Tucson Mayor Regina Romero is representing the residents of Tucson at the C40 World Mayors Summit 2025 in Rio de Janeiro, joining mayors and climate leaders from around the world to showcase how cities are driving real solutions to the climate crisis.
Mayor Romero is accompanied by the City of Tucson’s Chief Resilience Officer, Fátima Luna, as part of the city’s ongoing commitment to advancing climate action and resilience. Bloomberg Philanthropies and Summit sponsors are supporting the participation of Tucson’s Mayor and Chief Resilience Officer at the event.
At the Summit, Mayor Romero took part in “Local Power, Global Change: U.S. Mayors Leading on Climate,” a press event hosted by C40 Cities, Climate Mayors, and America Is All In, with opening remarks by former White House National Climate Advisor, Gina McCarthy. The press event spotlighted U.S. cities that are continuing to lead on climate action, despite federal programs being dismantled, by implementing practical, community-focused solutions that work right now.
“It is an honor to bring Tucson’s voice to this global stage,” said Tucson Mayor Regina Romero. “In just two years, Tucson has turned climate ambition into on-the-ground action. We’re investing in cleaner transportation, greener neighborhoods, and programs that protect the people most impacted by climate hazards and rising costs. Tucson is leading across the U.S., and the world is taking notice."
“Since adopting Tucson Resilient Together (TRT) in 2023, the City of Tucson has transformed its climate commitments into measurable progress,” said Assistant City Manager Kristina Swallow. “We are leading the way on climate action in our community with ambitious targets of carbon neutrality by 2030 for City operations and 2045 community-wide, with 122 actions across five focus areas: governance, community resilience, energy, land use and transportation, and resource management. Participating in summits like C40 allows us to showcase our efforts and learn first-hand how other cities are implementing successful strategies.”
As of 2025, 85% of the actions in Tucson’s Climate Action Plan are completed, ongoing, or in progress, a major step forward from 76% in 2024. This progress reflects targeted investments, stronger partnerships, and coordinated efforts across city departments.
“Climate action is not a luxury, it is a necessity,” added Mayor Regina Romero.
In 2025 alone, the City of Tucson invested $161 million in projects that strengthen neighborhoods, reduce emissions, and improve quality of life from expanding zero-fare public transit and green infrastructure, to enhancing water security and waste diversion. Tucson also expanded access to clean and renewable energy, completing an Energy Sourcing Study that charts a path to 100% renewable power by 2045, joining Tucson Electric Power’s Green Tariff Program to cut municipal emissions by 44% by 2026, and advancing the Solar Empowerment Program to bring rooftop solar to more low-income households.
“These investments are bringing down the cost of living for our residents. This work doesn’t just protect the environment, it strengthens our economy,” added Mayor Romero.
The World Mayors Summit, alongside the Local Leaders Forum, is primarily supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies. Other World Mayor Summit sponsors include Novo Nordisk, Carrier, GIZ Brazil and Uber.
