The Clean Air Initiative in Latin American cities recognizes that partners play an important role in the production as well as the prevention and abatement of air pollution. The Clean Air Initiative is a partnership between various different organizations - from the public sector, the private sector, academic institutions and international agencies - recognising that through partnerships real progress can be made in the battle against air pollution.

The 22 full partners of the Clean Air Initiative make up the Steering Committee, and all contribute to the Initiative in some form - either "in-kind" or with actual financial assistance. The cities and NGO's generally contribute in terms of mobilizing their own resources, such as staff time, while development banks and agencies provide technical expertise. The private sector is subject to a slightly different system, whereby a specific level of financial assistance is required to assure a seat on the Steering Committee (US $100,000)

In addition to Steering Committee members, a large number of organizations have contributed to the Clean Air Initiative through other means, including local sponsors for workshops - such as Petrobras, Mercedes Benz, Aguas Argentinas and many more.