City of Savannah Recognized as One of Nation’s “Top 12 Cities to Watch on Environmental Health”
Wednesday, April 15th, 2026
The City of Savannah has been recognized as one of the Top 12 Cities to Watch on Environmental Health by the Community Data Health Initiative (CDHI), in partnership with the African American Mayors Association.
Savannah was selected in the Extreme Heat category, highlighting the City’s ongoing efforts to address environmental health challenges and protect residents from the impacts of rising temperatures.
Cities across the country were evaluated based on innovative programs, policies, and partnerships aimed at improving environmental health outcomes. As part of the initiative, mayors submitted short videos showcasing how their communities are taking action to address issues such as air quality, extreme heat, and lead service line replacement.
“Savannah is proud to be recognized among cities across the country leading the way on environmental health,” said Van R. Johnson II. “This recognition reflects our commitment to protecting our residents, particularly our most vulnerable populations, from the impacts of extreme heat. It also underscores the work we are doing to build a more resilient, equitable, and sustainable city for the future.”
Savannah joins a national cohort of cities advancing solutions in three key areas:
- Air Quality
- Extreme Heat
- Lead Service Line Replacement
The Top 12 Cities will be featured in an ongoing national campaign led by CDHI, providing opportunities for participating cities to share best practices and collaborate with leaders across the country.
The Community Data Health Initiative is a national collaboration between the Data-Smart City Solutions program at the Bloomberg Center for Cities at Harvard University, the Environmental Defense Fund, the African American Mayors Association, and Meharry Medical College. The initiative is supported by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and The Kresge Foundation.
