ABSTRACT
As the threats of climate change are becoming more apparent, many communities in the United States are undertaking actions to respond to actual or expected changing climate conditions and reduce their vulnerabilities to climate impacts. This chapter provides an example of a complex, exploratory research project to evaluate the state of the practice of climate adaptation at the community level. The Kresge Foundation has provided significant investment in community-based initiatives to reduce climate vulnerabilities. In 2013, the Kresge Foundation sought a consultancy to design and conduct a comprehensive empirical assessment of community-based climate adaptation in the United States. Community-level vulnerability to climate-related risk does not fall neatly within the purview of a single department or governmental agency. Adaptation professionals often work across many communities to help them address climate vulnerabilities.
