Climate Mayors Launches Stories of Impact Challenge
National competition invites mayors to submit social media videos showcasing innovative climate actions that deliver on energy affordability and invest in nature-based solutions
WASHINGTON, D.C., July 22, 2026 — Climate Mayors announced the launch of the Stories of Impact Challenge, a national video competition open to all member cities inviting U.S. mayors to document climate programs that are delivering results in their communities. Mayors will submit a short video in one of two categories: Energy Affordability, spotlighting programs reducing costs and improving access for residents; or Nature-Based Solutions, covering actions like urban greening, community resilience, and environmental restoration.
"Mayors aren't waiting on Washington—they're delivering real results on energy affordability and climate resilience," said Kate Wright, Executive Director of Climate Mayors. "The Stories of Impact Challenge celebrates local leaders who are cutting energy costs and investing in nature-based solutions right now—and it helps them tell that story in a way that reaches people directly and inspires other cities to act."
"Every day, cities across the nation see firsthand the real-world impact that local climate action has on residents," said Boise Mayor Lauren McLean. "This challenge gives cities the opportunity to share those stories and build on projects that are making a meaningful difference in people's lives," said Climate Mayors Chair Boise Mayor Lauen McLean.
To elevate mayors’ stories, Climate Mayors created The Playbook: A Direct to Camera Guide for Mayors, an innovative guide to help mayors show up as authentic, and credible voices who can cut through noise, break down complex climate issues, and connect with people where they already are.
The judges panel includes renowned climate champions like America Is All In Chair and former EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy, former U.S. Ambassador and former L.A. Mayor Eric Garcetti, Hilary Franz, President and CEO of American Forests, and more. “
The urgent work to take action to protect communities, enhance human health, and build vibrant economies is accelerating at the local level every day. Mayors are critical actors, bringing together ideas, actions, and coalitions that are showing a bright way forward. It's an honor to highlight those who are leading the way,” said Eric Garcetti, Ambassador, Global Climate Diplomacy C40 cities (judge).
“Cities are where the magic of change happens. It's at the ground level where people are working together to install clean energy, clean up the air, demand clean buses for our kids, rethink our food systems, and ensure that no community is left behind. I cannot wait to see the creative solutions these cities have developed to deliver safe water, clean air, and healthier neighborhoods,” said Gina McCarthy, former U.S. EPA Administrator, White House National Climate Advisor and America Is All In Chair (judge).
Winning submissions will be featured at the Climate Mayors Leadership Forum held during New York Climate Week — one of the most prominent gatherings in the global climate policy calendar. Winners and runners-up in each category will receive in-kind funding to expand on the project behind their winning video, along with dedicated communications support, and resources to boost content. The deadline to submit a video is August 14, 2026.
Full eligibility details, submission guidelines, and program information are available at climatemayors.org/challenge.
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About Climate Mayors
Climate Mayors is a bipartisan network of over 350 mayors, demonstrating climate leadership through meaningful actions in their communities since 2014. Representing 48 states and over 60 million Americans, Climate Mayors reflects U.S. cities’ commitment to climate progress. For more information, visit our website and follow Climate Mayors on Instagram, X, Bluesky, and LinkedIn.
Media Contact: climatemayors@fgsglobal.com