U.S. Conference of Mayors Honors Colton’s Urban Heat Resilience Program

City of Colton Wins National Climate Leadership Award 

Under Mayor Navarro’s Direction


Colton, CA – The City of Colton has been nationally recognized for its outstanding climate leadership, receiving top honors in the 2025 Mayors’ Climate Protection Awards presented by the U.S. Conference of Mayors in partnership with Walmart.

Under the leadership of Mayor Frank J. Navarro, the City of Colton was selected for its innovative Urban Heat Resilience Program, a forward-thinking initiative designed to address the impacts of extreme heat through a combination of environmental planning, infrastructure improvements, and community outreach.

The award was presented during the opening session of the U.S. Conference of Mayors’ 93rd Annual Meeting in Tampa, Florida. Colton was one of only two cities nationwide to receive the top award, alongside San Francisco.

“In Colton, we’ve taken the growing threat of extreme heat seriously and responded with a comprehensive, community-first approach,” said Mayor Navarro. “Our Urban Heat Resilience Program isn’t just about planting trees—it’s about protecting public health, lowering energy costs, and building a more equitable, sustainable city. Through strong partnerships, community engagement, and a clear vision, Colton is proving that even small cities can lead with climate solutions that deliver real, measurable impact.”

The success of the program is also a direct result of the hard work and collaboration of City of Colton staff, especially within the Sustainability Divisions of the Utility Departments. These teams led the technical planning, implemented infrastructure upgrades, and engaged the community in energy- and water-saving strategies. Their efforts have not only helped build resilience against climate change but have also improved overall environmental quality and utility efficiency across the city.

 Colton’s Urban Heat Resilience Program includes:

  • Expanding the urban tree canopy in high-heat and underserved areas
  • Integrating water-efficient landscaping and shade structures in public spaces
  • Educating residents about energy conservation and heat safety
  • Coordinating with schools and senior centers for cooling and relief zones
  • Leveraging utility data to prioritize areas for future investment.

 “This award is a major milestone for Colton, showcasing what smaller cities can achieve with dedicated leadership and strong community focus,” said Tom Cochran, CEO and Executive Director of the U.S. Conference of Mayors. “Colton’s approach to urban climate resilience is both practical and scalable.”

Now in its 19th year, the Mayors’ Climate Protection Awards honor cities implementing impactful, forward-thinking climate solutions.

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 To learn more about Colton’s award-winning program and other recognized cities, visit: www.usmayors.org/climateprotection/2025awards.