A Network Built by Local Governments, for Local Governments
For more than 30 years, ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability USA (ICLEI USA) has supported cities, towns, counties, regions, and Tribal nations in helping them achieve their climate and sustainability goals. As the nation’s first and largest local government network dedicated to this work, we are a U.S. nonprofit, founded in Massachusetts and headquartered in Denver, Colorado, with staff located across the country.
Since 1991, we have served as an affiliate office of the global ICLEI network, operating as an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit while being a part of a community of more than 2,500 local and regional governments in 125+ countries. We support our members as they pursue their priorities across five pathways: zero emission, nature-based, equitable, resilient, and circular development.
Your Community Sets the Course
Led by and for local governments, ICLEI USA meets communities where they are, providing the tools, expertise, and support they need to advance their sustainability priorities. Our ICLEI Pathways guide solutions across people, the built environment, and nature, while our pioneering standards and resources help reduce air pollution, improve lives, and protect your community and its natural resources.
Who We Work With
Meet the ICLEI USA Network
Scroll to see our members and affiliates in Alaska and Hawaii.
Our Impact
Since 1991, ICLEI USA has worked with more than 1,200 communities across all 50 states to advance local climate action at scale.
What We Offer Members
At ICLEI USA, we help both staff and elected leaders make climate action happen in their communities. From hands-on support for day-to-day work to opportunities to represent your city or town on the global stage, we give you the tools and guidance to lead. Here’s how we support staff and elected officials in different ways.
- For Elected Officials
- For Staff
For Elected Officials
ICLEI USA provides mayors, council members, commissioners, and other local leaders with a platform to champion sustainability, resilience, and global leadership.
- Leadership Cohorts: Join peer learning groups with other mayors, council members, and local leaders to share strategies, tackle common challenges, and advance sustainability in your community.
- Advocacy on the Global Stage – Opportunities to represent your community at major international gatherings, including United Nations climate and biodiversity conferences, the annual High-Level Political Forum in New York, and Climate Week NYC.
- Policy Impact at Home – Guidance on adopting ambitious, data-driven policies, including science-based emissions reduction targets, Climate Emergency Declarations, and state-local collaborations.
- Local Diplomacy – Participate in programs like Cities Forward, Race to Resilience Culture, and other exchanges that connect U.S. leaders with peers worldwide.
- Leadership Roles within ICLEI – Eligibility to serve on ICLEI’s North American Regional Executive Committee (RexCom) and other global leadership groups shaping the international sustainability agenda.
For Staff
Our support is practical, flexible, and tailored to your community’s climate and sustainability journey.
- A Dedicated Advisor – Work directly with an expert who understands local government needs.
- Tailored Technical Assistance – Receive hands-on technical support customized to your community’s priorities and capacity.
- Tools & Resources That Work – Use ClearPath 2.0, LEARN, and other resources trusted nationwide.
- Practical Support – Get help with planning, data, funding, and implementation.
- Peer Connection & Exchange – Learn from communities like yours through trainings, cohorts, and workshops.
- National & International Leadership – Show your residents and peers that your community is taking action.
