The Cities Forward program was a collaborative partnership of Resilient Cities Catalyst, the U.S. Department of State, ICLEI-Local Governments for Sustainability, and The Institute of the Americas. From 2023 to 2025, it provided peer-to-peer exchange, training and technical support, and diplomatic engagement to address critical urban challenges in sustainability, inclusivity, and resilience.
The initiative supported 12 cities across Latin America and the Caribbean, equipping them to implement scalable, high-impact solutions tailored to their unique priorities.
The Problem
Central to the program was a focus on climate adaptation and environmental restoration. Cities developed solutions like green corridors, reforestation, and sustainable water management systems to reduce flooding, urban heat islands, and deforestation. These interventions were designed to strengthen ecological resilience and prepare cities for the challenges of a changing climate.
Intended Outcomes
The program also emphasized community-centered development and economic opportunity. By involving residents and local partners in project design, Cities Forward made sure initiatives were inclusive and responsive to community needs. Efforts such as urban farming, workforce training, and public space revitalization aimed to support local economic growth, promote equity, and strengthen social cohesion.
Our Work Streams
- Peer-to-peer exchange
- Training and technical support
- Diplomatic engagement
- Community-centered development
Outcomes Recap
From the Amazon basin in Brazil to coastal communities in the Caribbean and urban centers in Mexico and Central America, Cities Forward brought cities together around a shared commitment to sustainability and resilience. Since the program concluded, most of the supported local projects have advanced into implementation, and RCC continues to provide implementation support for the Freeport and Montego Bay project. These projects offer funders an opportunity to support work that delivers measurable impact, promotes regional collaboration, and contributes to global climate goals.