Columbus MSA Climate Pollution Grant (CPRG) Engagement and Plan Development

Community partners Sustainable Columbus, Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC), Power a Clean Future Ohio (PCFO), IMPACT Community Action, and The Ohio State University were awarded a Climate Pollution Reduction Grant from EPA to develop a Priority Climate Action Plan (PCAP) in early 2024 and a Comprehensive Climate Action Plan (CCAP) by Summer 2025 for a 10-county region. Planning Communities provided technical assistance and plan design for the PCAP and is working with the community partners to provide additional technical assistance and leading engagement for the CCAP.

Planning Communities provided subject matter expertise across sectors informed development of the more comprehensive set of climate action strategies. The firm also led the Workforce Planning Analysis element of the CCAP. The firm led calculation of the impacts of climate action on criteria pollutants other than carbon dioxide. Planning Communities compiled data from multiple agencies and supported the description and characterization of climate actions and associated community benefits. The result was a graphically engaging and reader-friendly regional climate action plan.

Planning Communities delivered an equity-centered approach to engaging stakeholders and the general public across the Columbus region’s urban and rural counties. The firm developed an ArcGIS-based online platform that will serve as a hub for engagement activities. The firm developed climate kiosks that will create engagement for the CCAP at existing community events. The firm also developed resources such as fact sheets, StoryMaps, and messaging for use by community partners and local organizations to empower stakeholder- driven community engagement for climate action.

Planning Communities led the Workforce Planning Analysis element of the CCAP, which assessed workforce needs, identified partnerships and solutions to address workforce needs, integrated job quality and equity, forecasted labor market changes, and ensured equitable access to training and employment opportunities. This effort included metrics development and the design of a reporting process, as well as communication and messaging which highlighted connections between climate investments and job creation and skill development.