Local government leadership resources
Local government leadership resources
Resources for local leaders advancing green building and sustainable development.
Since its inception, USGBC has served as a green building and sustainable development resource to local governments. We support elected and appointed officials, staff, and community advocates on a range of issues and programs related to improving people's lives and the health of our planet.
Whether you are seeking education and training for employees, interested in certifying your jurisdiction to LEED for Cities, or need support on a green building policy, USGBC is here to help. Sign up for the quarterly Local Government Newsletter, or contact us at LocalGovResource@usgbc.org to connect one-on-one.
- High performance building policies: Access technical assistance on policies to decarbonize your built environment, including example policies best practices and advocacy support. Explore the USGBC Inflation Reduction Act Guidebook for guidance on IRA funding opportunities for building decarbonization.
- LEED for Cities: Built by and for local governments pursuing a more sustainable, resilient, and equitable future, LEED for Cities is a roadmap accelerating sustainability at the jurisdictional scale with third-party verification ensuring transparency and accountability.
- Staff development: Local governments can access education and training on green building and sustainability through online or in-person sessions. Employees looking to develop professionally can obtain credentials such as LEED, SEA, SITES AP and TRUE Advisor. Staff can also join a Center for Green Schools peer learning network. To request a training or custom educational event, reach out to LocalGovResource@usgbc.org.
- Sustainability certifications: Sustainability frameworks and certification programs including LEED, LEED for Cities and Communities, SITES and TRUE, enable cities to improve performance at the local level.
- Local Government Leadership Program: USGBC’s local government leadership program offers an annual LEED for Cities certification cohort, regional leadership summits, and accelerators that deliver targeted solutions and support to local governments in a trusted peer-to-peer learning community.
- Membership and engagement: Employees of local government members receive access to USGBC education and discounted fees on publications and credentials. Members enjoy quarterly engagement calls with local leaders to stay up to date on best practices and troubleshooting tips, and can apply to serve on LEED committees.
- Center for Green Schools: Offers an array of initiatives to accelerate action through a nationwide network of local staff and leaders implementing sustainability in school systems.
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"To be a LEED city means that sustainability values aren’t just happening in a silo but integrated within each department and citywide, decisions and plans are being made by thinking through the social, economic, and environmental impacts for our residents. We have made good progress, and we will keep trying to do more, but this important holistic perspective for how we grow as a city is just one of the reasons why Tempe is a great place to live." |
"LEED Gold certification demonstrates Baltimore's commitment to sustainability, human health, and economic prosperity. It not only helps benchmark our current performance, but provides tools to educate residents, visitors, and business owners about progress and priorities, and enables us to continuously improve our work to become the most sustainable and resilient city possible." |