Resilient Communities Case Studies

ERI is documenting the actions of Midwestern local governments as they prepare for the impacts of climate change and take steps to reduce local emissions. The case studies in this list contain discussion questions to facilitate deeper conversations on communities' resilience activities. The questions can be found at the bottom of each case study under the heading, "Questions for discussion."

Air Quality

• Detroit Nonprofit Improves Air Quality, Reduces Emissions with Diesel Vehicle Replacements
• Northwest Indiana Improves Outdoor Air Quality with Voluntary Actions 

Critical Infrastructure

• Bloomington, Indiana Installs Backup Power Systems to Protect Critical Facilities 

Ecosystem Protection

• Bloomington, Indiana Naturalizes Creek Bank to Manage Stormwater and Establish Native Plants 
• Goshen, Indiana Improves Ecosystem Resilience with Tree Canopy Inventory and Assessment 

Energy

• Cincinnati energy aggregation program reduces utility costs and supports renewable energy
• Evansville, Indiana Increases Solar Generation and Creates Clean Energy Jobs for Vulnerable Communities
• Richmond, Indiana Develops a Map to Estimate the Community's Solar Power Potential
• White County, Indiana saves money and boosts the economy with wind energy

Equity and Justice

• The City of Evanston Sustainability Office Launches Interactive Activity for Students to Learn about Climate Change

Food and Agriculture

• Bedford, Indiana Increases Access to Healthy Food and Spurs Neighborhood-Level Social Change with Community Garden

Policies and Planning

• Indiana Youth Propose Climate Recovery Solutions Before City Councils Throughout the State

Public Health

• Regional watershed council protects Michigan lakes using septic system policies

Solid Waste Management

• City of Richmond Recycles 96% of Debris from Hospital Demolition

Transportation

• Aurora and Lawrenceburg, Indiana Develop Joint Bike Share Program

Water Management

• The City of Decatur, Illinois implements drought mitigation efforts to protect their water supply and economy