Rio de Janeiro, Brazil — November 6, 2025 — ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability USA (ICLEI USA) is proud to announce the launch of the Capital Cities Collaborative, a national initiative supported by Esther A. & Joseph Klingenstein Fund is designed to accelerate the adoption of sustainable building energy efficiency and transportation policies in U.S. communities.
The Collaborative brings together more than 20 state capital cities to design and implement policies that will reduce municipal energy costs, boost electric vehicle deployment, and significantly improve air quality and public health. These communities bring energy, purpose, and a clear desire to make a difference:
“Collaboration between towns and cities in sustainable and renewable energy is essential for creating lasting environmental and economic benefits. Working together allows communities to share resources, expertise, and infrastructure, which leads to more efficient use of energy systems and reduces costs. By uniting around common goals, municipalities can attract more funding, foster innovation, and set strong examples of environmental stewardship for future generations.” — Mayor Wilmot Collins, City of Helena, Montana
“The Capital Cities Clean Energy Collaborative is a vital initiative that supports Salem in advancing its climate and sustainability goals. As a City Councilor, I believe this initiative is instrumental in furthering the implementation of Salem’s Climate Action Plan and, in conjunction with the City’s Municipal Energy Master Plan, it reduces energy consumption in City facilities and increases renewable energy generation. These efforts directly contribute to lowering greenhouse gas emissions, helping us combat climate change and creating a healthier environment while reducing energy costs. The collaborative also fosters vital knowledge-sharing among decision-makers and staff, enabling us to adopt best practices tailored to Salem’s unique socio-political landscape. Strengthening this network of support ensures we build a more resilient, sustainable community, and demonstrates our ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship for future generations.” — Councilmember Micki Varney, Salem, Oregon
“We’re already seeing the impacts of climate change on our neighborhoods: longer, hotter seasons, intensifying storms, increased flooding, and worsening air pollution. That’s why Albany has taken action by switching to 100% renewable energy for municipal operations, installing EV [electric vehicles] chargers across the city, and investing in innovative projects like geothermal heating at affordable housing sites — all solutions that improve quality of life for community members. But we know our impacts can be exponential if we work together, which is why we are so proud to join the launch of the Capital Cities Collaborative. Together, Albany and Capital Cities across the United States can chart a course toward cleaner, healthier, and more just communities, and show what’s possible when we become the epicenter of climate action.” — Mayor Sheehan, Albany, NY
Through structured policy accelerator sessions, one-on-one consultations, and peer-to-peer learning, participating cities will create city-level policy roadmaps focused on:
- Accelerating building energy efficiency through updated codes, incentives, and education campaigns
- Promoting electric vehicle adoption through fleet electrification, charging infrastructure, and consumer incentives
- Designing scalable, replicable policies that other communities can adopt
- Engaging key stakeholders, including residents, businesses, and industry partners
By the end of 2025, participating cities will have created policy plans ready for implementation, laying the groundwork for measurable results within 12 to 18 months.
ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability USA
ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability (ICLEI) is a global network working with more than 2500 local and regional governments committed to sustainable urban development. Active in 125+ countries, ICLEI influences sustainability policy and drives local action for zero emission, nature-based, equitable, resilient, and circular development.
As the USA Office of a global ICLEI network, ICLEI USA develops and delivers leading-edge tools and resources, including its state-of-the-art climate action tool, ClearPath 2.0, to support local governments’ climate change efforts. Our standards, tools, and programs credibly, transparently, and robustly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve lives and livelihoods, and protect natural resources in the U.S. communities we serve. Our Members and team of experts work together through peer exchange, partnerships, and capacity building to create systemic change for urban sustainability. Learn more at icleiusa.org.
Media Contacts:
Anne Marie Cleary Rauker
ICLEI USA | am.clearyrauker@iclei.org
