February 22, 2023 Region convenes to discuss local climate action planning View webinar transcriptOpens in a new tab Each of northeastern Illinois’ 7 counties and 284 municipalities has a role to play in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, but not everyone knows where to begin. During this CMAP Talks webinar, panelists discussed how communities can take climate action and resources you can use. What was the main takeaway? A lot of the groundwork is already done: Review the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus’ Climate Action Plan for the Chicago Region to learn how your community can start. Use the data in your local emissions summary to prioritize where you can make the biggest difference. Panelists included Deb Kutska, who manages sustainability programs for municipalities and residents in Cook County; Edith Makra, who led the creation of the first climate action plan for the Chicago region with the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus; and Kim Stone, who sits on the Highland Park city council and serves as co-chair for Go Green Illinois. CMAP senior planner Jared Patton moderated the discussion. Program and resources mentioned in the webinar Illinois/region Regional greenhouse gas emissions inventory Local greenhouse gas emissions summaries Greenest Region Compact Climate Action Plan for the Chicago Region Go Green Illinois Clean Energy and Jobs Act Stretch building codes Cook County Clean Energy Plan Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Program Healthy Homes for Healthy Families Businesses Reducing Impact on the Environment (BRITE) Program Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (CPACE) Program Climate Resiliency Planning for Communities Article by Joan Smedinghoff Stay connected with your community Newsletter sign-up Opens in a modal Latest news Click to read Illinois receives $430 million federal grant to reduce emissions Posted on Click to read Illinois receives $430 million federal grant to reduce emissions Click to read Clean and Equitable Transportation Act introduced, offers extensive range of transit and climate policy proposals Posted on Click to read Clean and Equitable Transportation Act introduced, offers extensive range of transit and climate policy proposals Click to read Regional climate action planning takes a big step forward Posted on Click to read Regional climate action planning takes a big step forward Click to read Federal grants available for transformational emissions reduction projects Posted on Click to read Federal grants available for transformational emissions reduction projects