Stories of Impact Challenge

The Climate Mayors Stories of Impact Challenge is a national, Direct-to-Camera social media competition among member cities, showcasing stories of bold, innovative local climate solutions. This challenge builds on Climate Mayors Impact, Multiplied campaign that highlights local solutions that scale across the US for national impact. The Stories of Impact Challenge asks mayors to submit short, 1-2 minute videos highlighting a local project in one of two categories: ⚡Energy Affordability or 🌱Nature-based Solutions. Mayors can access the Climate Mayors Direct-to-Camera Playbook for guidelines and templates to create and submit compelling videos.

We believe the most powerful stories of climate action come from the mayors and cities living them. This challenge is an opportunity for mayors to share their  work with a national audience, celebrate their  community's progress, and inspire fellow Climate Mayors members to take bold action. Winners will receive $5,000 and runners-up will receive $2,500 of in-kind support for the project from Climate Mayors.

Submissions are due by Friday, August 14th at 11:59 PM PT

Submit Video

Awards Categories

  • ⚡Energy Affordability Award

    This category includes projects that are addressing the intersection of climate action and energy affordability such as: rooftop solar or geothermal, EV-charging construction and local energy efficient  programs and incentives.

  • 🌱Nature-based Solutions Awards

    This category includes projects that are utilizing nature based solutions to address climate resilience such as: expanding  access to green space and strengthening community resilience through nature, such as urban tree canopy programs, open space and greenway preservation, trail and pathway development, urban greening and land stewardship, or natural stormwater infrastructure.

Direct-to-Camera Playbook

Climate Mayors created the  Direct-to-Camera Playbook.—a best-in-class resource to help mayors communicate with confidence, clarity, and creativity. Grounded in platform-native storytelling and movement-building principles, this guide equips mayors with the tools to turn attention into action: building awareness, deepening trust, and mobilizing communities at scale.

We encourage all applicants to review this resource to access all the tools and guidance needed to produce compelling, consistent digital content. 

GET THE PLAYBOOK

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR

Climate Mayors is  seeking submissions that showcase bold, innovative local climate solutions using direct-to-camera videos.

 Strong entries will:

  • Show stories that center mayors’ policies in action  in the categories ofEnergy Affordability or Nature-based Solutions Show real impact for families and communities: tangible, ideally measurable benefits like affordability, health, safety, jobs, or resilience

  • Reflect equity and community reach: reaching the neighborhoods and families who stand to benefit most

  • Tell a compelling, well-crafted story: clear, visual, and engaging enough to inspire action and make people want to share it

Please reach out to rachel@climate-mayors.org if you have any additional questions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Judges Panel

  • Hilary Franz

    President and CEO, American Forests

    Click Here
  • Lauren McLean

    Eric Garcetti

    Ambassador, Global Climate Diplomacy, C40 Cities

    Read Bio

  • Samantha Kanter

    New Media Consultant & Content Creator, Girl and the Gov®

    Click Here

  • Dawn Lippert

    President and Founder, Elemental Impact

    Read Bio

  • Gina McCarthy

    Chair, America is All In

    Read Bio

  • Heather McTeer Toney

    Executive Director, Beyond Petrochemicals

    Read Bio

  • Elan Strait

    Executive Director, Potential Energy Coalition

    Read Bio

  • Ben Wessel

    Former Executive Director, NextGen America

    Click Here

  • Paul Wolfe

    Senior Program Officer, Environment Program, Walton Family Foundation

    Click Here