The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) named the 2026 cohort for its LEED for Cities certification program. The cohort includes 17 cities nationwide, representing 2.5 million people, that are committed to certification under the LEED v4.1 Existing Cities rating system. The program helps to institutionalize and operationalize sustainability in local government through the LEED for Cities certification process. 

“Local governments are a driving force behind creating more sustainable, healthier communities for all residents,” said Peter Templeton, USGBC president and CEO. “Through the LEED for Cities certification program, these forward-thinking municipalities are setting ambitious goals, measuring their progress, and demonstrating leadership in improving community health, efficiency, resilience, and livability. The 2026 cohort represents a diverse set of cities united in their commitment to creating a better future.”

The LEED for Cities Certification Cohort is a component of USGBC’s Local Government Leadership Program, which provides in-person leadership summits, peer learning opportunities, technical assistance, and ongoing support to cities and counties across the country.  

Local governments can certify in LEED for Cities on their own, but some choose to participate in the cohort for the camaraderie and competition that comes with a group effort. Participants meet monthly in group settings where they troubleshoot data issues, share concerns, and inspire one another to reach the finish line. Project management resources provided to participants help them reach milestones and ultimately submit their certification application for review by the end of the program year.

The 2026 cohort includes: 

• Calabasas, California 
• Carlsbad, California
• College Park, Maryland
• Commerce City, Colorado 
• Fitchburg, Wisconsin 
• Grand Rapids, Michigan
• Hoboken, New Jersey 
• Indianapolis
• La Mesa, California  
• Longmont, Colorado 
• Lower Merion Township, Pennsylvania 
• Manhattan Beach, California 
• Medford, Massachusetts
• Moline, Illinois
• Nashville, Tennessee 
• Sacramento, California
• Westminster, Colorado 

In partnership with the Bank of America, the LEED for Cities certification program has provided direct support to nearly 140 U.S. local governments, representing 58 million people, since 2017. Since 2011, the Bank of America Charitable Foundation has contributed more than $4.55 million in total grant funding to USGBC to support its work advancing sustainable buildings and communities.

Last week, ISSA, The Association for Cleaning and Facility Solutions, released the Cleaning Technician Registered Apprenticeship Program, a landmark achievement that brings the cleaning profession into the national apprenticeship framework for the first time.

Recently approved by the Department of Labor, ISSA’s Cleaning Technician Registered Apprenticeship Program is a structured workforce-development pathway designed to prepare individuals for professional careers in cleaning and facility services across commercial, institutional, and industrial environments. The program combines on-the-job learning with nationally recognized education and certification, giving apprentices portable credentials and a clear career pathway while giving employers a consistent, skilled talent pipeline.

“The cleaning industry keeps schools, hospitals, businesses, and communities healthy and safe,” said John Nothdurft, ISSA Vice President of Government and Public Affairs. “Our workers deserve the same professional recognition that other skilled trades have long enjoyed.”

ISSA’s Registered Apprenticeship directly addresses labor shortages and workforce development gaps by offering a competency-based, nationally vetted program that includes emphasis on safety, infection prevention, and professional standards. According to the labor department, employers receive US$1.47 for every $1 invested in apprenticeships through improved productivity, lower turnover, and reduced recruitment costs. Additionally, 97% of employers using registered apprenticeships report increased worker productivity, and 92% report improved employee engagement and retention. 

For apprentices, the program offers a nationally recognized credential, progressive wage increases, a structured path to supervisory roles, and access to financial support including 529 plans, Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) funding, and state tax credits.

ISSA’s Cleaning Technician Registered Apprenticeship is a one-year, competency-based program featuring a combination of structured training and applied workplace experience, nationally recognized curriculum and certifications, and a focus on safety, infection prevention, and professional standards. Employers in certain states may also be eligible for tax credits to offset the cost of qualified educational expenses and wages for each apprentice at their organization.

To find out more about the apprenticeship and to express interest in participating in the pilot program, read ISSA’s blog post or watch this video.