RESILIENCE WHITE PAPER SERIES: Gaps and Opportunities for Local Resilience Planning in Connecticut
Authors and Affiliations: Joanna Wozniak-Brown, UConn Connecticut Institute for Resilience and Climate Adaptation
Abstract: There are numerous efforts underway at the local, regional, and state level across the state of Connecticut to address the impacts of climate change. Scientific assessments, community engagement, and adaptation project designs are just a few of the key activities. Additionally, climate-related goals are being integrated into some local planning processes and some municipalities have undertaken resilience plans. Despite these projects, there are glaring gaps in the existing authority or obligations of local governments that potentially hinder climate planning at the local level. This type of systems analysis highlights specific planning obligations that are often related to climate planning but have not yet incorporated the impacts and adaptations to climate change fully. However, optimizing or expanding existing local authority or planning obligations could significantly advance adaptation across the state. First, it would make climate planning an ongoing effort as opposed to episodic. Second, it could address gaps that have the potential to hinder projects currently underway. Third, it could advance efforts to address historically excluded and harmed communities across the state by ensuring they are included in climate change planning and that adaptation projects or resilience programs and policies redress those inequities. This white paper outlines the gaps in resilience planning authority and planning mechanisms then provide potential opportunities to address the gaps.
Suggested citation: Wozniak-Brown, J. 2022. Gaps and Opportunities for Local Resilience Planning in Connecticut. UConn Connecticut Institute for Resilience and Climate Adaptation. https://doi.org/10.56576/WXNJ9369