San Juan County
Small Communities Cohort Program
San Juan County
Climate Action Plan Development and Implementation
San Juan County is a geographically isolated area with a total population of approximately 18,000 people. The unique island geography—172 islands and reefs with the majority of the population spread across four main islands—and abundance of coastline make San Juan County susceptible to many climate hazards and impacts. A prime tourism destination, San Juan County receives an average of 650,000+ annual visitors, adding pressure to local ecosystems and infrastructure, and straining local resources during the ‘summer surge’.
San Juan County has been working to develop a long-term vision, climate policies, and an implementation strategy for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and preparing our community for current and future climate impacts. By fostering a comprehensive approach to climate-related challenges, the County aims to pave the way for a resilient and sustainable future, ensuring the well-being of its residents and the preservation of its natural resources for generations to come.
The Small Community Cohort Program Project
Through participation in the Small Communities Cohort, San Juan County seeks assistance to prioritize actions and finalize development of the County’s Climate Action Plan (CAP), and to establish a sustainable funding mechanism for early-stage implementation. These efforts aim to foster a comprehensive approach to climate-related challenges, ensuring the well-being of San Juan County residents and the preservation of natural resources.
Project Goals
01
Support community engagement regarding the climate preparedness section of the CAP.
02
Build from an existing outline, narrative pieces, and previous prioritization work, work with staff to build out and prioritize the remaining prioritization inputs within the CAP’s climate preparedness section.
03
Help build out and implement a pilot project for locally based, sustainable funding to support CAP implementation.
For More Information:
The Small Communities Cohort Program, hosted by the Puget Sound Climate Preparedness Collaborative, supports climate preparedness projects in 12 smaller and/or less resourced jurisdictions and Tribes through staffing and consulting support.
