The Geos Institute is preparing to launch a fundraising campaign to support the expansion of its Climate Ready America initiative into Virginia. As part of this effort, they are surveying local governments across the state to assess interest in establishing a Climate Innovation Center (CIC). This center would provide vital support to communities aiming to build resilience against climate-related challenges.
The survey seeks to identify the types of assistance local governments need most—from technical guidance to community engagement strategies—and will help shape the Center’s offerings.
About Climate Ready America
“Climate Ready America is a proposal for a nationwide system of climate support services to help communities do their part to address climate change. It creates a civic infrastructure that will partner with the federal government to leverage and support the climate mitigation and adaptation programs of federal agencies and other organizations, helping those tools reach the ground. This system will also gather critical information regarding emerging community needs for research and tools to be developed by federal and state agencies, academic institutions, and other organizations.” (Source)
About Climate Innovation Centers
Climate Innovation Centers are the primary service delivery element of the Climate Ready America system – a one-stop shop for local governments to act on climate – both mitigation and adaptation. “While the CICs will have standard functions, each will be customized to meet the specific needs of the communities within their state. Each state needs its own as CICs will incorporate and strengthen existing programs, while filling gaps in climate services. ” (Source)
Resilient Virginia's Role
If Climate Ready America expands into Virginia, the Climate Innovation Center will be hosted by Resilient Virginia. A CIC host provides the foundational infrastructure of statewide presence, climate service experience, and trust within the state.
Climate Innovation Center Leadership Circle
This is the leadership body in each state that directs the development of the CIC. Leadership Circles bring together leaders from different disciplines and expertise, including but not limited to climate mitigation, adaptation, and equity. The Leadership Circle will determine the direction of the CIC. (Source)
