Resolution 148-2018RESOLUTION NO. 148 -2018
A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA, TO ACCEPT THE REGIONAL
CLIMATE ACTION PLAN 20 OF THE SE FLORIDA REGIONAL
CLIMATE CHANGE FOUR COUNTY COMPACT PROVIDING
ACTIONABLE RECOMMENDATIONS IN SUPPORT OF
REGIONALLY COORDINATED STRATEGIES AND EFFORTS IN
THE AREAS OF CLIMATE ADAPTATION, RESILIENCE AND
GREENHOUSE GAS (GHG) REDUCTION
WHEREAS, there is consensus among the world's leading scientists that global climate
change is among the most significant problems facing the world today; and
WHEREAS, the United States Environmental Protection Agency has determined that
climate change, in conjunction with changes in land use and demographics, will affect important
human dimensions in the United States, especially those related to human health, settlements and
welfare; and
WHEREAS, Florida is considered one of the most vulnerable areas in the country to the
consequences of climate change with Southeast Florida on the front line to experience the
impacts of climate change, especially sea level rise; and
WHEREAS, it is a valid public purpose for local and regional governments, and
Southeast Florida as a whole, to give significant consideration to adaptation strategies designed
to protect public infrastructure, property, water resources, natural areas and native species, and
basic quality of life; and
WHEREAS, Broward, Miami -Dade, Palm Beach and Monroe Counties (Compact
Counties), as the four counties who are party to the Southeast Florida Regional Climate Change
Compact, have demonstrated national and international leadership through the formation and
execution of the Compact; and
WHEREAS, Monroe County adopted Resolution 022 -2010 on January 20, 2010,
pledging to work with other counties party to, among other things, work in close collaboration to
develop a Southeast Florida Regional Climate Action Plan representing, in part or in whole,
districts within the area covered by the Compact; and
WHEREAS, Monroe County adopted Resolution 363 -2012 accepting the first Southeast
Florida Regional Climate Action Plan (RCAP) providing actionable recommendations in
support of regionally coordinated strategies and efforts in the areas of climate change mitigation
and adaptation planning, and community resilience and authorized the County Administrator to
implement the Southeast Florida Regional Climate Action Plan to the extent possible with
current resources and to seek grants and partnerships to assist in further implementation.
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WHEREAS, the Southeast Florida Regional Climate Action Plan 2.0 represents, in part or
in whole, districts within the area covered by the County; and
WHEREAS, it serves a public purpose for Monroe County to accept the Southeast Florida
Regional Climate Action Plan 2.0 created by the Compact.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY
COMMISSIONERS OF MONROE COUNTY:
1. As an ongoing effort to develop and collaborate regionally on energy /climate issues, the Board
of County Commissioners of Monroe County, in conjunction with the Compact Counties, affirms
its acceptance of the Southeast Florida Regional Climate Action Plan 2.0, attached hereto as
Exhibit "A ".
2. The Board of County Commissioners also authorizes the County Administrator to implement
the Southeast Florida Regional Climate Action Plan 2.0 to the extent possible with current
resources and to seek grants and partnerships to assist in further implementation in accordance
with Monroe County Code, Monroe County policy and procedures.
PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County,
Florida, at a meeting of said Board held on the 16th day of May, 2018
Mayor David Rice
yea
Mayor Pro Tem Sylvia Murphy
yes
Commissioner Danny L. Kolhage
y
Commissioner George Neugent
Yes
Commissioner Heather Carruthers
Yes
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Table of Contents
4 Introduction
5 Agriculture
GOAL: Ensure the continued viability of agriculture in Southeast Florida in the face of climate change through
policies and actions that encourage sustainable production, remove barriers to production, promote economic
incentives, improve water reliability, and promote best management practices.
7 Compact Coordination
GOAL: Strengthen coordination and collaboration in Southeast Florida on climate change issues by building the
capacity of the Compact to meet evolving regional needs.
8 Energy and Fuel
GOAL: Reduce consumption of electricity and fuel and increase renewable energy capacity to increase regional
resilience, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and improve emergency management and disaster recovery.
10 Natural Systems
GOAL: Implement monitoring, management, and conservation programs designed to protect natural systems
and the services they provide to society while improving their capacity for climate adaptation.
12 Public Health
GOAL: Build capacity to proactively mitigate climate - related public health risks in Southeast Florida.
13 Public Outreach and Engagement
GOAL: Build public awareness of the climate- related risks facing Southeast Florida and the opportunities for
early, coordinated action to address these risks.
14 Public Policy Advocacy
GOAL: Guide and influence all levels of government to address climate change in relevant policies, programs, and
legislation.
16 Regional Economic Resilience
GOAL: Establish a regional resilience strategy involving elected and business leadership, inclusive of funding
mechanisms to guide, incentivize, protect and promote public and private investments and the economic integrity
of the region.
17 Risk Reduction and Emergency Management
GOAL: Prepare for the inevitable shocks and stresses experienced in Southeast Florida through coordinated and
interdisciplinary risk reduction and emergency management planning and investment.
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19 Social Equity
GOAL: Guide and support municipalities and counties in the Compact region to create equitable climate policies,
programs, and decision- making processes that consider local socio- economic and racial inequities and ensure all
can participate and prosper.
21 Sustainable Communities and Transportation
GOAL: Adapt to the impacts of climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by reshaping where and
how to build and move from place to place.
24 Water
GOAL: Advance the water management strategies and infrastructure improvements needed, in parallel with
existing water conservation efforts, to mitigate the potential adverse impacts of climate change and sea level rise
on water supplies, water and wastewater infrastructure, and water management systems, inclusive of regional
canal networks, pumps, control structures, and operations.
Introduction
Welcome to the abridged version of the second Southeast Florida Regional Climate Action Plan (RCAP 2.0). The
Southeast Florida Regional Climate Change Compact is a groundbreaking regional effort to foster sustainability
and climate resilience at the regional scale, uniting Broward, Miami -Dade, Monroe, and Palm Beach counties.
The Regional Climate Action Plan, first created in 2012 with a five -year horizon, is the Compact's guiding tool
for coordinated climate action in Southeast Florida to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and build climate
resilience. In December 2017, the Compact launched RCAP 2.0, a primarily digital tool with an easy -to -use online
interface that enables a broad range of practitioners to access the technical and peer support within RCAP 2.0.
This document is an abridged version of RCAP 2.0 which features the plan's 12 key focus areas and the 142 total
recommendations within those focus areas. Implementation information, guidance tools, case studies, and
municipality data can be found online at www.RCAP2.org This online platform enables practitioners and
communities to sort through RCAP 2.0 based on their role, local context, and priorities.
Throughout 2017, the Compact managed a year -long process to refresh the Regional Climate Action Plan
through extensive stakeholder engagement, expert direction, and public input. RCAP 2.0 responds to
the lessons learned over the past five years of regional implementation and the feedback received from
government officials and staff, local residents, public and private subject matter experts, and nonprofit
organizations —over 300 comments across various public comment periods. This feedback was indispensable in
making RCAP 2.0 relevant to, and reflective of, all stakeholders and communities in the region.
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Agriculture
GOAL: Ensure the continued viability of agriculture in Southeast Florida in the face of
climate change through policies and actions that encourage sustainable production, remove
barriers to production, promote economic incentives, improve water reliability, and promote
best management practices.
Agriculture is consistently one of the three strongest sectors of Florida's economy and serves as a stabilizing
contributor to gross state product during cyclical downturns in the other major economic sectors. In 2016,
Florida's vegetable production alone generated $1.34 billion in gross sales the second highest sales in the
nation. Florida is the leading state for planted acres and value in tomatoes, snap beans, watermelons, and
cucumbers.
Southeast Florida is unlike any other growing area in the nation. A unique set of climate conditions allows
for the production of more than 250 different crops, including temperate crops in the winter and tropical
and subtropical crops year- round. The region contributes to the food security of the nation by supplying the
entire East Coast with winter rop duce. and there is ample local market potential for common and ethnic crops.
The use of local produce also reduces reliance on imported products and increases food security Properly
managed agricultural land may also reduce the urban heat island effect and provide wildlife habitat.
Despite its relative stability, the agriculture sector faces challenges ranging from the constant bombardment of
new invasive pests and diseases to frequent and increasingly intense natural disasters Changes in prevailing
rainfall patterns and increasing average temperatures may also adversely affect crop productivity
These recommendations support the agricultural community's commitment to sustainability and the economic
viability of regional agriculture, which will allow farmers to continue to provide food for the region's residents,
as well as the nation.
AG -1 Promote policies that preserve the economic viability of agriculture.
AG -2 Continue to meet the water needs of agriculture.
AG -3 Promote locally produced foods and goods.
AG -4 Align research and extension with climate - related needs of agriculture.
AG -5 Maintain or create agriculture purchase of development rights programs.
AG -6 Assess opportunities for growers and agricultural landowners to manage land to
lessen the impacts of climate change and incentivize those actions.
AG -7 Seek a national designation for Southeast Florida as a critical source of domestic
agricultural products.
AG -8 Identify and reduce obstacles for enabling urban agriculture, gardening, and other
backyard agricultural practices.
AG -9 Increase resources for the study and implementation of invasive, non - native pest
and pathogen prevention; early detection; and rapid response.
AG -10 Promote sustainable aquaculture, perennial crops, diversified farming systems,
precision agriculture, and re- contouring field elevations.
AG -11 Assess and address public health risks of more frequent and intense high -heat days
to agriculture and farm workers.
Compact Coordination
GOAL: Strengthen coordination and collaboration in Southeast Florida on climate change
issues by building the capacity of the Compact to meet evolving regional needs.
The Compact's experience in Southeast Florida since 2009 has shown the power of regional coordination and
collaboration in advancing climate change action. The Compact serves as a vehicle that enables municipalities,
counties, regional agencies, and other key actors to take coordinated action at the regional scale, producing a
whole that is greater than the sum of its parts.
In implementing the first Regional Climate Action Plan (2012- 2017), the Compact learned how to coordinate
actions regionally in ways that bolster the important efforts of county government and individual municipalities.
Regional agencies, county governments, and municipal governments are the entities that do the hard work
of implementing the RCAP recommendations. The Compact's regional role is to develop regionally consistent
science and planning assumptions for local use; create resources to build the capacity of local governments
to best implement climate action; identify and address issues that require coordination across individual
jurisdictions; and coordinate consistent communications to state and federal government, the general public,
and audiences outside of Southeast Florida.
In developing RCAP 2.0, the Compact partners recognized the need to highlight the regional coordination
priorities for the duration of RCAP 2.0. These recommendations articulate parts of the Compact's agenda
through 2022, focusing on the key functions of the Compact outlined in its formative agreement among the
four counties.
CC -1 Establish and implement a regional communications strategy among business,
government, and community leadership.
CC -2 Update regional unified sea level rise projections.
CC -3 Explore opportunities to better coordinate cross - agency and cross - jurisdiction
reviews of major infrastructure projects.
CC-4 Continue to provide high - quality implementation support resources for jurisdictions
seeking to implement the Regional Climate Action Plan and other sustainability and
resilience measures.
CC -5 Develop and track regional indicators of climate change impacts, emissions
reduction, and adaptation action.
CC -6 Create a Compact advisory group composed of organizations that represent
the region's climate work, equitable community development, and vulnerable
populations in order to track and share best practices on equitable climate action
with the region.
Energy and Fuel
GOAL: Reduce consumption of electricity and fuel and increase renewable energy capacity
to increase regional resilience, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and improve emergency
management and disaster recovery.
The Paris Agreement codified an international effort to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. This
warming limit is widely recognized as critical to human health, safety, food security, water supply, coral reef
health, and the ability to manage adaptive capacity for climate impacts. Like many local and state governments
across the United States, Southeast Florida governments seek to provide leadership in addressing the root
causes of global climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions consistent with the ambitious goals of
the Paris Agreement.
The vast majority of the energy consumed in Southeast Florida is used to fuel vehicles and generate electricity
for buildings Reducing regional emissions can serve to build the resilience of energy systems during storms
and other natural disasters, and efficiency and conservation are the most accessible and cost - effective ways to
reduce energy consumption.
These recommendations address efficiency and conservation strategies and encourage the use of renewable
energy. They call for public - private partnerships and addressing barriers, including regulatory processes, that
currently prevent the broad application of these technologies. The recommendations are comprehensive,
ranging from setting goals and increasing renewable energy capacity to establishing a framework to deliver
finance options.
EF -1 Promote renewable energy through policies and technological development in order
to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
EF -2 Advance energy efficiency and conservation through technological solutions,
behavioral strategies, and policies in order to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG)
emissions.
EF -3 Increase accessibility to energy efficiency solutions for limited- income families.
EF -4 Increase accessibility to distributed renewable energy technology.
EF -5 Utilize renewable and distributed energy technologies for emergency management
and disaster recovery.
EF -6 Streamline permitting and administrative processes to reduce the soft costs
associated with renewable energy technologies.
EF -7 Establish financing mechanisms for current homeowners to invest in renewable
energy and energy efficiency.
EF -8 Build the capacity for distributed renewable energy and energy storage technologies
in future building stock.
EF -9 Enable grid - independent energy and waste -to- energy systems.
EF -10 Enable a fuel- efficient public vehicle fleet.
EF -11 Establish a fuel- efficient municipal vehicle fleet.
EF -12 Promote community use of electric vehicles (EV).
Natural Systems
GOAL: Implement monitoring, management, and conservation programs designed to
lei protect natural systems and the services they provide to society while improving their
capacity for climate adaptation.
Southeast Florida's native species and natural areas depend upon specific temperature, water, and salinity
conditions. Coral reefs and seagrass meadows grow in clear, shallow seawater with abundant sunlight
and stable temperatures, while mangroves thrive in brackish areas between the low- and high -tide lines.
Freshwater - dependent hardwood hammocks and pine rockland forests support an abundance and diversity of
rare plants and animals unique to the region. The Everglades' wetlands and tree islands depend on seasonal
rainfall patterns that have existed for centuries. Climate change threatens many of these natural assets, which
are important not only for their inherent biological values, but for the many cultural, health, and economic
benefits they provide to society.
These "ecosystem services," such as the absorption of flood waters and drinking water aquifer recharge
provided by freshwater wetlands and forests, are essential elements of Southeast Florida's economic success
and local quality of life. Coral reefs and mangroves are vital to commercial and recreational fisheries, as well
as the dive tourism industry—they also serve as the front lines of defense against storm - driven flooding and
erosion. Beaches and dunes also protect the coast while providing a key attraction for millions of visitors.
As the sea rises and rainfall patterns change, these natural systems may not be able to persist in their current
locations. People must ensure that there is a place for natural systems, the species they support, and the
services they provide. Thoughtful land -use planning and land acquisition programs can help ensure species and
habitats can adapt, migrate, or transition.
The following strategies recommend ways for all levels of government to maintain natural areas, rare and
endangered native species populations, ecosystem services, and the nature - dependent industries that
underpin the region's economy.
NS -1 Foster public awareness of the impacts of climate change on the region's natural
systems and ecosystem services.
NS -2 Promote collaborative federal, state, and local government conservation land
acquisition and easement programs.
NS -3 Support regional wildland fire management coordination efforts.
NS -4 Develop sustainable financing for the monitoring, protection, restoration, and
management of natural areas and ecosystem services.
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NS -5 Identify or create a regional group to coordinate a plan to create adaptation
corridors, living collections, and other approaches to species dispersal and
conservation.
NS -6 Conduct a predictive assessment of current and potential invasive species ranges
and impacts.
NS -7 Promote the protection and restoration of coastal natural systems and the creation
of living shorelines at the regional scale.
NS -8 Support coral reef protection, restoration, and sustainable -use initiatives to help
Florida's sensitive reefs adapt to the changing climate and ocean acidification.
NS -9 Advocate for federal and state funding for applied monitoring and climate - related
science, conducted in partnership with the Florida Climate Institute.
NS -10 Examine and propose revisions to environmental regulations to account for the
effects of climate change.
NS -11 Identify the effects of climate change on fish populations, the sustainability of key
fisheries, and the fishing industry, then develop adaptation plans as needed.
NS -12 Promote the protection, restoration, and creation of freshwater wetlands, open
space buffer areas, and connectivity between freshwater and estuarine waters.
NS -13 Develop and implement long -term, sustainable, regional solutions to beach erosion
and sediment supply.
NS -14 Maintain, create, and /or restore urban tree canopy.
NS -15 Support and advocate for continued implementation and funding on the state and
federal levels for the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan.
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Public Health
GOAL: Build capacity to proactively mitigate climate - related public health risks in Southeast
Florida.
Protecting the health and welfare of residents is a fundamental role for every level of government and the
cornerstone for assuring the current and future prosperity of any community. Healthy people underpin
economic productivity, student achievement, and the vitality of community life that matter most to residents.
The delivery of health services in Southeast Florida is accomplished by a network of providers including county
public health departments, public hospitals, and a vast array of private- sector providers operating in a variety of
settings ranging from community -based clinics to hospitals and major research facilities.
Global climate change brings new public health risks to the table and exacerbates existing risks that public
health providers have been working to mitigate for decades. Rising average temperatures increase the risk of
heat - related illness (e.g., heat exhaustion and heat stroke) for those working outdoors or without access to air
conditioning, and may worsen chronic conditions, including asthma and diabetes. Floodwaters, whether from
coastal king tides worsened by sea level rise or from inland flooding exacerbated by heavier rainfall events, can
carry pathogens and increase breeding habitat for mosquitoes, which in turn present health risks. Changing
climate conditions and increasing travel and migration are also creating pathways for vector -borne diseases
including the 2016 appearance of Zika in Southeast Florida which heightened public health concerns in the
region.
The addition of this section to the RCAP reflects the growing recognition of the linkages between
climate change, building regional resilience, and the need for focused attention on these issues. These
recommendations encourage proactive efforts to build resilience into local and regional public health systems.
PH -1 Understand and communicate public health risks associated with climate change.
PH -2 Adopt and update all Florida Department of Health plans to reflect climate and sea
level rise impacts on public health.
PH -3 Adapt federal and state public health resources to support specific community
needs.
PH -4 Reduce extreme heat exposure to promote public health.
PH -5 Advocate for policy changes and funding for local health departments to collect data
more frequently to influence public health plans.
PH -6 Increase reporting of health data monitoring systems to evaluate emerging diseases
related to climate change.
PH -7 Develop tools to assess the impacts of climate change and sea level rise on existing
chronic conditions and to report trends or concerns for action.
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Public Outreach and Engagement
GOAL: Build public awareness of the climate - related risks facing Southeast Florida and the
opportunities for early, coordinated action to address these risks.
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Climate change is already affecting Southeast Florida's communities, and the best available science indicates
these impacts will likely continue to accrue. In order to protect property, health, and the regional economy, local
governments across the region are taking action, and are engaging their residents in ongoing conversations
about these actions. By working with residents to identify hazards and vulnerabilities, set priorities for
needed infrastructure improvements, and design projects that will change the texture of neighborhoods, local
governments can ensure they are meeting their public trust responsibilities in ways that align with the values of
residents for the places where they live, work, and play.
The following recommendations outline several outreach and engagement strategies that local governments
can use to responsibly inform all of their residents of the challenges that exist within their communities, better
understand the diverse perspectives of residents, and devise public policy responses that incorporate solutions
to fully meet community needs for all.
PO -1 Assess community needs to guide local government communications.
PO -2 Promote public awareness and understanding of climate impacts, as well as the
personal actions and public policy options available to respond to climate change.
PO -3 Inspire community action to address the causes and impacts of climate change.
PO -4 Create open data platforms and digital tools.
PO -5 Create culturally- and linguistically- appropriate information gathering tools
and strategies to help inform decision - makers of the priorities and concerns in
communities.
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Public Policy Advocacy
GOAL: Guide and influence all levels of government to address climate change in relevant
policies, programs, and legislation.
Local governments working independently or collectively have many policy options available to spur emission
reductions and to build resilience, but state and federal levels of government hold key responsibilities and
powers. Beyond having legal and regulatory roles for addressing climate change, state and federal agencies
own, operate, and are responsible for the ongoing maintenance of critical infrastructure in Southeast Florida.
In order to ensure the region's voice is heard in Tallahassee and Washington, D.C., Compact partners work
together in coordinated advocacy around energy and climate issues.
Advocacy at the state and federal levels is one of the fundamental functions that led to the creation of the
Compact; more clauses within the original Compact resolution are dedicated to joint advocacy than any other
purpose. The Compact region is represented by nine congressional districts in the United States House of
Representatives, 13 districts in the Florida Senate, and 35 districts in the Florida House of Representatives.
The Compact seeks to work with elected representatives at the state and federal levels in a bipartisan fashion
to advance the region's positions on key legislative issues, budget priorities, and regulatory matters of
importance to Southeast Florida. The Compact's shared advocacy efforts — whether state or federal, legislative
or regulatory—are approved by respective Boards of County Commissioners.
These recommendations outline the Compact's shared advocacy role. While individual issues will change from
year to year, the Compact partners remain firmly committed to working together to raise their voices in unison
for the good of the region.
PP -1 Support —at all levels of government — policy, legislation, and funding to reduce
greenhouse gas emissions in all sectors, use less energy and water, deploy
renewable energy and low- carbon transportation, prepare for and adapt to climate
impacts, build community resilience, and study climate and earth science.
PP -2 Develop common positions on climate, energy, and resilience issues, and advocate
jointly as the Compact for those positions before state and federal legislatures,
regulatory bodies, and the executive and judicial branches of government.
PP -3 Urge federal, state, regional, and local partners to prioritize climate change
considerations in the planning, construction, and operation of the regional water
management and flood control system.
PP -4 Participate in coalitions of public -, private -, nonprofit -, and /or academic - sector actors
dedicated to climate, energy, and resilience issues.
PP -5 Coordinate climate, energy, and resilience policies among counties, municipalities,
school districts, and other units of government in the region.
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PP -6 Prioritize climate policies that advance social and economic equity for high -
vulnerability populations and limited- income residents
PP -7 Consider the direct and indirect impacts of projects, policies, and investments on
relevant stakeholders.
PP -8 Encourage the general public to engage in civic discourse regarding climate, energy,
and resilience issues.
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Regional Economic Resilience
GOAL: Establish a regional resilience strategy involving elected and business leadership,
inclusive of funding mechanisms to guide, incentivize, protect and promote public and
private investments and the economic integrity of the region.
As climate impacts have become more apparent in Southeast Florida over the past decade, there is a growing
awareness that regional collaborative efforts must expand to include a greater degree of collaboration between
governments and the private sector to protect the region's economy. Proactive efforts to address climate
change —both in building resilience and reducing emissions — represent specific economic development
opportunities for the region. Protecting regional prosperity is an equal and integrated goal with protecting
natural resources; infrastructure; and quality of life for all who live, work, and play in Southeast Florida.
These recommendations provide a blueprint for how local governments and the economic development
community can work together to ensure individual businesses can continue to operate during weather
extremes, use their collective expertise to build the business case for resilience investments across Southeast
Florida, and use their collective voice to advocate for appropriate investments in the region by state and federal
government.
ER -1 Establish a regional economic resilience communications strategy.
ER -2 Advance regional resilience infrastructure standards.
ER -3 Seek federal and state engagement to develop a resilience strategy.
ER -4 Pursue the development of regional water models.
ER -5 Integrate resilience and economic development at the regional level.
ER -6 Establish funding strategies to provide for equitable investment.
ER -7 Engage in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) process.
ER -8 Serve as a model for regional resilience.
ER -9 Strive for economic equity in adaptation planning.
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Risk Reduction and Emergency
Management
GOAL: Prepare for the inevitable shocks and stresses experienced in Southeast Florida
through coordinated and interdisciplinary risk reduction and emergency management
planning and investment.
Extreme weather events — namely hurricanes punctuate the modern history of Southeast Florida's settlement
and development. From the development- disrupting Great Miami Hurricane of 1926 and the railroad -
destroying 1935 Labor Day hurricane to the significant storms of modern Southeast Florida history— Andrew,
Wilma, and Irma — hurricanes have shaped the region into what it is today and made Southeast Florida a leader
in local emergency response.
However, climate change will continue to expose the region to more frequent and severe weather events.
Future hurricanes will likely be much larger, pack greater amounts of potential precipitation, and be more
intense than the storms of the past. The region will experience greater extremes in drought and intense
rainfall events, and average temperatures are expected to increase, creating the potential for longer and
hotter heatwaves. Accordingly, climate resilience efforts must be integrated into and deeply inform emergency
management efforts.
These recommendations draw on the region's expertise in preparing for and responding to weather extremes
to keep the region at the forefront of excellence.
RR -1 Identify and quantify infrastructure and populations at risk to sea level rise and
storm surge.
RR -2 Integrate climate scenarios into emergency planning, evacuation training, and
exercises.
RR -3 Integrate climate vulnerability analysis data, as well as climate adaptation planning
and funding, into existing emergency planning and funding documents.
RR-4 Create and invest in strategic pre- disaster plans for post- disaster recovery.
RR -5 Identify the most advanced insurance coverage models to reduce exposure in the
face of climate - related risks.
RR -6 Prioritize adaptation investments to reduce the impact of flooding and sea level rise
on transportation infrastructure, particularly on evacuation routes.
RR -7 Ensure local comprehensive plans align with the state Coastal Construction Control
Line.
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RR -8 Continue to adopt and update consistent plans at all levels of government in the
region that address and integrate mitigation, sea level rise, and climate change
adaptation.
RR -9 Review the Florida Building Code through the lens of climate vulnerability.
RR -10 Understand and communicate risk information to all residents.
RR -11 Promote and leverage existing policies and programs designed to reduce flood risks
and economic losses.
RR -12 Increase long -term community resilience and disaster recovery through distributed
renewable energy and battery storage systems.
RR -13 Use effective social media for emergency messaging, public health updates, and tidal
flooding updates.
RR -14 Encourage individual small business recovery plans and personal home adaptation
plans.
RR -15 Support disaster planning and preparedness training for city and county staff.
RR -16 Connect with members from highly vulnerable populations to build trust and inform
emergency management planning.
RR -17 Ensure the emergency management definition of "communities at risk" includes
economically vulnerable people.
RR -18 Align and integrate emergency management staff and responsibilities with chief
resilience officer roles to bolster long -term plans
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Social Equity
GOAL: Guide and support municipalities and counties in the Compact region to create
equitable climate policies, programs, and decision- making processes that consider local
socio- economic and racial inequities and ensure all can participate and prosper.
As cities and counties across Southeast Florida strive to build a sustainable, resilient, and prosperous region,
public policy efforts must produce benefits that are shared by all. The Compact recognizes that climate
vulnerabilities are exacerbated by inequities and injustice RCAP 2.0 seeks to address the socioeconomic
challenges to building resilience in high - vulnerability communities, often limited- income communities and /or
communities of color.
The Compact shares the Southeast Florida Regional Partnership's definition of equity, as outlined in the
Seven50: SE Florida Prosperity Plan
Equity: Just and fair inclusion. The goals of equity must be to create conditions that allow all individuals and
communities to reach their full potential to the benefit of the individual and the larger regional community.
An equitable region is one in which all can participate and prosper in their communities and in the regional
economy, and where benefits and burdens are shared fairly.
Within Southeast Florida, individuals, neighborhoods, and communities may experience geographic
vulnerability if they have proximity to a current or future hazard (e.g., if they live in a low -lying area prone to
flooding or a heat island). These groups have socioeconomic vulnerability if they lack the resources, financial
or other, to be able to mitigate the hazard or to move away from it. Many residents within the region's high -
vulnerability communities may have also been left behind by recent economic booms resulting in increased
challenges to achieve the financial stability needed to safely weather more intense storms, heat, and floods
fueled by climate change.
Equity should be an integral part of policy making at every level of government within Southeast Florida, and
should be understood as a policy objective in developing plans, budgets, and in prioritizing and designing
climate projects. Historically disadvantaged communities will continue to be the most vulnerable to climate
change threats unless action is taken to create targeted policies and resources. In addition, efforts to create
more resilient and sustainable communities, if not designed thoughtfully, can benefit some residents while
harming others The recommendations within this section represent tangible actions that local governments
can take in meeting these responsibilities.
EQ -1 Encourage dialogue between elected officials, staff, and socially vulnerable
populations about local climate impacts and community priorities to inform leaders
of community needs.
EQ -2 Integrate social vulnerability data into all local government processes.
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EQ -3 Support public infrastructure that enables economic mobility, health, and safety for
all community members.
EQ-4 Address the needs of socially vulnerable populations by engaging existing
community leaders and representative organizations in decision- making processes,
particularly for critical public infrastructure.
EQ -5 Build the capacity of existing and future leaders of socially vulnerable populations to
ask, analyze, and communicate about their community's climate resilience.
EQ -6 Partner with intermediary organizations that have deep community ties with socially
vulnerable populations to co- create engagement and outreach strategies.
EQ -7 Provide equity and social justice training for local government staff.
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Sustainable Communities and
Transportation
GOAL: Adapt to the impacts of climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by
reshaping where and how to build and move from place to place.
The Compact's Unified Sea Level Rise Projection and preliminary vulnerability analysis reveal the region's
vulnerabilities to the impacts of climate change and inform pathways for immediate action to protect assets
and invest wisely. As climate science, monitoring, and modeling continue to be refined, the RCAP integrates
the latest climate change considerations into existing and future policy decision- making processes, including
municipal and county comprehensive plans and transportation plans. The ultimate goal is to achieve resilience,
limit risk, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The recommendations in this section are related to comprehensive planning, including the designation
and implementation of adaptation action areas (AAAs), which will direct technical assistance and funding
opportunities to areas especially vulnerable to the impacts of sea level rise and associated coastal flooding.
In 2011, the Florida Legislature amended state law to create AAAs as an optional designation in local
comprehensive plans for those areas experiencing coastal flooding due to extreme high tides, storm surge,
and the related impacts of sea level rise. The law also provides for the development of adaptation policies for
the purpose of prioritizing funding opportunities. In 2015, the Florida Legislature amended state law to require
local governments to include development and redevelopment principles, strategies, and engineering solutions
that reduce flood risks and losses within coastal areas into their comprehensive plans.
In addition to comprehensive planning, this section provides recommendations to promote effective
engagement of the multiple public- and private- sector entities involved in the provision and maintenance of
transportation infrastructure and the delivery of transportation services in the region for climate adaptation
and mitigation. Currently, the transportation sector contributes 45% of the region's greenhouse gas emissions.
The plan's strategies —such as reducing vehicle miles traveled by shifting trips taken from autos to walking,
biking, or public transportation —will work to reduce emissions and realize the cross- cutting benefits of more
livable and desirable communities in the region.
To accomplish the goal, current and evolving coordination efforts between transportation and planning entities
rely significantly on data sharing and analyses, from studies and tools identifying vulnerable and /or at -risk
transportation infrastructure to performance metrics. This section highlights the need for local and regional
planning and decision- making processes to ensure a complementary approach to developing and maintaining
a system of land use and transportation that is more resilient, while also reducing vehicle miles traveled,
providing more transportation choices, and dealing with future uncertainty.
ST -1 Incorporate unified sea level rise projections, by reference, into all city, county, and
regional agency comprehensive plans, transportation and other infrastructure plans,
and capital improvement plans.
ST -2 Ensure locally produced maps for planning and project documents include the latest
storm surge and sea level rise projections.
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ST -3 Use vulnerability and risk assessment analyses and tools to identify priorities for
resilience investments.
ST-4 Designate adaptation action areas, restoration areas, and growth areas as a priority -
setting tool for vulnerable areas, and as a means to maximize benefits to natural
systems while guiding people and commerce to less vulnerable places in the region.
ST -5 Ensure beneficial social equity outcomes in considering the impacts of land use
policy, public infrastructure, and public service decisions on high - vulnerability
populations.
ST -6 Develop localized adaptation strategies for areas of greatest climate - related
vulnerability in collaboration with appropriate agencies and jurisdictions to foster
multi - jurisdictional solutions and maximize co- benefits.
ST -7 Incorporate strategies to reduce risk and economic losses associated with sea level
rise and flooding into local comprehensive plans, post- disaster redevelopment plans,
building codes, and land development regulations.
ST -8 Consider the adoption of green building standards to guide decision - making
and development and to provide an incentive for better location, design, and
construction of residential, commercial, and mixed -use developments and
redevelopment.
ST -9 Implement best practices for the identification, evaluation, and prioritization of
threatened resources to preserve historic and archaeological resources and increase
resource resilience.
ST -10 Employ transit - oriented developments and other planning approaches to promote
higher- density development capable of supporting more robust transit.
ST -11 Modify local land use plans and ordinances to support compact development
patterns, creating more walkable and affordable communities.
ST -12 Develop and implement policies and design standards that recognize the
transportation system's most vulnerable users and incorporate sustainable
elements.
ST -13 Conduct an assessment of unused or underutilized properties and develop an
approach for utilizing such properties that enhances overall resilience goals.
ST -14 Adopt social equity policies that support equitable economic growth and increase
affordable housing opportunities near critical infrastructure.
ST -15 Develop policies to enhance the urban tree canopy to protect pedestrians and
bicyclists from heat and pollution exposure.
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ST -16 Phase out septic systems where necessary to protect public health and water quality.
ST -17 Ensure investments reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and increase the
resilience of the transportation system to extreme weather and climate impacts.
ST -18 Increase the use of transit as a transportation mode for the movement of people in
the region.
ST -19 Expand, connect, and complete networks of bicycle and pedestrian facilities,
including those supporting access to transit.
ST -20 Expand the use of transportation demand management strategies to reduce peak
period and single- occupant vehicle travel.
ST -21 Address resilience, maximize efficiency, and increase the use of low- carbon
transportation modes for the movement of freight in the region.
ST -22 Implement transportation system management and operations strategies to
maximize the efficiency of the existing transportation system in a coordinated
manner across local governments and agencies in the region.
ST -23 Use evidence -based planning and decision - making for transportation system
investments and management.
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'A
Water
GOAL: Advance the water management strategies and infrastructure improvements needed,
in parallel with existing water conservation efforts, to mitigate the potential adverse impacts
of climate change and sea level rise on water supplies, water and wastewater infrastructure,
/ and water management systems, inclusive of regional canal networks, pumps, control
structures, and operations.
Water figures prominently in building the future resilience and sustainability of Southeast Florida. Efforts
to protect drinking water supplies, prevent water pollution, and manage stormwater must continue within
the context of rising sea levels. The recommendations for regional action around water derive from four
overarching principles. First, as the regional agency responsible for the operation and maintenance of the
Central and South Florida flood control system and the infrastructure changes that affect system performance,
the South Florida Water Management District, jointly with local governments, should play a prominent role
in a) developing regional and sub - regional models and b) creating a framework to inform local models and
ensure coordinated water management planning, system improvements, and resilience investments across
the region. Second, resilience requires consistency in the use of current science and technology to support
planning, management, and investment decisions across all agencies and the region. Third, resilience planning
must address spatial and temporal dimensions, ranging from local to regional perspectives, inland to coastal to
barrier island settings, chronic to acute stressors, and short- to long -term impacts. Fourth, regional resilience
strategies should be developed with consideration of upstream and downstream consequences, including
regional water quality and quantity implications, to avoid unintended effects on neighboring communities.
WS -1 Foster innovation, development, and exchange of ideas for managing water.
WS -2 Ensure consistency in water resource scenarios used for planning.
WS -3 Plan for future water supply conditions.
WS -4 Coordinate saltwater intrusion mapping across Southeast Florida.
WS -5 Maintain regional inventories of water and wastewater infrastructure.
WS -6 Develop a spatial database of resilience projects for water infrastructure.
WS -7 Modernize infrastructure development standards in the region.
WS -8 Address the resilience of the regional flood control system.
WS -9 Update the regional stormwater rule.
WS -10 Integrate combined surface and groundwater impacts into the evaluation of at -risk
infrastructure and the prioritization of adaptation improvements.
WS -11 Encourage green infrastructure and alternative strategies.
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WS -12 Integrate hydrologic and hydraulic models.
WS -13 Practice integrated water management and planning.
WS -14 Advance comprehensive improvements to regional and local stormwater
management practices.
WS -15 Foster scientific research for improved water resource management.
WS -16 Expand partnerships and resources to further innovation in water resource
management.
WS -17 Advance capital projects to achieve resilience in water infrastructure.
WS -18 Coordinate innovation and regional funding.
WS -19 Recognize adaptable infrastructure.
WS -20 Support the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP).
WS -21 Expand regional surface water storage.
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