Blue City Certification
The Blue City Network (BCN) is a certification program that recognizes cities, towns, and counties committed to protecting waterways and oceans. By joining, communities gain access to tools, resources, and collaboration opportunities with other environmentally focused municipalities and nonprofit partners.
Established by Project-O, a California-based 501(c)(3) ocean conservation nonprofit, the Blue City program offers a clear, data-driven path for cities to measure and strengthen their sustainability efforts. Member cities can track their progress over time and earn recognition for their commitment to protecting our oceans and waterways.
Certified cities join a network of like-minded communities committed to sustainability, gaining access to shared expertise, public recognition, and measurable impact. Together, we’re driving progress and shaping a healthier future for our oceans and waterways.
Our Partners
The Blue City Network is proud to collaborate with leading ocean and environmental organizations that serve as supporting partners to our team and member cities. These partners offer technical expertise, policy guidance, data tools, and programmatic support to help cities meet certification requirements and further accelerate their environmental goals post-certification. From advising on single-use plastic ordinances to supporting habitat restoration and climate adaptation planning, our partners are here to assist cities every step of the way in building a healthier, more resilient future.
CLICK PARTNER LOGO BELOW to access helpful resources.
Our Certified Cities
Certified Blue Cities are part of a growing coalition of communities dedicated to protecting oceans and waterways. As members of the Blue City Network, cities benefit from peer-to-peer collaboration, direct support from our team, and access to the technical expertise and resources offered by our partners. Together, we help cities advance local sustainability initiatives, share best practices, and collectively tackle environmental challenges—building a stronger, more resilient future for all.
Blue city benefits
Join the Blue City Network and stand alongside leading coastal communities protecting the oceans and waterways that sustain us. Blue City Certification showcases your city’s commitment to sustainability, builds public trust, and connects you with expert partners and resources to accelerate your environmental goals.
City Recognition & Credibility
Support For Your Goals
Collaboration & Resources
Community Pride
how to become a blue city
Certification starts with a comprehensive assessment of your city’s environmental policies and programs—celebrating successes, identifying opportunities, and guiding your path to stronger coastal sustainability.
How We Promote Your City
Formal City Recognition
Social Media Promotion
Local Media & Press
Annual Forum Invite
Solution Areas
Blue City Certification uses a clear, data-driven framework to evaluate how communities are protecting waterways and oceans. The Certification Assessment is organized into four Solution Areas, each focusing on a key theme of sustainability. This structure gives cities a transparent, credible way to measure their progress, celebrate achievements, and identify opportunities to advance their environmental goals.
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The Blue City Team
Rich German
Founder,
Blue City Network
Founder, Project O
rich@project-o.org
Evelina Marchetti
Executive Director,
Blue City Network
COO, Project O
evelina@project-o.org
Alisan Theodossiou
Chief City Liaison,
Blue City Network
alisan@project-o.org