ICLEI USA

We’re excited to announce Saharnaz Mirzazad, AICP as the new Executive Director of ICLEI USA! With her impressive experience in the California government, including overseeing state climate policies and managing over $3 billion in infrastructure programs, Saharnaz is set to lead us into an exciting new chapter. Her expertise in climate policy, infrastructure management, and bridging climate and equity goals will be invaluable to our mission of sustainability and resilience. We invite our Members to meet Saharnaz and learn about her vision for ICLEI USA at our upcoming webinar: 📅 Date: August 28th 🕒 Time: 3 - 4 pm EST 🔗 Register Here: https://lnkd.in/g4ggtkxU Don't miss out—read our press release for more details about Saharnaz’s background: https://lnkd.in/gxRZqawV Join us in welcoming Saharnaz and stay tuned for the exciting developments ahead! #ICLEIUSA #ExecutiveDirector #ClimateAction #Leadership #Sustainability

Register for the 8th Summit for Subnational Governments & Cities 👉 https://lnkd.in/e4bYqJ-E Join us in #Cali, Colombia, one of the world's most megadiverse regions, for this pivotal Summit held as an official parallel high-level event to CBD #COP16. Taking place on 26 October, this one-day Summit will align with the objectives and priorities of COP16 Colombia to showcase subnational biodiversity actions and collaboration at the local and territorial scale in contributing to the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) and the Plan of Action under Decision 15/12. Local and subnational government leaders worldwide and their key stakeholders are invited to participate in targeted and high-level dialogues on implementation progress and the critical issue of leveraging financing for and investment in #biodiversity and #nature. Don't miss this opportunity to be part of the transformative journey towards a sustainable future where cities and nature coexist in harmony. 🌿

Cities are on the frontlines of climate change, yet adaptation efforts still struggle to secure the necessary funding. How can we bridge this critical financing gap? Based on the success of the AdaptFin pilot training course, funded by United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), join our upcoming #DaringCities Virtual Forum session, in which you will learn: ✔ Where the key gaps lie for vulnerable populations ✔ Why capacity-building is essential for adaptation finance ✔ How to engage relevant actors in adaptation efforts ✔ Strategies for conceptualizing bankable projects to secure funding and technical assistance 🎤 Featured speakers: 🔸 Sanjaya Bhatia, Head of Office, UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR ONEA & GETI), Incheon, Republic of Korea 🔸David Jácome-Polit, Head of Resilient Development Team, ICLEI 🔸Jaume Marques Colom, Officer, Innovative Finance Team, ICLEI 🔸Anina Hartung, Officer, Resilient Development Team, ICLEI Don't miss this chance to enhance your #ClimateAdaptation finance skills! 🗓️ 17 September, 09:00 UTC+2 🔗 Register here: https://lnkd.in/eF_YwyMu Making Cities Resilient 2030 (MCR2030)

The Municipalidad de Guatemala and the City of Dallas have officially signed a #CitiesForward Cooperation Charter! 🌟 This partnership will strengthen climate resilience, promote sustainable urban development, and empower local communities. Together, they’re committed to: ✅ Developing the Prosperous Neighborhood Program ✅ Expanding green infrastructure ✅ Promoting resilience & sustainability practices Follow their journey and hear about their inspiring partnership through the Cities Forward initiative, supported by the U.S. Department of State, ICLEI México, Centroamérica y el Caribe, ICLEI Brasil, Resilient Cities Catalyst, and the Institute of the Americas. Watch the video here: https://lnkd.in/gVHpGRN5 #CitiesForward #CitiesSummit #CiudadeseMovimento #CidadesaFrente

As local governments work to address climate change, equity must remain central to planning efforts. Our 2024 Integrating Equity into Climate Change webinar series provides ICLEI USA members with essential tools and insights for ensuring that frontline communities are prioritized in climate action. In our recent session, we explored best practices for elevating the voices of vulnerable communities and fostering lasting collaboration. Attendees gained valuable strategies for integrating equity into their sustainability and resilience efforts. ✨ Key Highlights Included: - Core principles of equitable community engagement - Best practices from leading local governments and community-based organizations - Actionable tools and resources to amplify historically underserved voices A heartfelt thank you to our speakers: Gabriel Varela, Director, Resilience & Outreach, Climate Resolve Gina Bell, Director of Sustainability, City of Dubuque, Iowa Marisa San Martin Kellogg Kellogg, Program Officer, ICLEI USA Anne Marie Cleary Rauker, MSES and MPA, Communications Officer, ICLEI USA We appreciate their expertise and dedication to helping our members build more equitable and resilient communities! #ClimateEquity #Sustainability #ResilientCommunities #ICLEI #ICLEIUSA

💸 Looking to fund an upcoming project? Consider using elective pay! 💸 Join us on September 17th for an ICLEI USA webinar to learn how local governments are utilizing elective pay, a funding opportunity for tax-exempt entities through the Inflation Reduction Act. Hear firsthand from San Antonio, Denver, and Sun Prairie on how they secured funding to bring their sustainability projects to life. ICLEI Members and local government professionals are welcome to join. Register today ▶ https://ow.ly/NXKu50TiZ01 #Sustainability #ClimateFunding #LocalGovernment #CleanEnergy #Webinar

The City of Freeport, Grand Bahamas, and the City of Coral Springs have signed a #CitiesForward Cooperation Charter! This partnership will strengthen climate resilience, promote sustainable urban development, and empower local communities. Together, they’re committed to: ✅Boosting sustainable urban development, focusing on underserved community revitalization ✅Sharing emergency management expertise ✅Establishing eco-friendly community parks Stay tuned to follow their progress and discover the impact of their partnership through the Cities Forward initiative, supported by the U.S. Department of State, ICLEI México, Centroamérica y el Caribe, ICLEI Brasil, Resilient Cities Catalyst, and the Institute of the Americas. Check out the video here: https://lnkd.in/g3nG8Vkq #CitiesForward #CitiesSummit #CiudadeseMovimento #CidadesaFrente

Our Climate & Sustainability Communications Cohort support members with the tools and knowledge to craft effective climate and sustainability messaging. Through this capacity-building cohort, participants gain technical skills, peer-to-peer insights, and personalized support to strengthen their communication strategies. In our first session, we kicked off with key concepts in climate storytelling, communication fundamentals, and understanding audience dynamics. ✨ Key Highlights Included: -Understanding the importance of climate storytelling in the U.S. -Foundational communication principles and audience insights -How to define communication goals and measure success through Key Performance Indicators A big thank you to our expert speakers: Joshua Low, Partnerships Director, Yale Program on Climate Change Communication Ai Vuong, MPA, Filmmaker and Co-founder, TÁPI Studios Anne Marie Cleary Rauker, MSES and MPA, Communications Officer, ICLEI USA We’re excited to continue supporting participants throughout the series as they develop impactful, engaging communications. #climatecommunications #ICLEI #ICLEIUSA #storytelling

Our Executive Director, Saharnaz Mirzazad, AICP, had an incredible experience at the Google Impact Summit! One of the biggest takeaways? There are countless ways non-profits can harness AI to boost capacity, efficiency, and productivity. With funding from Google.org, ICLEI USA has driven $3 million in grants to cities within our network, supporting crucial mitigation and resilience work. Learn more about the ICLEI USA Action Fund: https://lnkd.in/gnU8kQXX Hearing David Miliband of the International Rescue Committee tell the inspiring story of how Google’s AI supported their efforts in conflict zones was truly moving. Oh, and who could forget the highlight? Elmo teaching participants that using AI is like riding a bike—always put your helmet on first! 🚴♀️ The future of AI in the non-profit world is exciting, and this summit was a great reminder of how impactful it can be. Looking forward to the innovations ahead! #GoogleImpactSummit #AIforGood #NonProfitInnovation #ClimateResilience