Amid the polarising duopoly that defines U.S. elections—characterised by harm-reduction strategies and increasingly reactionary political dynamics—local races stand as a pivotal arena to shape the future of U.S. climate politics. Mayors wield considerable influence over the implementation of city-level clean energy goals and the utilisation of federal funding to address urban climate challenges from the ground-up. Working in close collaboration with a city’s government branches, councils, and residents, mayors can determine transportation planning and allocate funds towards electrical fleet transitions, advocate for conservation efforts and drive forward innovative and sustainable building practices. Participating in local elections provides citizens with the opportunity to vote ethically, and see their values reflected in tangible, everyday decisions – decisions that can make or break our world. Despite their outsized influence and their role as essential connectors, mayors and mayors’ coalitions are increasingly pushed to the backburner of domestic politics. There are several culprits: sparse media coverage, insufficient campaign funds, off-cycle elections, and a persistent myth that the local vote is a discarded vote all contribute to alarmingly low national voter turnout, which hovers just below 15%.
Coalitions like the nation-wide Climate Mayors, a network of 350 U.S. mayors dedicated to combating climate change through local action, are banding together to drive meaningful political change from the bottom-up. To explore the political muscle of municipal governments in the fight for our planet, we sat down with three Climate Mayors to uncover how cities are rewriting the rules of climate action; one town at a time.
Mayor Gina-Louise Sciarra (D): Northampton, Massachusetts
Mayor Gina-Louise Sciarra, who has served as the 45th mayor of Northampton, Massachusetts since 2022, advocates for effective climate action at the community level. Sciarra works around an intersectional framework to implement climate policies that prioritise resilience and equity, galvanising other mayors to approach the climate crisis from an intersectoral perspective. “At the end of the day, cities are where we live,” Sciarra explains. “They’re the closest thing to the ground. Policies at the federal or international level mean nothing unless they’re enacted in our communities.” Under her leadership, Northampton has secured a building for a future community resilience hub, which will serve as a multifunctional space for the unhoused and provide refuge and vital resources for victims of climate-related disasters. These initiatives are the result of cross-collaboration between the city’s administration and local activists. Sciarra shares that “we have a strong climate activist community here, and they came to me early in my tenure and said, ‘Northampton is doing good work, but we need to do more.’” In response, Sciarra established a new department head position to focus exclusively on climate adaptation and resilience – the team is dedicated to achieving municipal carbon neutrality by 2030, and city-wide carbon neutrality by 2050. Further bipartisan and inter-state collaboration through the Climate Mayors coalition helps Northampton leverage its political power and implement federal resources ethically and efficiently. “The coalition allows us to hold one another accountable while sharing resources and strategies. As federal resources become more threatened under the current administration, it’s even more urgent for us to move quickly and capitalize on this moment of strong support.”
“At the end of the day, cities are where we live. They’re the closest thing to the ground. Policies at the federal or international level mean nothing unless they’re enacted in our communities.”
Mayor Kelly Girtz (D): Athens, Georgia
For Mayor Kelly Girtz of Athens, Georgia, local governments are imperative to direct and measurable adaptation to the climate crisis. Now serving his second term, Girtz focuses on policies that reduce carbon emissions, expand alternative transportation, and improve stormwater management. “The work we do locally has a tangible impact,” Girtz shares. “Reducing our carbon load, creating alternative transportation options, and managing stormwater are critical steps in addressing climate-related challenges.” Girtz deeply believes that collaboration is essential for driving meaningful progress. “We have to exchange ideas with peers across the U.S. and internationally. Working with other cities inspires progress that no single city can achieve alone.” While presidential initiatives for climate often occur from the top-down, creating monolithic change for the fundamental heterogeneous needs of America’s population, local politics, as Girtz emphasises, involves and empowers residents in the decision-making process: “When people understand the investments we’re making in municipal operations, they’re more likely to think about how they can decarbonise their own lives.” Girtz understands that the fractional voter turnout of Gen Z’s warrants attention – young people, who are often most involved in the fight against climate change, need to be involved and empowered to participate in the decision-making process. For the majority of his mayoral career, Girtz has participated in a youth council to help younger generations understand how local governments affect their daily lives. “Local government impacts whether there are parks near your home, safe transportation options, or enough housing. I want young people to see how these decisions directly shape their communities and inspire them to get involved.”
“When people understand the investments we’re making in municipal operations, they’re more likely to think about how they can decarbonise their own lives.”
Mayor Bruce Rector (R): Clearwater, Florida
Mayor Bruce Rector of Clearwater, Florida, takes a hands-on approach to climate leadership. Rector shares that engaging the local community is key to driving lasting change: “Passing laws alone, like a city council banning something, isn’t always effective,” he says. “People need to embrace and support the change for it to truly work. By leading through example—being out there, participating in efforts—I’ve found that people are more likely to join in.” Rector has been vocal about encouraging other mayors to step up since taking office. “Collaboration is essential because no single city can tackle these challenges alone,” he explains. Rector envisions a more connected, bipartisan future, in which he hopes that social media platforms can be optimised to better engage citizens and make local issues more accessible to younger generations. For Rector, bottom-up change is the most effective path forward. “I’d tell people that the biggest impact they can make is in their own community. National politics can feel overwhelming, but local actions deliver immediate results. By engaging locally, people can see the difference they’re making and inspire others to do the same. Change starts with small, meaningful steps close to home.”
“I’d tell people that the biggest impact they can make is in their own community… Change starts with small, meaningful steps close to home.”
Find out about upcoming elections in your town here, and don’t forget to VOTE.