Cross-Pollinating Actions

CC 1: Continue to Build Internal Capacity for Support of Climate Action Plan Implementation.

CP 1- 1 Explore opportunities to establish, fund and support a Regional Climate Action Coordinator to:

•Convene the MN Region 4 CAP Implementation Team.

•Support the region's county and municipal governments and staff as they implement CAP actions within their service area or area of expertise.

•Facilitate discussion among large users to reduce emissions through business, agricultural, and industrial strategies.

•Participate in technical resource programs as they are available through County, Regional, State, Federal, and non-profit provider partners.

•Ensure the establishment and maintenance of a West Central Initiative Climate Action webpage supporting CAP resources.

•Coordinate and organize volunteer groups and events.

•Engage county and municipal boards and commissions in the region to support CAP is integration into their work plans.

CP 1- 2 Review Climate Action Plan implementation progress and impacts on a regular basis (1-2 year cycle). Review should include development of an updated region wide GHG inventory. Strategies and actions should be reviewed for implementation progress and for continued appropriateness. Based on the review, adjust, add, and remove detailed CAP actions as appropriate.

CP 1- 3 Ensure the creation and maintenance of a coordinated Region 4 CAP Communication and Education Campaign to support public engagement needed for successful CAP implementation.

CP 2: Facilitate External Support Needed for Climate Action Plan Implementation.

CP 2- 1 Establish a MN Region 4 CAP Implementation Team comprised of staff, volunteer commission, and elected official representatives from Region 4 counties and municipalities. The task of the CAP Team should be to meet regularly to support CAP implementation at the county and municipal level, identify initial and ongoing joint action opportunities, establish annual joint action plans, and coordinate joint action implementation. The Team should also serve as a general supportive resource peer group for participating representatives.

CP 2- 2 Establish a Region 4 Climate Champions and Interns program to help promote, communicate, educate, and coordinate actions. Program to seek strategies to empower experienced regional experts in knowledge sharing while providing mentorship opportunities for youth. Program structure to engage volunteer Climate Champions with market specific in key areas (Agriculture Champion, Recycle and Reuse Champion, Greenspace and Trees Champion, Renewable Energy Champion, etc) to support peer-to-peer knowledge sharing as well as public education. Program to include Climate Champion Interns receiving mentorship opportunities from Champions and other regional resources. Climate Champion Interns to participate paid internships supporting implementation of climate actions or community engagement with WCI, local governments, businesses, and institutions.

CP 2- 3 Establish a roster of MN Region 4 Climate Action spokespeople comprised of regional celebrities and well regarded regional community members to support building regional awareness of climate action, benefits, and the region's plan.