ICLEI USA, in partnership with USGBC, Center for American Progress and the National League of Cities is creating a national sustainability rating system for cities in the country. The STAR Community Index program is set to launch in spring of 2011. Martin Chavez, ICLEI USA Executive Director states “the STAR Community Index will be a national consensus-based framework to help any city, town or county rate its sustainability performance. STAR’s rating system will help them identify their strengths and weaknesses, and give them a clear roadmap for how to address economic, environmental and social factors in their communities.” STAR has enlisted 165 volunteers representing 135 organizations, 60 cities and 10 counties, state and federal agencies. In addition nonprofit organizations, national associations universities, utilities and private corporations are lining up to participate in the STAR system