(September 23, 2026) — Today, Climate Mayors announced the winners of the Climate Mayors Stories of Impact Challenge at their annual Leadership Forum held during New York Climate Week, highlighting how cities across the country are delivering real, tangible climate solutions that lower costs, strengthen communities, and improve quality of life. The event also served as a backdrop to share Climate Mayors’ groundbreaking  data on the Climate Mayors Economy. 

The national competition invited mayors to submit short, direct-to-camera videos showcasing local progress in two categories: Energy Affordability and Nature-Based Solutions. The winning entries showed how climate action is already making a difference in people’s daily lives, from reducing utility bills to cooling neighborhoods and strengthening resilience to extreme weather.

“Across the country, mayors are proving how climate action is lowering costs and keeping people safe,” said Climate Mayors Executive Director, Kate Wright, “These winning stories show what’s possible when local leaders turn solutions into action”

“Preserving the affordable homes we already have is one of the smartest investments we can make in Lincoln’s future. Through our Rental Rehabilitation program, we’re helping property owners make meaningful improvements that lower energy costs, improve living conditions, and keep homes affordable for Lincoln families.” Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird, Lincoln, NE

“Our Boston Energy Saver program is a one-stop shop for residents and small businesses to lower their bills through energy efficiency upgrades,” said Mayor Michelle Wu, Boston, MA. “We are thrilled to receive this award from Climate Mayors, which will help us reach more families and reduce emissions across every neighborhood.”

“From our resiliency parks to the other nature-based solutions we’re implementing throughout Hoboken, we are showing how cities can work with nature to reduce flooding while creating healthier, more vibrant public spaces for our community,” said Mayor Emily B. Jabbour, Hoboken, NJ. “This recognition is a testament to the thoughtful work and dedication of our City team, and I’m grateful to everyone who continues to advance innovative solutions that make Hoboken stronger and more resilient.”

“This recognition is a testament to what’s possible when climate action starts at the local level. In Riverside, we’ve brought strong community partnerships and innovative technology to transform our most vulnerable communities and provide tools such as our Tree Plotter that benefits every neighborhood in the City. Thank you to Climate Mayors for recognizing Riverside’s work and highlighting what’s possible when we invest in our neighborhoods.” Mayor Patricia Lock Dawson, Riverside, CA

The Stories of Impact Challenge is part of Climate Mayors’ broader effort to equip local leaders with tools to communicate authentically and effectively in today’s digital landscape. By using direct-to-camera storytelling, mayors are reaching residents where they are and building trust around climate solutions that are already working.

Winning videos are available below:

Winners – Energy Affordability

South of Downtown Residential Rental Rehabilitation Program – Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird

Boston Energy Saver – Mayor Michelle Wu

Runners Up- Energy Affordability

WeatheRISE ATL – Mayor Andre Dickens

Oakland Ecoblock – Mayor Barbara Lee

Winners – Nature Based Solution

The Parks That Help Protect Hoboken – Mayor Emily Jabbour

Transformative Climate Communities AND GIS Tree Plotter – Mayor Patricia Lock Dawson

Runners Up – 

Railroad Park – Mayor Randall Woodfin

Climate resilient landscapes – Mayor Mike Johnston

About Climate Mayors
Founded in 2014, Climate Mayors is the nation’s largest and most diverse coalition of city leaders committed to advancing climate action, representing more than 350 mayors across 47 states and over 70 million Americans. Established by the former mayors of Los Angeles, Houston, and Philadelphia, the organization was created to unite leaders from cities of all sizes around a shared goal: accelerating climate solutions to build a more affordable, resilient, and prosperous future. Over the past decade, Climate Mayors members have consistently taken more ambitious and sustained action on climate than non-member cities, even amid fluctuating federal support. Our member cities accounted for nearly half of all local climate policy actions implemented during the first Trump administration. To learn more, visit our website and follow Climate Mayors on X, Bluesky, and LinkedIn.