Oak Park achieves CDP ‘A’ score for environmental leadership
Published on January 15, 2026
Oak Park has been recognized by CDP, a global environmental non-profit, for its leadership in transparency and action, securing a place on CDP’s respected annual ‘A’ List.
CDP operates the world’s only independent environmental disclosure system, with more than 1,000 cities, states and regions reporting environmental data through CDP in 2025. Achieving an ‘A’ places Oak Park among the leaders demonstrating comprehensive disclosure, mature environmental governance, and meaningful progress towards environmental resilience.
Oak Park’s score reflects community-wide planning and implementation efforts made towards the comprehensive sustainability and resilience plan, Climate Ready Oak Park.
To achieve an A score, a city must meet a series of robust leadership criteria. This includes publicly disclosing environmental data through the CDP-ICLEI Track platform, maintaining a comprehensive city-wide emissions inventory and publishing a credible climate action plan. Cities must also complete a full climate risk and vulnerability assessment and set a clear climate adaptation goal that outlines how they will address current and future climate hazards.
Many cities on the A List demonstrate additional leadership through actions such as securing formal political commitment from the mayor to advance climate ambition and deliver resilient, low-carbon development.
"We are proud that the Village of Oak Park has been named to CDP’s 2025 A List," said Village of Oak Park Chief Sustainability Officer Lindsey Roland Nieratka. "This recognition places us among a select group of global leaders in climate action, transparency and resilience. We are truly honored to be the only municipality in Illinois to receive this important distinction as it reflects the commitment of our entire community to building a sustainable future. It also energizes us to continue advancing bold climate initiatives set forth in our Climate Ready Oak Park plan that protect our environment and enhance the well-being of every resident."
“Cities play a decisive role in shaping a resilient and earth-positive future,” said Sherry Madera, CEO of CDP. “When local governments commit to transparent disclosure, robust climate planning and clear adaptation strategies, they not only protect their communities but also unlock opportunities for innovation and sustainable growth. Their leadership shows how data-driven climate action can strengthen both people and the planet.”
Click here to view CDP’s full Cities, States and Regions A List.
Please visit www.oak-park.us/sustainability, call 708.358.5770 or email sustainability@oak-park.us for more information about the Village’s Office of Sustainability & Resilience.