The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), creators of the LEED green building rating system, have announced Issaquah as one of 15 cities that will commence certification in a national cohort supported by the LEED for Cities Local Government Leadership Program.
Since 2017, Bank of America has partnered with USGBC to support this program. To date, Bank of America has contributed more than $2 million and supported the program’s first LEED for Cities Equity Fellow, a new position at USGBC that aims to advance tangible action on social equity in each participating city or county.
“Our city has committed to taking action to reduce the impacts of climate change and enhance our resilience,” said Mayor Mary Lou Pauly. “By joining the 2022 LEED for Cities program we will leverage our existing efforts on climate action and equity, identify areas for improvement, and reaffirm our commitment to a better, cleaner future for all.”
The City of Issaquah has a long commitment to sustainability, through promotion of green buildings, the Green Issaquah Partnership, formation of the Environmental Board in 2020, and adoption of its first Climate Action Plan in Dec. 2021.
“Local governments have the ability to make a big impact and serve as an example of sustainability achievement,” said Peter Templeton, president and CEO at USGBC. “This year’s cohort of cities and counties are looking to create responsible, sustainable plans for natural systems, energy, water, waste, transportation and many other factors. Along with Bank of America, we are looking forward to these 15 localities’ pursuit of LEED for Cities certification.”
“USGBC is a leader in supporting environmentally sustainable buildings, cities and communities and we’re proud to build on our partnership of more than 25 years,” said Rich Brown, Environmental Program Director at Bank of America. “Creating thriving, resilient communities where residents have sustainable places to work and live meets this moment for climate action and building healthy living environments.”
The 15 local governments selected for the 2022 program represent a population of more than three million Americans and a land area approximately the size of the state of Delaware. The cohort includes: 
- Cape Canaveral, Fla.
- Columbia, S.C.
- Cutler Bay, Fla.
- Davidson, N.C.
- Dayton, Ohio
- Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
- Henderson, Nev.
- Issaquah, Wash.
- Ithaca, N.Y.
- La Crescent, Minn.
- Oakland County, Mich.
- Reno, Nev.
- State College, Penn.
- Tucson, Ariz.