Background

In 2019, the Kalamazoo County Board of Commissioners adopted a Climate Emergency Resolution recognizing the impacts that changing climate conditions and natural hazards can have on residents, infrastructure, public health, and community resilience.

The resolution committed the County to advancing long-term climate planning efforts focused on:

• Reducing greenhouse gas emissions

• Increasing community resilience

• Supporting coordination across jurisdictions

• Protecting vulnerable populations

• Preparing for future climate-related challenges

By 2021, five municipalities across Kalamazoo County had adopted similar Climate Emergency Resolutions.

In 2022, Kalamazoo County partnered with the Kalamazoo Climate Crisis Coalition to secure grant funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, administered through the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), to support development of a countywide Climate Action and Climate Justice Plan.

To support this effort, the County created a Climate Sustainability Coordinator position within the Department of Planning & Development in 2023.

How Was the Plan Developed?

In December 2023, the Climate Action and Climate Justice Advisory Council was established. The Council includes community stakeholders, technical experts, scientists, and municipal representatives from across Kalamazoo County.

Throughout 2024, the County hosted 10 community visioning sessions to gather feedback from residents about:

• Climate-related concerns affecting their lives

• Community priorities

• Potential solutions and strategies

Municipalities and local agencies were also asked to assess their communities’ climate readiness and future needs.

In 2025, a Climate Vulnerability Assessment was completed to better understand projected climate risks and hazards specific to Kalamazoo County and Southwest Michigan. The assessment examined scientific climate models and projections to help identify vulnerabilities, priorities, and potential response strategies.

Community feedback, technical analysis, and vulnerability assessments all helped inform the development of the draft plan.

What Does The Plan Include?

The Climate Action and Climate Justice Plan includes:

• Historic, current, and projected climate conditions

• Climate vulnerabilities affecting Southwest Michigan

• Community goals and priorities

• Recommended strategies and actions

• Implementation recommendations and next steps

The plan is intended to serve as a long-term framework to help guide future planning, coordination, and resilience efforts across Kalamazoo County.

A Living Document

The Climate Action and Climate Justice Plan is intended to be a living document that can continue to evolve over time as new information, community priorities, and future challenges emerge.

Ongoing public engagement, updated data, and continued collaboration will help inform future updates and implementation efforts.

How Can You Get Involved?

Residents are encouraged to review the draft Climate Action and Climate Justice Plan and provide feedback during the public comment period.

Comments may be submitted through:

• The feedback form on this page

• Email

• Phone

Additional engagement opportunities and updates may also be shared on this page throughout the planning process.