waste in implementing ambitious plans to reduce emissions and build more climate-resilient communities across the country. These admirable leaders have served as models for city-led solutions to the climate crisis, and are positioned to continue their leadership with an acute focus on issues such as environmental justice, building and fleet electrification, and public health and safety over the next year.

The first millennial Mayor of Cleveland, Ohio, Mayor Justin Bibb has served as mayor since 2022. As Vice-Chair of Climate Mayors for the past year, Mayor Bibb has worked tirelessly to advance key policy initiatives that support cities and elevate local voices at the federal level. Mayor Bibb has emphasized the crucial role of local leadership in leveraging historical federal funding from the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) and taking meaningful and equitable climate action in cities like Cleveland, which continue to experience climate vulnerability as a result of historic disinvestment. As an elected leader devoted to advancing racial, social, and health equity in his hometown, Bibb has highlighted the importance of public-private collaboration and maintained strong ties to community-based organizations focused on achieving the change that Cleveland communities want and need to see in their city. With climate justice at the heart of his platform, Mayor Bibb works to represent and uplift the concerns of community members who have experienced adverse effects to health and wellbeing as a result of climate change. To ensure this remains of priority, he appointed Cleveland’s first Director of Sustainability and Climate Justice during his first year as mayor. Mayor Bibb has continued to prioritize environmental justice by advancing affordable solar energy for low and moderate-income families in the city, championing the15-minute city framework as an economic and climate justice policy that connects communities while decreasing transportation emissions and air pollutants, and mobilizing historic federal funding totake multi-level action in order to rapidly decarbonize the Greater Cleveland region. Mayor Bibb also passed an improved Complete and Green Streets Ordinance, which calls for a restructuring of Cleveland's roads to prioritize people over cars, and is working to reduce flooding and boost communities’ access to water and green spaces through new climate resilience proposals. As Chair of Climate Mayors, Mayor Bibb has highlighted three priorities for his one-year term: 

1. Increase the recognition of Climate Mayors at the national and international levels and showcasing city success stories

2. Build up funding infrastructure for the organization

3. Emphasize and empower regional engagement with peer mayors

4. Ensure federal funding benefits communities of color and those most vulnerable to climate change 

“I am honored to step into the role of Climate Mayors Chair and to continue to champion ambitious climate action for more just and sustainable cities,” said Mayor Bibb. “With this platform, I will work together with fellow Climate Mayors, the federal government, public and private institutions, and community-based organizations to leverage historic federal funding in a way that benefits communities across the country – particularly those that are most vulnerable to climate impacts due to historic injustices.”

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. Continuing her role as Vice-Chair of Climate Mayors in 2024, Mayor Gallego emphasizes that climate action must be prioritized in local, state, and federal elections and that Climate Mayors must have a strong voice in advocating for a sustained commitment to the promises made in the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL).On the local level, Mayor Gallego aims to make Phoenix the most sustainable desert city on the planet – and that means tackling the dual challenge of heat and water. Phoenix was the first city in the country to take the American Forests’ Tree Equity Pledge in 2021, a commitment that all neighborhoods achieve a standard of shade cover by 2030. Under Gallego’s leadership, Phoenix established the first publicly funded Office of Heat Response and Mitigation in the nation to drive innovative strategies for a cooler, more comfortable city.  Additionally, new water conservation policies and regional working groups aim to build common ground among Western mayors and local officials to uplift conservation successes that demonstrate a shared commitment to reducing dependence on the strained Colorado River. Phoenix is instituting conservation measures at all scales – from Sustainable Desert Development policies that significantly reduce water use in new construction, to incentivizing residents to adopt native desert vegetation and efficient appliances. Going into her 3rd year as Vice-Chair of Climate Mayors, Mayor Gallego has identified three key priorities for 2024: 

1. Sustain commitments of Inflation Reduction Act and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and highlighting local implementation success stories

2. Continue to uplift and support the efforts of the Western Water Security regional working group

3. Expand meaningful engagement opportunities for Climate Mayors members

“Cities have long led on the forefront of climate change solutions – and with more federal funding flowing than ever, we’re taking our commitments to new heights,” said Mayor Gallego. “I am excited to continue my role as Vice-Chair of Climate Mayors to serve Phoenix and the nation at large, especially at such a pivotal time.  Together with Mayors Bibb and McLean, I am committed to leveraging the Climate Mayors network to advance people-first climate initiatives that meet the unique needs of our communities.”

In 2019, Lauren McLean became the first woman to be elected Mayor of Boise. In her time as mayor, she has proved her steadfast commitment to advancing localized climate solutions – believing strongly that mayors, local governments, and tribes know best what residents and communities need to be prepared for climate impacts now and in the future. Mayor McLean has seen the worsening climate impacts first hand in Boise. Last summer, the city experienced its second hottest summer, with nearly twice as many days over 100 degrees than 30 years ago. But under McLean’s leadership, the city has fought climate change ambitiously — especially through the city’s goal to be powered by 100% clean electricity for its government operations by 2030, which Boise is on track to meet five to six years early. In 2021, Mayor McLean joined The America the Beautiful initiative, a coalition of 70 mayors committed to conserving 30 percent of American lands by 2030. McLean has worked to build out Boise’s program to protect 30 percent of open space and parks – specifically with the plan to double the city’s tree canopy. And looking to future generations, mayor McLean launched the Youth Climate Action Council, which unites young people from across Boise to take action on climate issues with creative projects. As incoming Vice-Chair, Mayor McLean highlighted 2 key priorities for the 2024 year:

1. Ensure that crucial funds for climate action flow directly to cities, particularly for those in traditionally red states.

2. Cultivate new ways for Climate Mayors to connect and leverage expertise between member cities, and continue empowering cities to advance climate priorities.

“Climate Mayors is providing crucial guidance to city leaders across the country to access funds and pool resources and knowledge to advance meaningful climate solutions,” said Mayor McLean. “The role of local governments in creating a climate ready future for our kids and theirs cannot be understated, as we hear from our residents every day how important this work is to them. I am thrilled to join Mayors Bibb and Gallego on the leadership team and to continue this essential work for Boise and beyond.”

For media inquiries please contact climatemayors@fgsglobal.com

Climate Mayors Announces New Chair, Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb

At a virtual convening today, Climate Mayors announced their new Chair to drive local climate action in 2024

December 12, 2023 – Today, Climate Mayors looked to the future as it ushered in its new leadership team and honed in on new pathways to supercharge climate action in 2024. With Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway of Madison concluding term as Chair of the organization, Mayor Justin Bibb of Cleveland, Ohio will take over as Chair for the 2024 year. Having served as Vice-Chair in 2023, he will continue to build his climate legacy as a strong advocate for elevating local climate leadership. Mayor Kate Gallego of Phoenix, Arizona, who has held her Vice-Chair position since 2021, and new incoming Vice-Chair, Mayor Lauren McLean of Boise, Idaho will round out the Climate Mayors leadership team. 

The first millennial Mayor of Cleveland, Ohio, Mayor Justin Bibb has served as mayor since 2022. As Vice-Chair of Climate Mayors for the past year, Mayor Bibb has worked tirelessly to advance key policy initiatives that support cities and elevate local voices at the federal level. Mayor Bibb has emphasized the crucial role of local leadership in leveraging historical federal funding from the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) and taking meaningful and equitable climate action in cities like Cleveland, which continue to experience climate vulnerability as a result of historic disinvestment. As an elected leader devoted to advancing racial, social, and health equity in his hometown, Bibb has highlighted the importance of public-private collaboration and maintained strong ties to community-based organizations focused on achieving the change that Cleveland communities want and need to see in their city. With climate justice at the heart of his platform, Mayor Bibb works to represent and uplift the concerns of community members who have experienced adverse effects to health and wellbeing as a result of climate change. To ensure this remains of priority, he appointed Cleveland’s first Director of Sustainability and Climate Justice during his first year as mayor. Mayor Bibb has continued to prioritize environmental justice by advancing affordable solar energy for low and moderate-income families in the city, championing the 15-minute city framework as an economic and climate justice policy that connects communities while decreasing transportation emissions and air pollutants, and mobilizing historic federal funding to take multi-level action in order to rapidly decarbonize the Greater Cleveland region. Mayor Bibb also passed an improved Complete and Green Streets Ordinance, which calls for a restructuring of Cleveland's roads to prioritize people over cars, and is working to reduce flooding and boost communities’ access to water and green spaces through new climate resilience proposals. Having such robust experience in implementing policies and projects, Mayor Bibb is sure to contribute to the momentum and scale of fellow Climate Mayors’ climate ambitions during his term.

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

1. Increase the recognition of Climate Mayors at the national and international levels and showcasing city success stories

2. Build up funding infrastructure for the organization

3. Emphasize and empower regional engagement with peer mayors

4. Ensure federal funding benefits communities of color and those most vulnerable to climate change 

The Climate Mayors is proud to welcome the leadership and innovation of Mayor Bibb as the youngest Chair of our organization. As the world inches closer to reaching irreversible climate tipping points, we acknowledge that there is no time to waste. We must meet the moment and address the climate crisis with urgency and tact – that work continues today. 

I am honored to step into the role of Climate Mayors Chair and to continue to champion ambitious climate action for more just and sustainable cities,” said Mayor Bibb. “With this platform, I will work together with fellow Climate Mayors, the federal government, public and private institutions, and community-based organizations to leverage historic federal funding in a way that benefits communities across the country – particularly those that are most vulnerable to climate impacts due to historic injustices.”

“Cities have long led on the forefront of climate change solutions – and with more federal funding flowing than ever, we’re taking our commitments to new heights,” said Mayor Gallego. “I am excited to continue my role as Vice-Chair of Climate Mayors to serve Phoenix and the nation at large, especially at such a pivotal time.  Together with Mayors Bibb and McLean, I am committed to leveraging the Climate Mayors network to advance people-first climate initiatives that meet the unique needs of our communities.”

“Climate Mayors is providing crucial guidance to city leaders across the country to access funds and pool resources and knowledge to advance meaningful climate solutions,” said Mayor McLean. “The role of local governments in creating a climate ready future for our kids and theirs cannot be understated, as we hear from our residents every day how important this work is to them. I am thrilled to join Mayors Bibb and Gallego on the leadership team and to continue this essential work for Boise and beyond.”

For media inquiries please contact climatemayors@fgsglobal.com

Climate Mayors Celebrates Outgoing Chair Mayor Satya Rhodes–Conway

Mayor Rhodes-Conway ends her term as Chair after driving organization-wide progress and climate solutions in 2023

December 12, 2023 – Today Climate Mayors celebrates its 2023 Chair, Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway of Madison, WI for her dedication and leadership. She led the organization through a year of historic funding wins and groundbreaking projects, programs, and initiatives. From driving decarbonization initiatives on the home front in Wisconsin to letting her voice be heard in national opinion pieces, webinars, and interviews, our Chair always kept the climate mission front and center in her work as mayor – leading by example.Climate Mayors thanks Mayor Rhodes-Conway for her dedication and the resulting growth of the organization. She provided the organization with a strong foundation to continue our work into 2024 as we help cities reach their climate targets, encourage mayors to work together to cultivate new solutions, implement game changing federal funding and promote climate justice in communities across the country.

Mayor Rhodes-Conway’s leadership highlights with Climate Mayors include:

• Built connections between mayors and the organization to strengthen the value of the mayoral network and provide more mayors with helpful guidance and tools related to federal programs and climate action.

• Invited to provide plenary remarks at the White House Summit on Building Climate-Resilient Communities to celebrate the local leaders nationwide that are helping drive us toward a more healthy, equitable and resilient future.

• Represented Climate Mayors on the global stage at COP28 and championed for subnational and national collaboration and cooperation.

• Represented Climate Mayors in meetings with federal officials, the private sector, and other climate organizations during New York Climate Week, the U.S. Conference of Mayors, and countless webinars, workshops, and panel discussions.

• Called for protection of key climate provisions in the Inflation Reduction Act in a national op-ed.

• Helped organize mayoral interaction with federal leaders, including numerous sign on letters urging Congress and the Administration to lead on climate issues. 

For media inquiries please contact climatemayors@fgsglobal.com 

Climate Mayors and C40 Cities Celebrate the 2nd Anniversary of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law & Resulting Historic Investments in Local Infrastructure Projects

City-climate organizations laud progress made so far, and look ahead to building sustainable infrastructure and paving the way to equitable and climate resilient cities.

Today, we celebrate the second anniversary of the passage of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) – groundbreaking legislation enacted by the Biden-Harris administration which invested $550 billion for infrastructure projects, which can be directed to build an economy powered by clean energy and resilient to climate change. Cities play a crucial role in realizing the potential of this transformative legislation. Through this law, mayors are not just repairing roads and bridges, they are laying the foundation for an improved quality of life for residents. Climate Mayors and C40 Cities remain committed to supporting cities to leverage federal funding to catalyze innovative, climate-forward projects. Together, we will secure climate resilient infrastructure, create jobs, improve lives and protect our planet.Over the last two years, local leaders have showcased what can be done with federal support for climate action and sustainable development. Our member mayors have mobilized millions of dollars toward projects and initiatives that deliver climate resilience, decarbonization and environmental justice on the ground. From reconnecting neighborhoods and ensuring equitable access in places like Atlanta and Houston, to electrifying bus fleets in Madison, mayors have met the moment, using federal funding to take their climate action plans to new heights. Together, Climate Mayors, C40 Cities and our member mayors recommit ourselves to the task at hand, knowing that by working together we have the power to shape a future that is equitable, resilient, and sustainable in the face of climate change.

“Investments in clean energy, electrified transit, and climate resilience are the building blocks of our sustainable future. Thanks to the funds from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, that future is becoming much more tangible – but the work doesn’t stop there. On this anniversary, Climate Mayors is proud to support mayors as they take their infrastructure improvement plans further, faster.” – Kate Wright, Executive Director at Climate Mayors

“Two years in, we've seen cities tap into infrastructure funding for meaningful climate action including buying clean electric school buses, advancing sustainable transportation options like transit, cycling, and safe walking routes for all residents, and preparing communities for climate change. We need to build on this progress to ensure the funding continues to flow toward pro-climate projects." – Kate Johnson, Head of US Federal Affairs at C40 Cities

“In Madison, we’re taking full advantage of federal dollars, including support from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. We’ve purchased 62 electric sixty-foot buses for a new bus rapid transit system, we’re developing a PFAS treatment facility for our drinking water, expanding numerous bike paths, converting more streetlights to efficient LEDs, improving pedestrian safety, and rebuilding an aging bridge – all thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The BIL is improving the lives of Madisonians and investing in jobs, while supporting our climate goals. I’m thrilled to celebrate the 2nd anniversary of the BIL by staying committed to building sustainable infrastructure for our communities now and in the future.” — Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway, Chair of Climate Mayors, Madison, Wisconsin

“The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is making game changing infrastructure improvements in cities across the country. In Phoenix, we are leveraging federal dollars to achieve our goal of becoming the most sustainable desert city. From electrifying our bus fleet to protecting our precious water supply, this legislation has allowed us to accelerate our climate investments.” — Mayor Kate Gallego, Vice-Chair of Climate Mayors and C40 Cities Steering Committee Member, Phoenix, Arizona

“The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law injected crucial funding into the American economy and gave cities new means to prioritize sustainable infrastructure projects. In Ohio, we're confronting legacy pollution and making significant progress in the clean-up and restoration of the Great Lakes’ most environmentally degraded sites, thanks to a $1 billion infusion from the BIL to the region. Securing clean water and creating good-paying jobs for residents is a real cause for celebration on this 2nd anniversary.” — Mayor Justin Bibb, Vice-Chair of Climate Mayors, Cleveland, Ohio

Signed,

Kate Wright, Executive Director at Climate MayorsKate Johnson, Head of US Federal Affairs at C40 Cities

About Climate Mayors:Climate mayors is a bipartisan network that has mobilized more than 750 U.S. mayors since 2014, demonstrating climate leadership through meaningful actions in their communities. representing 46 states and nearly 60 million Americans, the climate mayors coalition reflects U.S. cities’ commitment to climate progress. For more information, please visit our website and follow Climate Mayors on Twitter and LinkedIn. For media inquiries please contact climatemayors@fgsglobal.com. Media Contact: climatemayors@fgsglobal.com 

About C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group: 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.The current co-chairs of C40 are Mayor Sadiq Khan of London, United Kingdom and Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr of Freetown, Sierra Leone; three-term Mayor of New York City Michael R. Bloomberg serves as President of the Board. C40’s work is made possible by our three strategic funders: Bloomberg Philanthropies, Children’s Investment Fund Foundation and Realdania.To learn more about the work of C40 and our cities, please visit our website or follow us on X, Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn. 

Climate Mayors Announces New Steering Committee Members to Deepen Leadership on Local Climate Action

New members to bring fresh ideas and cross-regional learning to the organization of over 350+ mayors.

October 31, 2023 – Since 2014, Climate Mayors has mobilized over 750 U.S. mayors in the fight against the climate crisis, and today, the organization enhances its Steering Committee with six new members. The following six mayors: Angela Birney, Redmond, WA; Barbara Buffaloe, Columbia, MO; Thomas Roach, White Plains, NY; Frank Scott, Jr., Little Rock, AR; Caroline Simmons, Stamford, CT; and Miro Weinberger, Burlington, VT will serve as critical pillars within the Climate Mayors network and across the country. As we enter a critical year to deliver on the promises of the Biden-Harris clean energy plan in our cities, we look towards these strong climate champions to continue their clean energy, resilience and climate justice leadership.

These six mayors join the Steering Committee with returning members: Justin Bibb, Cleveland, OH; Michael P. Cahill, Beverly, MA; LaToya Cantrell, New Orleans, LA; Jane Castor, Tampa, FL; Andre Dickens, Atlanta, GA; Buddy Dyer, Orlando, FL; Jacob Frey, Minneapolis, MN; Ed Gainey, Pittsburgh, PA; Karen Bass, Los Angeles, CA; Kate Gallego, Phoenix, AZ; Jim Hovland, Edina, MN; Eric Johnson, Dallas, TX; Lioneld Jordan, Fayetteville, AR; Tim Keller, Albuquerque, NM; Indya Kincannon, Knoxville, TN; Lauren McLean, Boise, ID; Jeffrey Mims, Jr, Dayton, OH; Ron Nirenberg, San Antonio, TX; Satya Rhodes-Conway, Madison, WI; Daniel Rickenmann, Columbia, SC; Regina Romero, Tucson, AZ; Lucy Vinis, Eugene, OR; and Michelle Wu, Boston, MA. The Steering Committee works alongside the Climate Mayors’ Chair, Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway, and Vice-Chairs, Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego and Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb to continue driving local climate action to create cities that not only survive but thrive in the face of the most challenging issue of our time – climate change. With the addition of these new members, the Steering Committee will continue to catalyze membership and more deeply engage their regions, in addition to showcasing how Climate Mayors are ramping up innovative energy, justice, and decarbonization projects to secure both resiliency and prosperity in cities across the U.S.

“To stay on top of an issue as complex as climate change, we must engage the best and brightest leaders who are passionate and focused on making a lasting change. At Climate Mayors, we prioritize learning, innovation and action – and that’s why we’re bringing in new leadership to our Steering Committee who will support both the mission of the organization and local communities in driving climate progress.” – Kate Wright, Executive Director of Climate Mayors

“I’m thrilled to have the support and expertise of our new steering committee members as we focus on mobilizing unprecedented levels of federal funding to benefit our communities. With the addition of this diverse group of proven leaders, Climate Mayors is stronger than ever.” – Satya Rhodes-Conway, Mayor of Madison, WI, and Climate Mayors Chair

About Climate Mayors: Climate mayors is a bipartisan network that has mobilized more than 750 U.S. mayors since 2014, demonstrating climate leadership through meaningful actions in their communities. representing 46 states and nearly 60 million Americans, the climate mayors coalition reflects U.S. cities’ commitment to climate progress. For more information, please visit our website and follow Climate Mayors on Twitter and LinkedIn. For media inquiries please contact climatemayors@fgsglobal.com. 

Media Contact: climatemayors@fgsglobal.com  

City-Climate Coalition Appropriations Letter

As members of Climate Mayors, a bipartisan network of over 350 mayors committed to climate action; the Urban Sustainability Directors Network (USDN), a coalition of local government sustainability practitioners representing more than 280 communities; C40 cities, a network of mayors of nearly 100 world-leading cities, including 14 cities in the United States; the U.S. Conference of Mayors, representing over 1,400 cities with populations of 30,000 or more; and the National League of Cities, representing 19,000 cities, towns and villages nationwide, we urge Congressional leaders to move forward with final passage of a clean FY24 spending bill with zero cuts to the investments from the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) that are already working to support local economies and creating good jobs.Cities across America have long demonstrated that economic growth and environmental stewardship go hand in hand – and now, our federal government can show the world that investments in a just and clean energy economy are investments in the future of our workforce, the well-being of generations, and the resilience of our infrastructure and public spaces. This moment demands that we accelerate our efforts to drive ambitious, systemic change.

Read the full letter and recommendations therein HERE.

Signed,

Kate Wright, Executive Director, Climate Mayors

Cynthia McCoy, Director, Federal Engagement, Urban Sustainability Directors Network

Clarence E. Anthony, CEO & Executive Director, National League of Cities

Laura Jay, Regional Director, North AmericaC40 Cities

Tom Cochran, CEO & Executive DirectorThe U.S. Conference of Mayors