MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) — Milwaukee is receiving national recognition for its environmental sustainability efforts after earning LEED Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council.

The designation recognizes the city's work to create a cleaner, more sustainable community while supporting residents, businesses and long-term economic growth.

Mayor Cavalier Johnson accepted the honor and said the recognition reflects Milwaukee's broader effort to make the city an attractive place to live, work and visit.

"We want to make this city an attractive city," Johnson said. "So attractive that the people who live here presently, they want to stay and double down, and make it so attractive that other people who visit us from all across the country, all across the world, they see the value and want to move here."

The LEED certification program evaluates cities based on sustainability, quality of life and environmental performance.

Milwaukee joins 16 other cities across the country that have received the LEED Gold designation.