How well are US communities planning for resilience, climate adaptation, and sustainability—and what’s missing? Results of a national survey of local staff and officials

Abstract

Community resilience, climate adaptation, and sustainability planning are increasingly used by communities in the United States to prepare for the effects of natural hazards and climate change. Existing studies have examined the theoretical intersections of these planning initiatives, but knowledge remains limited about practitioner perceptions and needs. We surveyed local community staff conducting resilience, climate adaptation, and sustainability planning to understand their experiences and views about prioritization and effectiveness, barriers to success, and external information and support for these approaches. Respondents generally reported success in their planning efforts across all three areas, and with respect to navigating the growing array of available information and support options. The latter suggests that technical limitations are no longer a serious impediment. However, securing funding and implementing plans remain important barriers to effective resilience, adaptation, and sustainability planning. Yet, observed conceptual and practical overlaps between these related concepts may signal a way forward.