The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) announced a new cohort of 16 cities and counties selected for its 2025 LEED for Cities Certification Program, aimed at advancing urban sustainability. Unveiled May 12 with support from Bank of America, the initiative helps local governments set climate and resilience goals, track performance on key metrics, and achieve LEED for Cities certification as a mark of progress.

Through this public-private partnership, participating communities will receive training and resources to improve energy efficiency, green infrastructure, and quality of life for residents. USGBC’s program, now in its latest annual round, underscores the momentum of city-level climate action across the United States.

This cohort launch highlights growing opportunities in urban sustainability for businesses and investors. As cities pursue LEED certification, they may increase spending on green building, clean energy, and resilient infrastructure, creating markets for construction, technology, and consulting firms specializing in sustainability.

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usgbc.org