The Institute for Sustainable Communities is developing a national climate leadership academy that will provide mentoring from accomplished urban sustainability directors and other leaders in the urban sustainability field to municipal leaders who want to increase their abilities to affect positive environmental change in their communities.  While the overarching concern is with the effects of climate change on urban living environments, the particular focus will be on transportation, energy efficiency, and related areas in which communities can have an impact.

Blackstone Ranch Institute is providing seed money for the first national gathering in 2009, as well as two more gatherings that are scheduled to take place before the end of 2010.  These gatherings will serve as pilots for what is envisioned as an ongoing program that will increase the numbers and range of municipalities that will have effective environment programs.  The meetings will be used to pilot educational programs and establish operating procedures for subsequent efforts. 

The Rockefeller Foundation is also providing funding support.