To be effective, collaborative project teams must include the right skill sets, but it’s also important to include team members who have established relationships with or access to your project’s intended users.

Community-Based Adaptation Planning for New Hampshire

The Collaborative Planning for Climate Change Adaptation project team worked closely with municipal leaders in Exeter, New Hampshire, to develop an integrated climate change adaptation plan. The Exeter town planner was an integral part of the team and she greatly increased the team’s understanding of the capacity of the community to collaborate on climate adaptation. Her expertise and boundless energy and enthusiasm helped the team anticipate and overcome many challenges in implementing the project. Having someone on the team who was deeply connected to the community increased the effectiveness of collaboration and built trust between the project team and community members.