Modern Climate Adaptation Governance and Financing Strategies

BACKGROUND

Investment in resilient infrastructure is becoming increasingly urgent because of climate change and the economic and social consequences of inaction.

Local government officials understand the needs of their communities but may be ill-equipped to address them, especially when adaptation and infrastructure investments cross jurisdictional boundaries. The scale and complexity of these projects may exceed decision-makers’ knowledge and experience. Even when they can conceptualize a strategy to address a growing challenge, they may be stymied by the prospect of financing it.

Project Description

The Center for Intergovernmental Partnerships proposed to develop a roadmap that will help local government officials achieve place-based transformation through alternative financing methods. The study addressed the following research questions:

1. Where and when have local governments attempted to support climate-resilient infrastructure projects using alternative financing methods?

2. What are the lessons from successes and failures?

3. What should local government officials understand about alternative financing methods?

4. How can local government officials become equipped to use alternative financing methods to achieve place-based transformation?

This project was funded with the philanthropic support of the Jane G. and Mark A. Pisano Fund. We thank them for their support of the Center for Intergovernmental Partnerships and continued service to the Academy.