The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) just announced its 2025 LEED for Cities Certification Cohort, a group of 16 local governments ready to make their communities greener and healthier. Revealed on May 12, 2025, this program, backed by a long-time partnership with Bank of America, helps cities and counties across the U.S. tackle big goals like saving energy, improving public health, and building tougher, fairer neighborhoods.

Who’s Joining the Green Team?

This year’s cohort covers over 14 million people and includes a mix of places from small towns to big counties. The lineup features Ashland, Massachusetts; Aurora, Illinois; Brighton, Colorado; Cook County, Illinois; Delray Beach, Florida; Farmers Branch, Texas; Harris County, Texas; King County, Washington; Lafayette, Indiana; Lincoln, Nebraska; Mercer Island, Washington; Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Riverside, California; Sun Prairie, Wisconsin; and West Lafayette, Indiana. These communities are stepping up to track things like energy use, green spaces, and clean water using the LEED for Cities framework.

“Cities are key to creating healthier, greener futures,” said Peter Templeton, USGBC’s president and CEO. “This cohort is all-in on making real changes that help people and the planet, and LEED gives them a clear way to measure progress and find smart solutions.”

What’s LEED for Cities All About?

LEED, which stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is the world’s top green building system, but it’s not just for buildings. The LEED for Cities program helps whole communities get sustainable by tracking stuff like water use, transportation, waste, and even how happy and healthy residents are. It’s like a report card for cities, showing what’s working and where they can do better. Plus, it lines up with global goals like the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, making sure cities are pitching in to fight climate change.

The program offers hands-on help, from setting goals to collecting data, and even covers fees for things like USGBC membership and certification reviews. Since 2017, it’s supported nearly 120 local governments, reaching 55 million Americans, thanks to over $4.55 million in grants from Bank of America.

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Why It’s a Big Deal?

With crazy weather hitting harder every year—think floods, heatwaves, and storms—cities need to be ready. LEED for Cities helps them plan for tough times, cut down on pollution, and make sure everyone, especially underserved communities, gets a fair shot at a good life. For example, certified cities have attracted new businesses, cleaned up air and water, and even snagged federal grants to keep the good work going.

Bank of America’s Alex Liftman, a global environmental executive, said, “LEED for Cities is speeding up the shift to low-carbon, resilient communities, and we’re excited to see these 16 places make it happen.”

The bank itself walks the talk, with 21 million square feet of LEED-certified office space and a goal to hit 40% by 2030.

More Than Just a Cohort

The Local Government Leadership Program isn’t just about this cohort. It also runs regional summits where city leaders swap ideas and “LEED for Cities Accelerators” to help newbies get the hang of collecting data and aiming for certification. These extras make it easier for places to jump in, especially with federal funding from things like the Inflation Reduction Act up for grabs.

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Why Should You Care?

This matters because cities shape how we live, and they’re on the front lines of climate change. Buildings alone cause nearly 40% of global CO2 emissions, per the USGBC, so making cities greener can slash pollution and save money. Plus, LEED-certified places often see higher property values and happier residents. With 83% of people wanting businesses to care about the environment, according to a 2024 PwC survey, programs like this are a win for everyone.

What’s Next?

These 16 communities will spend the next year diving into LEED, setting targets, and tracking progress. They’ll get expert advice, connect with other cities, and work toward certification that proves they’re serious about sustainability. As more places join—over 130 are already LEED-certified globally—this movement could change how we build and live, making cities tougher, cleaner, and fairer for the long haul.

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