Equip local government
Towns and cities have unique powers to enable, multiply, and sustain large-scale climate solutions. But they they have mostly flown under the radar. One reason is the conventional thinking that change comes from higher levels and flow to lower echelons for implementation. This idea, while attractively simple, is wrong. And it’s a reason why US climate progress has come in fits and starts and so far fallen short.
Make no mistake, federal and state policy is essential. We need to push for reforms, defend progress, and seize every opportuniy we can. When leadership ebbs, we have to protect momentum and innovate. At all times, we should be knitting together and doubling down on what works.
But even in the best of times, higher levels have limited control over the practical work of transformation on the ground. And as has become clear recently, federal and state action is just not something we can depend on to carry the bulk of the load.
Way forward
Lead and support large-scale solutions by putting to work the power of communities. Individually, collectively, and as coalitions.
In doing so, center engagement with local governments while working with relevant private and nonprofit institutions and also structures that can help communities organize and gain power.
Improve the capacity of local governments to effect change as organizations. Improve alignment with climate commitments between electeds, executives and expert staff around (and related, elections themselves). Tune decisionmaking procedures and protocols to be pro-climate. Design organizational structure to deliver and ensure accountability for climate solutions.
Resources
To speed up large-scale climate solutions, call on local communities
Key climate solutions for communities
Local governments have uniquely influential powers for climate policy (blog)
Coming: How to harness local governments (blog)
Moreworks 