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U.S. Mayors Celebrate Leadership in Climate Action

On June 19, 2025, at the U.S. Conference of Mayors' 93rd Annual Meeting held in Tampa, Florida, eleven U.S. mayors received the prestigious Mayors' Climate Protection Award, recognizing their outstanding local initiatives in the fight against climate change. Among the honorees, San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie and Colton Mayor Frank J. Navarro emerged as the top award winners, showcasing innovative solutions that address the pressing challenges of energy demand and climate resilience.

Mayor Lurie’s notable achievement lies in the CleanPowerSF program, which aims to provide 100% clean, reliable electricity to over 380,000 households and businesses. This program not only reduces the carbon footprint but also invests the revenue back into local energy initiatives. Lurie expressed gratitude for the recognition, emphasizing that San Francisco has long been at the forefront of climate action, striving to build a more sustainable future through innovative solutions. The CleanPowerSF program is a testament to this commitment, achieving a 98% reduction in the city's electricity sector emissions.

In Colton, Mayor Navarro is implementing the Urban Heat Resilience Program, responding decisively to the increasing threats from extreme heat due to climate change. Unlike traditional strategies, this comprehensive program emphasizes community engagement and sustainability. Navarro highlighted that their approach includes expanding tree canopies and forming robust partnerships with community members to ensure an equitable response to climate concerns. By focusing on public health and energy efficiency, the Urban Heat Resilience Program sets a precedent for how smaller cities can effectively lead in environmental protection efforts.

Tom Cochran, the CEO of the U.S. Conference of Mayors, stressed the importance of local action in shaping a sustainable energy future. He noted that the demonstrated leadership by these mayors serves as a powerful reminder of the crucial role mayors play in securing healthier and more sustainable communities.

The awards received significant support from Walmart, reflecting the corporation's commitment to sustainability. Javier Angulo, Walmart's Group Director for Community Relations, acknowledged the dedication of these mayors, affirming the positive impact of local leadership on creating stronger communities. Walmart aims to integrate sustainable practices across its value chain, ensuring a regenerative approach that benefits both people and the planet.

The awards also recognized notable efforts from other mayors, including:

• - Lansing Mayor Andy Schor for the Food Scraps Drop-off Program.
• - Las Vegas Mayor Shelley Berkley for the City Composting Program.
• - Lincoln Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird for the Heat Pump Incentive Program.
• - Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego for the PHX Sky Train.
• - Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell for the Residential Heat Pump Incentive Program.

In the small city category, mayors like Littleton’s Kyle Schlachter and Northglenn’s Meredith Leighty were acknowledged for their sustainability and building certification efforts respectively.

The impact of these programs goes beyond local recognition; they shape a model of climate action that other cities can replicate. The detailed descriptions of all award-winning initiatives highlight the creativity and commitment of mayors to make tangible improvements towards climate resilience.

The U.S. Conference of Mayors underscores the vital role of innovative leadership at the local level in combating climate change and fostering sustainability. The annual Climate Protection Awards not only honor exceptional achievements but also inspire future actions across the nation as municipalities aim for a greener, more sustainable future.