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The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) announced the 2026 cohort for its LEED for Cities certification program. The cohort includes 17 cities from across the U.S. that are committed to certification under the LEED v4.1 Existing Cities rating system. The program, supported by longtime partner Bank of America, helps to institutionalize and operationalize sustainability in local government through the LEED for Cities certification process.
Local governments are navigating extreme weather events, all while facing their own resource constraints. LEED for Cities provides a proven framework and roadmap for local governments to advance sustainable development and implement comprehensive sustainability strategies that improve health and quality of life while reducing waste and negative environmental impacts.
“Local governments are a driving force behind creating more sustainable, healthier communities for all residents,” said Peter Templeton, president and CEO, USGBC. “Through the LEED for Cities certification program, these forward-thinking municipalities are setting ambitious goals, measuring their progress, and demonstrating leadership in improving community health, efficiency, resilience, and livability. The 2026 cohort represents a diverse set of cities united in their commitment to creating a better future.”
The LEED for Cities Certification Cohort is a component of USGBC’s Local Government Leadership Program, which provides in-person leadership summits, peer learning opportunities, technical assistance, and ongoing support to cities and counties across the country.
“The LEED for Cities Cohort provided valuable structure and support, especially for small sustainability teams like ours,” said Alex Pharmakis, sustainability manager for the city of Farmers Branch, Texas, a 2025 cohort participant. “With practical resources and access to a strong network of peers, the program simplified our path to certification.”
Local governments can certify in LEED for Cities on their own, but some choose to participate in the cohort for the camaraderie and competition that comes with a group effort. Participants meet monthly in group settings where they troubleshoot data issues, share concerns, and inspire one another to reach the finish line. Project management resources provided to participants help them reach milestones and ultimately submit their certification application for review by the end of the program year.
The 2026 cohort includes 17 local jurisdictions across the U.S. representing 2.5 million people:
- Calabasas, Calif.
- Carlsbad, Calif.
- College Park, Md.
- Commerce City, Colo.
- Fitchburg, Wis.
- Grand Rapids, Mich.
- Hoboken, N.J.
- Indianapolis, Ind.
- La Mesa, Calif.
- Longmont, Colo.
- Lower Merion Township, Pa.
- Manhattan Beach, Calif.
- Medford, Mass.
- Moline, Ill.
- Nashville, Tenn.
- Sacramento, Calif.
- Westminster, Colo.
In partnership with the Bank of America, the LEED for Cities certification program has provided direct support to nearly 140 U.S. local governments, representing 58 million people, since 2017. Since 2011, the Bank of America Charitable Foundation has contributed more than $4.55 million in total grant funding to USGBC to support its work advancing sustainable buildings and communities. Bank of America has also demonstrated leadership in green building within its own operations through the achievement of LEED certifications across its global portfolio. More than 33% of the bank’s occupied real estate has achieved green building certifications, and the company aims to achieve certification for 40% of its building space by 2030.
