Peer-Learning and Networking Group for State Policymakers Working on Climate Adaptation and Resilience

One of the most valuable resources for policymakers is each other. However, opportunities to learn from other policymakers’ experiences, discuss challenges and successes, and brainstorm ideas are few and far between.

To address that gap, Georgetown Climate Center (GCC) brings together policymakers from U.S. state and Canadian provincial agencies through our State Policy Forum (SPF), which provides a space for peer-learning, networking, and discussion around adaptation and resilience laws, plans, policies, and programs.

Hosted by GCC since 2014, the State Policy Forum is a bi-monthly virtual meeting series open to all state and provincial adaptation and resilience policymakers interested in connecting and learning.

Each meeting focuses on a topic selected in advance by SPF participants. Past discussions have included community engagement, equity and environmental justice, public health, transportation, nature-based solutions, interagency coordination, decisionmaking in the face of uncertainty, and other relevant subjects and challenges commonly encountered by state agencies and policymakers in the field.

In addition to regular virtual meetings, SPF participants also share resources and collaborate through GCC’s online Adaptation Clearinghouse, in-person events when possible, and other virtual engagement and networking opportunities.

Currently, the SPF hosts participants from 30 jurisdictions (28 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, and the Canadian province of Manitoba), representing executive agencies and a variety of agencies including environmental protection, hazard mitigation, transportation, and public health.

Interested in participating in the State Policy Forum?
The State Policy Forum is open to state and provincial staff working on climate adaptation and resilience at executive offices and state agencies. Relevant agencies may include but are not limited to ones that cover environmental protection, natural resources, coastal management, hazard mitigation, community development, equity and environmental justice, transportation, infrastructure, energy, and public health.

If you are a state or provincial policymaker interested in learning more about the State Policy Forum, please contact GCC Senior Associate Katie Spidalieri at Katie.Spidalieri@georgetown.edu.

State Policy Forum Participants

Representatives from 30 jurisdictions in the U.S. and Canada currently participate in the State Policy Forum, including a diverse and bipartisan group of agency and state staff.

• California
• Colorado
• Connecticut
• Delaware
• District of Columbia
• Florida
• Georgia
• Hawaii
• Louisiana
• Maine
• Manitoba
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• Michigan
• Minnesota
• Montana
• New Hampshire
• New Jersey
• New Mexico
• New York
• North Carolina
• Oregon
• Pennsylvania
• Rhode Island
• South Carolina
• Tennessee
• Vermont
• Virginia
• Washington
• Wisconsin