African American Mayors Association Launches Climate Action Training Program with ICLEI USA and Environmental Defense Fund

(DENVER, CO) — ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability USA (ICLEI USA) and Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), in partnership with the African American Mayors Association (AAMA), are proud to announce the launch of the 2025 Climate Action Training Program. This new initiative will equip local leaders with the tools and support they need to advance climate solutions that build healthier, more resilient, and economically vibrant communities.

“We are thrilled to announce this dynamic partnership and innovative program, which will equip AAMA mayors with the essential technical expertise and policy insights needed to foster impactful change in their communities,” said Phyllis Dickerson, CEO of AAMA. “We’re eager to roll up our sleeves and get to work.”

Targeted towards cities in the early stages of their climate and sustainability journeys, the program will provide ten mayors with strategic guidance, hands-on resources, and one-on-one coaching to help accelerate meaningful local progress.

Participant Mayor Katrina Evans of Campti, Louisiana, shared her enthusiasm: “Campti has already set bold climate goals, and I’m excited to join this cohort to build the capacity we need to achieve them. This program offers the tools and expertise that will help translate our vision into real progress for our community.”

Launching this month and running through February 2026, the program will feature monthly virtual training sessions covering key topics such as climate goal-setting, data-driven decision-making, community engagement, and financing and funding strategies. By the end of the program, participating mayors will:

• Demonstrate Leadership through a public commitment to pollution reduction and sustainability
• Define a Clear Path Forward with a tailored climate action roadmap for their community
• Build Confidence and Capacity to lead effective and inclusive local initiatives

A Cohort of Committed Leaders

The inaugural cohort represents a diverse range of communities from the southeast—urban and rural, large and small—each with a shared commitment to bold, community-driven climate action. These mayors bring energy, purpose, and a clear desire to make a difference:

• Mayor Jackson of Beverly Hills, Missouri
• Mayor Stevens of Marianna, Arkansas
• Mayor Evans of Campti, Louisiana
• Mayor Mohammed of Pembroke Park, Florida
• Mayor Holiday Ingraham of East Point, Georgia
• Mayor Rainey of Wrightsville, Arkansas
• Mayor Haygood of Tuskegee, Alabama
• Mayor Robinson of Hayti Heights, Missouri
• Mayor Hampton of Haynesville, Louisiana
• Mayor Wood of Dumfries, Virginia

“Mayors are uniquely positioned to lead at the intersection of public health, environmental quality, and economic opportunity,” said Saharnaz Mirzazad, Executive Director of ICLEI USA. “This program uplifts that leadership and provides the support necessary to drive lasting change at the local level.”

Bold Commitments, Measurable Progress

By the program’s end, each mayor will have made a bold, community-informed commitment to reduce pollution and promote public health and sustainability.

“The mayors in this cohort are demonstrating the kind of bold, proactive leadership our climate demands,” said Tonya Calhoun, Senior Director of Community Engagement at EDF. “Their work will not only safeguard public health and well-being, but also position their communities for long-term resilience.”

This initiative highlights the pivotal role that local governments play in promoting climate resilience. ICLEI USA, EDF, and AAMA are proud to support these mayors as they lead their cities toward a more sustainable future.

About the Organizers

African American Mayors Association
The African American Mayors Association (AAMA) is the only organization dedicated to representing over 500 African American mayors across the United States. AAMA seeks to empower local leaders for the benefit of their citizens. The role of the AAMA includes taking positions on public policies that impact the vitality and sustainability of cities; providing mayors with leadership and management tools; and creating a forum for member mayors to share best practices related to municipal management.

ICLEI - Local Governments for Sustainability USA
ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability (ICLEI) is a global network working with more than 2500 local and regional governments committed to sustainable urban development. Active in 125+ countries, ICLEI influences sustainability policy and drives local action for zero emission, nature-based, equitable, resilient, and circular development. 

As the USA Office of a global ICLEI network, ICLEI USA develops and delivers leading-edge tools and resources, including its state-of-the-art climate action tool, ClearPath 2.0, to support local governments' climate change efforts. Our standards, tools, and programs credibly, transparently, and robustly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve lives and livelihoods, and protect natural resources in the U.S. communities we serve. Our Members and team of experts work together through peer exchange, partnerships, and capacity building to create systemic change for urban sustainability. Learn more at icleiusa.org.