U.S. Green Building Council Names 2026 LEED for Cities Certification Cohort

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.