Membership

ICLEI USA is the largest and longest-running network of local governments advancing sustainability and climate action. As an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we support cities, towns, counties, regions, and Tribal nations with the tools, expertise, and peer connections they need to move from planning to implementation.

No matter where you are on your journey — whether building your first greenhouse gas inventory or implementing advanced, cross-sector plans — ICLEI USA meets you where you are and helps you move forward.

Why Join ICLEI USA?

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.

Membership Options

Local Governments

Cities, towns, and counties of all sizes are the backbone of our network. From volunteer committees in rural towns to fully staffed sustainability offices in major cities, ICLEI USA equips local governments with the tools, technical expertise, and guidance to set goals, measure progress, and implement solutions.

Member benefits include:

Access to subject-matter support to ClearPath 2.0 for climate action planning and emissions tracking.
Ongoing technical advising tailored to your priorities.
Support for local climate, energy, biodiversity, and resilience planning.
Guidance on funding opportunities, climate finance, & public-private partnership development.
Recognition programs that showcase leadership on the national and global stage.

Regions

Regional planning agencies, councils of governments, and metropolitan organizations play a critical role in coordinating across municipalities. As ICLEI USA Regional Affiliates, these organizations leverage our tools and expertise to support climate and sustainability action across their jurisdictions.

Affiliate benefits include:

Access to one regional ClearPath 2.0 Board with all core functionality and modules required for platform success. Access to local government boards within the region is available for an additional fee.
One-on-one advising and regional peer exchange opportunities.
Templates, data resources, and lessons learned from regional climate planning nationwide.

Tribal Nations

Tribal nations join ICLEI USA to advance operational, facilities-focused, and community-wide sustainability. We provide culturally relevant support and technical expertise to help tribes reduce emissions, strengthen resilience, and secure funding for climate action.