A new analysis ranks cities based on their environmental quality, energy consumption and production, transportation, density, and other factors.

An analysis of the 100 largest U.S. cities reveals the “greenest” urban centers based on 28 metrics including air and water quality, greenhouse gas emissions, transportation patterns and walkability, green job opportunities, and more.
As Samanda Dorger notes in The Street, “Many U.S. cities have recognized the economic advantages of sustainability efforts such as clean energy, recycling, composting, urban agriculture and clean transportation.”
According to the list, the greenest city in the United States is San Diego. California cities take six of the top 10 spots, with San Francisco ranking fourth, San Jose fifth, and the smaller communities of Fremont and Irvine rounding out the list.
Other top green cities are Washington, D.C., Honolulu, Seattle, and Portland. “Cities that ranked in the bottom five were: Glendale, Ariz., Hialeah Fla., Houston, Mesa, Ariz. and Baton Rouge, La.”
FULL STORY: Top 10 Greenest U.S. Cities

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series
The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

Crime Continues to Drop on Philly, San Francisco Transit Systems
SEPTA and BART both saw significant declines in violent crime in the first quarter of 2025.

How South LA Green Spaces Power Community Health and Hope
Green spaces like South L.A. Wetlands Park are helping South Los Angeles residents promote healthy lifestyles, build community, and advocate for improvements that reflect local needs in historically underserved neighborhoods.

Sacramento Plans ‘Quick-Build’ Road Safety Projects
The city wants to accelerate small-scale safety improvements that use low-cost equipment to make an impact at dangerous intersections.
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