To develop a Municipal Climate Action Plan in collaboration with community stakeholders, while educating the public about the necessity of adaptation and resilience in Lancaster.

Lessons learned about tools and tactics through the project that other sustainability directors could use to advance their work.

Conducting stakeholder interviews with key City staff was helpful in creating internal buy-in and personalizing the plans’ recommended strategies; however, it was costly to the project budget. Incorporating sustainability leaders from nearby colleges added significant expertise to our team, which supplemented the consultant.

Lessons for developing a collaborative process between a local government sustainability director and local place-based foundation(s).

It’s important that the local foundation clearly articulate climate action as an area of interest and future funding. This is what will create a more intimate and meaningful connection between the plan and the foundation. Also, foundations may be willing to receive funds from private partners in order to bolster their financial contribution. This was a significant help to Lancaster. Finally, it’s important to start early and go slowly when needed. Once there is commitment by one source for funding, it is easier to get more partners on board.