For 15 years, the Institute for Local Government’s (ILG) flagship Beacon Program has encouraged, supported, and recognized voluntary action by local governments throughout California to address climate change, promote energy innovation, and create more sustainable communities. The Beacon Awards honor voluntary efforts by cities, counties, and special districts that are reducing greenhouse gas emissions, saving energy, and adopting policies that promote sustainability.

This week, ILG is presenting the City of Torrance with its most prestigious Beacon Vanguard Award for illustrating a comprehensive approach to adopting policies and programs that foster sustainability and help meet aggressive state climate goals. Additional awards will be presented to the cities of Alameda, Hayward, Irvine, Moreno Valley, Mountain View, and Oakland.

“From wildfires and drought to flooding and rising temperatures, climate impacts continue to intensify for communities across California,” said Erica L. Manuel, CEO and Executive Director of the Institute for Local Government. “We are proud to recognize and thank these local government agencies for their proactive efforts to tackle these challenges head-on, and for their commitment to building healthier, more sustainable, and resilient communities for all Californians.”

Local governments are leading the way to increasing resilience and improving health and equity for all communities through innovative climate action solutions. The City of Torrance earned a Gold Level Vanguard Award for its wide range of efforts, such as:

• Diversifying its water source portfolio, which will reduce imported water to less than 30%.
• Transitioning its municipal fleet to fully electric and hybrid vehicles, including those used by public works inspectors, maintenance crews, transit personnel, and police.
• Implementing policies that encourage the adoption of solar energy systems by making the process more accessible and efficient for residents and businesses.
• Open space and beautification efforts, including planting trees for residents at no cost, beach cleanup days, and offering 250 community gardening plots.

In addition to the Vanguard Award — which honors comprehensive achievements in community and agency greenhouse gas reductions, energy savings, and sustainability best practices — the Beacon Program also celebrates cities for their creativity and collaboration in making California more sustainable. The Beacon Leadership and Innovation Awards celebrate local governments’ efforts to implement collaborative, inclusive and equitable climate resilience, and adaptation programming. This year, ILG recognized the cities of Alameda, Hayward, Irvine, Moreno Valley, Mountain View, and Oakland with Beacon Leadership and Innovation Awards.

• The City of Irvine was recognized for leadership in climate resilience and adaptation for launching a “cool pavement” pilot program as part of its broader strategy to reduce local heat and build long-term community resilience.
• The City of Alameda — jointly with the City of Oakland, Port of Oakland & East Bay Regional Parks District — was recognized for cross-agency collaboration in making considerable progress adapting to current and future flooding risks.
• The City of Hayward was recognized for equity and engagement for preparing their Climate Action Plan in conjunction with their General Plan, updated Hazards Element, new Environmental Justice Element, and updated Housing Element.
• The City of Mountain View was recognized for innovation in energy for its Zero-Emission Landscaping Training and Tool Lending Library program at their local Day Workers’ Center.
• The City of Moreno Valley was recognized for innovation in clean transportation for its EVolution Program, which has successfully expanded its electric vehicle fleet to 39 vehicles.

All the 2025 Beacon Awards and winners were announced at the League of California Cities Annual Conference and Expo held in Long Beach from October 8–10.

The Beacon Program is free and open to cities, counties, and special districts in all stages of climate action planning and implementation. Currently, over 180 California cities, counties, and special districts participate. For more information about the Beacon Program, visit www.ca-ilg.org/BeaconProgram. For a complete list of participant achievements, please visit www.ca-ilg.org/award-winners.

About the Institute for Local Government

The Institute for Local Government (ILG) is a nonpartisan, nonprofit training organization founded by the League of California Cities. ILG’s programs, tools and resources support thousands of local agencies across the state. ILG provides capacity-building services, technical support, partnership development, and educational resources to elected officials and staff. This support helps local leaders make informed policies, plans, and decisions around climate planning, land use, housing, infrastructure, and engagement that result in more equitable, sustainable, and resilient communities.

About the 2025 Beacon Award Winners

City of Torrance

Gold Level Beacon Vanguard Award
Beacon Program Participant Profile: Torrance

City of Irvine

Leadership and Innovation Award — Leadership in Climate Resilience and Adaptation
Beacon Program Participant Profile: Irvine

City of Alameda (jointly with City of Oakland, Port of Oakland & East Bay Regional Parks District)

Leadership and Innovation Award — Cross Agency Collaboration in Climate Adaptation
Beacon Program Participant Profile: Alameda

City of Hayward

Leadership and Innovation Award — Equity and Engagement in Sustainability and Climate
Beacon Program Participant Profile: Hayward

City of Mountain View

Leadership and Innovation Award — Innovation in Energy
To find out more, visit the City of Mountain View’s Sustainability webpage

City of Moreno Valley

Leadership and Innovation Award — Innovation in Clean Transportation
To find out more, visit the City of Moreno Valley website

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