Iterative, Inclusive Engagement in Pursuit of Climate Resilience in Ramsey County

Abstract

This project was completed as part of a partnership between Saint Paul–Ramsey County Public Health and the University of Minnesota’s Resilient Communities Project (http://www.rcp.umn.edu). Climate change continues to impact the health, well-being, and resilience of Ramsey County residents, with greater severity in racially/ethnically diverse and socioeconomically disadvantaged communities. A newly published County strategic priority states that Ramsey County is committed to leading in the mitigation of and adaptation to climate change, elevating environmental justice, and fighting against the disparate impacts of climate change in Black, American Indian, and other underrepresented communities across the county. Ramsey County project lead Abi Phillips worked with five teams of students in Dr. Fernando Burga's PA 5145: Civic Engagement in Public Affairs course in spring of 2023 to identify target communities for engagement, potential engagement strategies, and evaluation metrics, and offer recommendations and next step for Ramsey County public engagement around issues related to climate change and resilience. The students’ final report, which includes five poster series, is available.