Mayors Climate Action Training Program

Mayors are at the forefront of climate action, uniquely positioned to turn bold policies into real-world solutions that reduce pollution and build healthy, sustainable communities. That’s why ICLEI USA and EDF are partnering to launch a dynamic Climate Action Training Program for the African American Mayors Association—providing mayors with the tools, strategies, and technical expertise needed to craft science-based Climate Action Plans and drive transformative change in their cities.

This program, designed for cities in the formative stages of climate action, will focus on:

  • Setting a clear vision and process for climate planning
  • Developing emissions reduction targets and implementation roadmaps
  • Navigating funding and financing strategies
  • Aligning political leadership with technical action

What You’ll Gain

By the conclusion of the training, participating mayors will:

  • Demonstrate Leadership by making a public commitment to reducing pollution and advancing the health and sustainability of their community.
  • Establish a Strategic Path Forward with a clearly defined set of actions and next steps, tailored to the unique needs and priorities of their community.
  • Strengthen Capacity and Confidence to effectively lead and support climate and sustainability initiatives.

Please submit your Expression of Interest by May 16.

At a Glance

Open To:

African American Mayors Association (AAMA) mayors

# Participants:

10

Dates:

June 2025- Early 2026

Level:

100 - Introductory

Price:

Free

Pathways:

Low Emissions

Value

There is no cost to participate, thanks to the generosity of the Environmental Defense Fund.

Prerequisites

This training is designed for mayors whose communities are in the early or formative stages of climate and sustainability planning—whether just beginning to set a vision, identify priorities, or explore policy pathways. Participants do not need to have a formal climate action plan in place; rather, this program will provide the foundation, tools, and guidance to help initiate or accelerate that work with clarity and confidence.

Who Will Participate

Up to 10 mayors will participate.

Effort Level

This cohort is designed for mayors who are ready to take meaningful steps toward climate action. Participants are expected to: – Make a public commitment to reducing pollution and advancing the health and sustainability of their community. – Attend all training sessions to fully engage in the program. When scheduling conflicts arise, mayors are encouraged to designate a senior staff representative to participate on their behalf to ensure continuity. This level of engagement will help ensure that participants leave the program with a strong foundation and a clear path forward. In addition to the group training sessions, each participating city will receive up to five hours of one-on-one technical support from ICLEI USA. This individualized support will help mayors and their teams refine their climate action strategies, navigate specific challenges, and access tailored resources.

Schedule

Exact dates and topics pending participant input. Tentatively planned sessions are:
Session 1: Introduction to Local Climate Action & the Role of Mayors
Session 2: Greenhouse Gas Inventories & Climate Action Planning
Session 3: Cross-cutting Climate Solutions
Session 4: Funding & Financing Climate Initiatives
Session 5: Environmental Justice & Community Engagement
Session 6: Leveraging Data & Technology (ClearPath 2.0 & Beyond)
Session 7: Policy & Advocacy for Local Climate Leadership
Session 8: Implementation Roadmaps & Next Steps

Questions?

Contact Dr. Tonya Calhoun at tcalhoun@edf.org.