ILG’s Beacon Program helps local agencies understand the actions they can take — from clean energy to efficient transportation, adaptation planning, community engagement, and more — to reduce emissions, save energy, and build resilience. Through the Beacon Program, local agencies gain access to best practices, resources, technical assistance, peer support, and are eligible to earn annual award recognition.
The annual Beacon Vanguard and Spotlight awards recognize voluntary actions of cities/towns and counties to undertake climate and sustainability programming. Agencies that earn an award in each of the five Spotlight categories will receive our highest honor: the Beacon Vanguard Award.
Whether your agency is a Beacon Program participant or not, you are invited to apply for a Beacon Leadership & Innovation Award for an innovative project, program, plan, or policy your agency has implemented. Beacon Program participants can apply for both Spotlight and Leadership & Innovation Awards.
Learn more about each category and what data is needed for award consideration.
All Beacon Award applications are due Tuesday, June 30, 2026 by 5 PM
Questions? Reach out to ILG’s Nikita Sinha for more information.