STAR Communities is a national nonprofit organization that works to evaluate, improve, and certify sustainable communities. Its primary role is to assist cities and counties to achieve healthier environments, stronger economies, and a higher quality of life for their residents through sustainability. The STAR Community Rating System is supported by the Local Governments for Sustainability USA, the U.S. Green Building Council, National League of Cities and the Center for American Progress. 

Cities and counties routinely use STAR to measure their progress across social, economic, and environmental performance areas as related to the concept of sustainability and to establish benchmarks for success. It is the nation’s leading framework and certification program for evaluating local sustainability, encompassing social, economic and environmental performance measures.

Recently, the STAR Communities organization awarded the City of Peoria a 3-STAR Community Rating for its national leadership in sustainability. This is the direct result of decisions by the City to support recycling, solar power, water conservation programs, citizen education, environmental stewardship, and thoughtful planning techniques. The City of Peoria is the 69th in the nation to receive recognition from STAR Communities for its participation in the STAR Community Rating System (STAR).

The City is honored to receive this award and present it to the Peoria Mayor and City Council.