Howard County Climate Forward: A Better Way to Plan

About the Program

Category: County Resiliency (Best in Category)

Year: 2023

Howard County’s Climate Forward project demonstrates a better way to plan for climate mitigation and resiliency. The key to this project is the deep level of engagement it fostered from nearly every department, bureau, and office within County government. This interdepartmental cooperation informed the development of a comprehensive climate action and resiliency plan that prioritizes actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, store carbon, increase resiliency to severe storms and other climate hazards, and emphasizes equity, inclusion and justice in every initiative. Climate Forward is more than just a document. It is a strategic workplan for every level of County government across all departments and all staff. Continued intergovernmental cooperation and improved community services are ensured through the appointment of a Climate Action Sub-cabinet and its interdisciplinary workgroups that meet regularly to move climate action plan implementation forward in the most innovative, equitable, collaborative, and efficient manner.