Coral Springs on the Global Stage: Joining the Elite Cities Forward Program

Coral Springs stands tall among just 24 cities across the U.S., Latin America, and the Caribbean, handpicked to participate in the esteemed Cities Forward program, which will last until 2025. This unique initiative is a collaboration of the U.S. Department of State, ICLEI-Local Governments for Sustainability, Resilient Cities Catalyst, and the Institute of the Americas.

Emerging as a top choice from a staggering 129 applicants, Coral Springs was singled out for its unwavering dedication to urban sustainability, resilience, and inclusive practices. A highlight of the Cities Forward program is the collaboration between U.S. cities and their counterparts in Latin America or the Caribbean. On this exciting journey, the city will be paired with Freeport, Bahamas, fostering a space for mutual learning and sustainable innovation.

“Sustainability is a local and global endeavor, and our selection for this program out of hundreds of applicants is a testament to our innovative and collaborative approaches,” Coral Springs Sustainability Manager, Dr. Andrea Lemaitre said. “I look forward to working with the four prestigious host organizations, representatives from Freeport, Bahamas, and other program participants to build strong relationships within the sector, learn and share best strategies, and bolster Coral Springs’ interests.”

Cities Forward was initiated during the Cities Summit of the Americas. Its core objective is to curate an environment for mutual learning, foster diplomatic engagements, and amplify cities’ sustainability projects. With urban landscapes evolving, this program is positioned to address pertinent challenges in sustainability, inclusivity, and resilience.

Coral Springs’ involvement echoes the city’s strategic vision—to be a beacon of innovation, excellence, and sustainability. It dovetails perfectly with Coral Springs’ Sustainability Action Plan, unveiled in 2022, underscoring our city’s multifaceted approach to sustainable practices, both locally and on a global scale. 

To learn more about Coral Springs’ sustainability efforts visit www.CoralSprings.gov/GoGreen.
To learn more about Cities Forward, visit www.icleiusa.org/cities-forward/