Palm Beach County Seeks Public Input on Plan to Tackle Climate Change Impacts

Palm Beach County has completed a comprehensive climate risk vulnerability assessment, revealing significant future threats tied to climate change. The assessment highlights two major concerns for local communities: rising risks of flooding and intensifying heat waves. These challenges are prompting swift action from county officials, who are now crafting a strategic Resilience Action Plan (RAP) to address climate impacts head-on.

Increased Flooding and Heat Threaten Local Communities

The assessment underscores how vulnerable Palm Beach County may become in the face of climate change. Coastal and low-lying areas are particularly at risk of more frequent and severe flooding due to rising sea levels and heavy rainfall events. Simultaneously, the county is expected to see an increase in extreme heat days, which can threaten public health, especially for vulnerable populations such as the elderly and outdoor workers. Recognizing these threats, Palm Beach County is prioritizing proactive planning. The Resilience Action Plan will serve as a framework to guide infrastructure upgrades, policy changes, and emergency preparedness strategies designed to mitigate the impact of climate-related events.

Resilience Action Plan Seeks Public Input

To ensure the RAP reflects the needs and priorities of residents, Palm Beach County is actively involving the public in the planning process. Megan Houston, the county’s Chief Resilience Officer, emphasized the importance of community engagement in shaping the county’s climate response. “Palm Beach County and the project team are excited to share initial Resilience Action Plan strategies to help us all prepare for current and future climate challenges,” said Houston. “Community input is invaluable in making sure the plan reflects the needs and priorities of everyone.”

Community Workshops Scheduled for Late April

Residents will have the opportunity to voice their concerns and provide input at three public workshops scheduled for late April. These sessions will offer a platform to discuss the RAP’s goals, strategies, and how they align with community priorities. Attendees can also learn about the science behind the vulnerability assessment and how proposed solutions may affect their neighborhoods.

The workshops are scheduled as follows:

• April 23, 2025 – Belle Glade Library Meeting Room, 725 NW 4th St, Belle Glade | 6:00–7:30 p.m.

• April 29, 2025 – Pahokee Marina and Conference Room, 190 N. Lake Avenue, Pahokee | 6:00–7:30 p.m.

• April 30, 2025 – Palm Beach County Main Library, 3650 Summit Blvd, West Palm Beach | 6:00–7:30 p.m.

Light refreshments will be provided at each event.

Looking Ahead

As Palm Beach County takes steps toward building climate resilience, officials hope the RAP will become a model for long-term planning and sustainable growth. By involving the community early in the process, the county is aiming to create a plan that’s inclusive, practical, and responsive to the evolving climate landscape.