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Climate Change Adaptation Resource Center (ARC-X)

Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments Identified Smart Growth Strategies for More Resilient Communities

 Metropolitan WashingtonThe Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (MWCOG) worked with EPA through a technical assistance project to help develop climate adaptation policy options for the consideration of its local jurisdictions. The project sought to help local communities prepare for climate change impacts while bringing other environmental, economic, and social benefits. To determine regional vulnerabilities, MWCOG used regional climate change projections from the 2009 National Climate Assessment combined with findings from the Maryland and Virginia state climate commissions, university studies, regional planning group assessments, and input from local government staff. MWCOG relied on its standing committees (made up of representatives from its member jurisdictions) related to buildings, land use, transportation, and water sectors for input on the project and to keep its members engaged throughout the process. This regional effort provided localities with information, such as an analysis of projected climate impacts and how they would affect different sectors, that would have been difficult to develop and duplicative if conducted separately. The effort also raised awareness of climate adaptation in the region and encouraged local governments to explore multi-benefit strategies while anticipating, planning, and preparing for climate change. This effort also resulted in EPA developing the report: "Using Smart Growth Strategies to Create More Resilient Communities in the Washington, D.C., Region (2013)".

How Did They Do It? Applicable EPA Tools
MWCOG reviewed climate vulnerabilities and identified potential adaptation strategies
  • Analyzed regional climate change projections from the 2009 National Climate Assessment to assess projected climate impacts to the region
  • Supplemented projected climate risks with findings from the Maryland and Virginia state climate commissions, universities, as well as local staff and regional planning groups
  • Hosted adaptation trainings and educational events that shared lessons learned from previous hazards to help develop local jurisdiction staff capacity on adaptation

EPA’s Local Government Climate Adaptation Training provides a better understanding of how climate change can impact municipal services.

Local Government Climate Adaptation Training

Under the technical assistance program, and with input from MWCOG's stakeholders, EPA developed Using Smart Growth Strategies to Create More Resilient Communities in the Washington, D.C., Region, to give local governments policy options to consider when preparing for future climate risks.

Using Smart Growth Strategies to Create More Resilient Communities in the Washington, D.C., Region guidebook helps identify policy options for your community to consider when preparing for future climate risks.

Using Smart Growth Strategies to Create More Resilient Communities in the Washington, D.C., Region guidebook

MWCOG engaged member jurisdictions to spread awareness of potential adaptation strategies
  • Engaged representatives from MWCOG member jurisdictions in discussions about their priorities, needs, and concerns related to climate change adaptation
  • Held a day-long symposium to go into more depth on climate impacts and their implications for the region and local decision-makers

Visit the Climate Resilience Toolkit to find more federal trainings and resources that can help communities spread awareness of potential adaptation strategies.

Climate Resilience Toolkit

Similar Cases and More Information

To find out more about the region’s activities on climate adaptation, visit the MWCOG’s Climate Change Impacts and Adaptation web page. Many other communities have collaborated with neighboring municipalities, regional entities or with non-profits to support adaptation planning efforts. To view another case where multiple government jurisdictions collaborated to perform a regional projection for sea level rise and identify adaptation options, view the Southeast Florida regional Climate Compact. Finally, view the Anacortes Water Utility to see how another community used a regional climate assessment, conducted by a neighboring municipality, to rebuild their water treatment plant and account for future climate risk.


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