Climate Mayors Announces 2026 Leadership Team with Boise Mayor Lauren McLean as Chair, Atlanta Mayors Andre Dickens and Columbia Mayor Barbara Buffaloe as Vice-Chairs
January 8, 2026 – Today, Climate Mayors announced its new leadership team for 2026, reaffirming the organization’s unwavering commitment to advancing local climate action across the United States. The incoming leadership will collaborate with the Climate Mayors Steering Committee and broader network to make progress on the coalition’s 2026 objectives to improve affordability, expand nature based solutions, highlight success stories, and emphasize how local governments continue to serve as a key partner for their communities.
Mayor Kate Gallego of Phoenix guided Climate Mayors with strength and poise through a presidential transition, leading with clarity in times of adversity and uncertainty. As she concludes her distinguished term as Chair, Climate Mayors is grateful for her continued support as Chair Emerita. Looking ahead, Mayor Lauren McLean of Boise will assume the role of Chair in 2026, carrying forward this vital work. Mayor McLean, who previously served as Vice-Chair, brings extensive experience in local climate leadership to her new position. Joining her as Vice-Chairs are Mayor Andre Dickens of Atlanta and Mayor Barbara Buffaloe of Columbia, Missouri. Climate Mayors is also pleased to welcome six new mayors to its Steering Committee, further strengthening its ability to drive climate solutions at the local level.
Mayor Lauren McLean of Boise, Idaho has served her city since 2020 and has since been an active member of the Climate Mayors leadership team, most recently as Vice-Chair. Under her leadership, Boise has established ambitious climate goals, including reaching 100% clean electricity for city government operations by 2030 and becoming a carbon-neutral community by 2050. The city has also launched the City of Trees challenge which plants a tree for every household in the city, with more than 19,000 trees already planted to create a greener and healthier city. Mayor McLean champions equitable climate solutions, sustainable workforce development, and community engagement to ensure that climate action benefits all Boiseans.
“I am thrilled to continue my work with Climate Mayors during a pivotal time for our communities,” said Mayor McLean. “Our cities - and residents - are on the frontlines of both climate impact and action. As mayors, we work hand in hand with our residents to build long term solutions through innovation and partnership. The Climate Mayors leadership team is focused on advancing solutions that improve lives, strengthen communities, and protect our future. As Chair, I look forward to leveraging this work to strengthen our cities' health, prosperity, and affordability.”
Mayor Andre Dickens has served as Mayor of Atlanta since 2022 and continues his leadership as a Climate Mayors Vice-Chair. He has championed Atlanta’s goal of achieving 100% clean energy citywide by 2035 and has prioritized equity and sustainability in all aspects of city planning. The WeatheRISE ATL program launched in the Mayor’s first term continues to provide energy efficiency upgrades, helping families lower utility costs, support healthy living and preserve affordable housing. Mayor Dickens also established Atlanta’s first Climate Resilience Advisory Board and expanded the Solar Atlanta program to include solar installations at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. He has also institutionalized sustainability at the highest levels of city government and overseen an increase in electrification of the municipal fleet and passage of an award-winning update to Atlanta’s nation-leading EV Readiness Ordinance.
“In this crucial moment, local leadership matters more than ever to reach our ambitious climate goals,” said Mayor Dickens. “Through efforts like my Neighborhood Reinvestment Initiative, Atlanta demonstrates that targeted, community-development initiatives can deliver cleaner air, lower utility bills, and create real opportunities for all residents to thrive. I am proud to continue serving as Vice-Chair of Climate Mayors, working with fellow local leaders across the country to advance equitable and impactful climate solutions.”
Mayor Barbara Buffaloe has been a leading voice for climate action in American cities and brings a wealth of experience in sustainability and community engagement. Leveraging her background as Columbia’s first sustainability manager, she has driven efforts to reduce emissions, expand renewable energy, and champion green public spaces. Under her leadership, Columbia has advanced its Climate Action and Adaptation Plan, expanded renewable energy programs, and prioritized climate justice initiatives to ensure all residents benefit from a cleaner, healthier environment. Mayor Buffaloe also currently chairs the Environmental Standing Committee of the U.S. Conference of Mayors and is a member of the Bloomberg Harvard Civic Leadership program.
“I am excited to join the Climate Mayors leadership team as Vice-Chair and work with other cities to find ways we can take real action on climate and community resilience,” said Mayor Buffaloe. “Cities like Columbia are proof that cities can lead on climate efforts – whether it be through investing in accessible transit or improving energy efficiency in our infrastructure. By working with other mayors, sharing best practices, and advocating for strong policies, I’m looking forward to accelerating progress and creating lasting change in our cities.”
The 2026 Climate Mayors leadership team is poised to forge ahead on bold and innovative climate policies that lower energy costs and build resilience to the direct impacts of climate change. The new leadership team recognizes the urgency of local action and is dedicated to expanding clean energy, building resilience, and fostering economic growth in their communities. As the organization enters 2026, Climate Mayors recognize the significant opportunities in advancing solutions that create economic opportunity and ensure a more prosperous future for all.
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About Climate Mayors
Climate Mayors is a bipartisan network of over 300 mayors, demonstrating climate leadership through meaningful actions in their communities since 2014. Representing 46 states and 55 million Americans, Climate Mayors reflect U.S. cities’ commitment to climate progress. For more information, visit our website and follow Climate Mayors on X, Bluesky, and LinkedIn.
Media Contact: climatemayors@fgsglobal.com