Today, Climate Mayors announced the addition of three new members of its 2027 Steering Committee: Mayors Eileen Higgins (Miami, FL), Gina Ortiz Jones (San Antonio, TX), and Aftab Pureval (Cincinnati, OH). Representing U.S. cities in the Southeast, South, and Midwest, these leaders are advancing resilient, affordable, and clean energy solutions that protect residents and strengthen local economies.

“We are so proud to welcome Mayors Higgins, Jones, and Pureval to our Steering Committee. Each has been chosen by their peers—a testament to the respect they have earned through demonstrating their ability to deliver climate solutions that lower costs, cut pollution, and build healthier, safer communities. Their leadership will help us seize new opportunities, build on our hard-won progress, and deliver real results for communities across the country,” said Kate Wright, Climate Mayors Executive Director.

These mayors join the 29 person Climate Mayors Steering Committee representing cities of all sizes across red and blue states working to deliver the transformational changes that are needed to reduce pollution, cut energy costs for residents, and build more resilient communities for future generations. 

Mayor Eileen Higgins, Miami, FL

Mayor Higgins is focused on protecting Miami residents from the growing impacts of extreme heat while strengthening the city’s stormwater management and flood resilience infrastructure. She is also advancing efforts to reduce waste through expanded composting, recycling, and other sustainable waste management strategies.

“I am honored and excited to join the Climate Mayors Steering Committee and work alongside mayors from across the country who are committed to turning climate challenges into real solutions,” said Miami Mayor Eileen Higgins. “In Miami, we know that climate action is about protecting our neighborhoods, strengthening our infrastructure, and making our city safer, healthier, and more affordable. From reducing single-use plastics in City operations to addressing extreme heat and improving stormwater management and flood resilience, we are focused on practical policies that make a difference in people’s lives. I look forward to sharing Miami’s experience, learning from other cities, and helping advance meaningful climate action in communities across America.”

Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones, San Antonio, TX

Mayor Jones is prioritizing responsible data center policy, addressing urban heat islands, and protecting public health as San Antonio grows. Her focus reflects the intersection of rapid technological and population growth with the climate and health pressures facing fast-growing Sun Belt cities.

“As the sixth largest City in the country, I look forward to sharing San Antonio’s efforts to proactively address pressing climate-related issues. The Climate Mayors’ Data Centers Playbook was a helpful resource in guiding the commonsense regulations I recently proposed for data center regulations, and I look forward to collaborating with my colleagues on the Steering Committee to similarly advance practical solutions that support public health, economic development, and promote more resilient cities,” said Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones, City of San Antonio.

Mayor Aftab Pureval, Cincinnati, OH

Mayor Pureval has made clean energy a foundational part of Cincinnati’s climate and affordability agenda, with the city’s solar and battery storage initiatives already delivering savings for residents and city government alike. He has also led zoning reforms that are accelerating housing development, strengthening public transit, and lowering the carbon intensity of everyday urban life, and is looking ahead to how climate migration will reshape urban demographics and local economies in the years to come.

“Mayors across the country are leading the way when it comes to taking on the many challenges that will define our future. From investments in solar, to the Green Economy, to building more resilient communities, the decisions we make now will determine how prepared we are for the impacts of climate change. It’s an honor serving on Climate Mayors’ Steering Committee. Our conversations and partnership help all of our communities build the future our residents expect,” said Mayor Aftab Pureval, City of Cincinnati.