Phoenix Mayor Takes Charge as Chair of Bold New Progressive Climate Coalition

By Staff Reporter |

Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego has been appointed to lead Climate Mayors, a coalition comprising 350 mayors from 46 states, all dedicated to advancing progressive climate initiatives. This coalition serves as a crucial platform for urban leaders championing sustainable policies across the nation.

In a recent press release, Gallego expressed her commitment to harnessing both federal funding and private sector resources to bolster climate initiatives. She aims to amplify the influence of the Western Water Security Cohort within local governance and focus on mitigating extreme heat impacts while aligning member actions with Climate Mayors’ directives.

“I’ll focus on addressing extreme heat, strengthening partnerships, and ensuring all cities have the tools they need to advance climate action,” Gallego stated, outlining her vision for collaborative climate progress.

Joining Gallego in leadership are Boise Mayor Lauren McLean, Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, and Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb. Together, they represent a diverse array of cities united in their mission to combat climate change.

Last month, Climate Mayors publicly supported the Biden administration’s enhanced National Determined Contribution (NDC) target, aiming for a 61 to 66 percent reduction in economy-wide greenhouse gas emissions by 2035. Climate Mayors’ executive director, Kate Wright, affirmed the feasibility of these ambitious goals through enhanced energy and water efficiency programs and investments in green infrastructure.

“Today’s announcement of a new U.S. NDC serves as an important goalpost for our unwavering ambition as subnational actors,” Wright remarked. She underscored the readiness of the coalition’s mayors to contribute to national targets and build on a decade of progress.

The coalition’s climate initiatives emphasize electric vehicle expansion, comprehensive emission data collection, and identification of federal funding opportunities. Also notable is the commitment to electrify at least 50 percent of municipal fleets by 2030 and increase electric vehicle chargers by 500 percent by 2035, with provisions aimed at benefiting disadvantaged communities.

Last week, Climate Mayors introduced a framework aimed at developing equity-oriented electric vehicle plans, created in collaboration with UC Berkeley’s Center for Law, Energy, and Environment, The Greenlining Institute, and Forth Mobility. This framework prioritizes electric vehicle infrastructure in lower-income and non-white communities, reflecting a commitment to equity in climate solutions.

The coalition collaborates with C40 Cities and the Urban Sustainability Directors Network to streamline federal funding allocation at the local level. Gallego’s role on the steering committee of C40 Cities highlights her international engagement, representing North America in discussions aimed at climate action, which includes reducing meat and dairy consumption and private car ownership.

Founded in 2014 by prominent Democrats including former Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, Climate Mayors has garnered support from various Arizona leaders, including Tucson Mayor Regina Romero, Tempe Mayor Corey Woods, Sedona Mayor Scott Jablow, Nogales Mayor Jorge Maldonado, and Flagstaff Mayor Becky Daggett.