By Lon Nordeen, MLSA Board Secretary
Changes We’re Already Seeing
Across Michigan, residents are noticing heavier rainfall, more flooding, warmer temperatures, and shifting growing seasons. In Southeast Michigan, these aren’t just impressions—local data from GLISA (NOAA’s Great Lakes Integrated Sciences and Assessments) confirms increases in extreme rain events, temperatures, storm severity, and growing-season length.
These changes affect every community and will intensify in the decades ahead.
Washtenaw County’s Response
Washtenaw County declared a climate emergency in 2019 and approved its climate action plan, Resilient Washtenaw, in December 2022—the first countywide climate plan in Michigan. The plan includes both:
- Mitigation: Reducing greenhouse gas emissions
- Adaptation: Preparing for impacts already underway
The County created a Resiliency Office in 2024 to lead implementation. With only two staff, the office began by meeting with all 27 County departments, local municipalities, community groups, and regional partners to build a coordinated approach.
Current Projects
Mitigation
- Regional collaboration on greenhouse gas tracking
- Technical assistance for municipal renewable energy planning
Adaptation
- Evaluating County buildings as potential community relief centers
- Leading the County’s hazard mitigation planning
Cross-Cutting Efforts
- Hosting a Countywide Climate Resilience Network
- Publishing accessible climate data and tools for local planners
Equity guides every project, ensuring new actions do not repeat past harms and instead bring community benefits.
Why Timely Action Matters
Climate projections for Michigan by 2100 include:
- 20% more precipitation
- Up to 10°F warmer temperatures
- More frequent air quality alerts
These shifts will affect infrastructure, ecosystems, agriculture, public health, and household costs.
Every sector has a role to play—local governments, businesses, and residents. Even communities with limited resources can begin by gathering climate data, engaging residents, and identifying local vulnerabilities.
Local Impacts Already Emerging
Washtenaw County is already experiencing:
- More extreme precipitation and flooding
- Increased heat index days
- Shifts in native species and ecosystems
- Greater health risks for vulnerable populations
- Higher heating, cooling, and insurance costs
The county has set a goal of carbon neutrality for operations by 2030—a key step in reducing local contributions to global emissions.
Beth Gibbons was hired by the Washtenaw County Public Works Board in late 2024 to be the Director of the Washtenaw County Resiliency Office for this work. She commented: “For me, it is absolutely an honor to be joining Washtenaw County in this new role, in a new office,” Gibbons said. “The opportunity to bring the experience that I have working regionally, nationally, and beyond, back to focusing where I live, in my home, is such an honor. I’m so glad for the investment in this work, in this office, and now to get to be part of the team, so thank you so much.”
You can reach Beth Gibbons, Director of the Washtenaw County Resiliency Office, 555 Towner St. Ypsilanti, MI, 734-356-1768, gibbonsb@washtenaw.org for more information.
Further reading about the Washtenaw County Resiliency Office: