Join Climate-Smart Counties & Communities

Increasingly organizations across Minnesota are developing and implementing climate resiliency plans but not every county and community has the staff, expertise or time to build one alone. Climate-Smart Counties & Communities (CCC) invites Minnesota counties, communities, municipalities, regional development organizations, and Tribal Nations to join a growing statewide group of peer leaders working side by side — with each other and with technical experts in Minnesota and Germany — to accelerate resiliency efforts, develop actionable solutions, and demonstrate what's possible in Minnesota.

What You'll Gain

Access to a statewide network of MN counties and communities tackling resiliency together with direct access to peers and lessons learned
Regular virtual meetings with technical experts from Minnesota and Germany
A seat at in-person workshops where peer leaders co-create tailored, real-world solutions
Statewide recognition as a resiliency leader and model for other MN counties and communities
Eligibility to apply for funded advanced technical intern support for your own project (up to $9,000 toward a 5-month engagement)

Application details are below.

Who can apply?

Minnesota counties, municipalities, Tribal Nations and regional development organization partners who are ready to build momentum on resiliency are strongly encouraged to apply. You don't need a fully-formed plan, sustainability office or prior resiliency experience to apply. Special consideration is given to applicants in rural Minnesota and/or combined projects (e.g. neighboring cities, county-city).

Two Steps — Join at Your Own Pace

Joining the group of peer leaders requires your commitment to showing up and an intention to develop understanding and leadership on one or more resiliency topics that fit your organization. Technical support funding for an intern is a benefit you can apply for when you're ready. Application deadlines for funded technical interns are October 15, 2026 and October 15, 2027.

STEP 1 — Join the Group of Peer Leaders

Low barrier, rolling admission

Provide organization information
Provide a resolution supporting continuous, regular participation through June 2029
Designate a committed staff contact

STEP 2 — Apply for Technical Support Funding

When you're ready

Share a project idea or problem you'd like to solve
Get matched with an advanced technical intern
Receive up to $9,000 toward your project

Technical Support Project Deadlines

Apply for Cycle 2 Technical Support Funding by October 15, 2026
Cycle 2 Technical Project Funding Begins April 1, 2027
Apply for Cycle 3 Technical Support Funding by October 15, 2027
Cycle 3 Technical Project Funding Begins April 3, 2028

Ready to apply?

If your Minnesota county, community, municipality, regional development organization or Tribal Nation is ready to join a growing statewide group of peer leaders working side by side to build local resiliency solutions, please review the following:

Questions? Please contact the program team at ione-int@umn.edu using the subject line “Climate-Smart Counties and Communities Program.”

Funding & Acknowledgements

Funding for this project was provided by the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund as recommended by the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR).

The Trust Fund is a permanent fund constitutionally established by the citizens of Minnesota to assist in the protection, conservation, preservation, and enhancement of the state’s air, water, land, fish, wildlife, and other natural resources. Currently 40% of net Minnesota State Lottery proceeds are dedicated to growing the Trust Fund and ensuring future benefits for Minnesota’s environment and natural resources.