Monroe County Executive Adam Bello invites residents to participate in public meetings to help shape the county’s Climate Adaptation and Resiliency Plan for a stronger and safer future

Monroe County, New York – Monroe County Executive Adam Bello is calling on residents to take part in shaping the future of the region’s environmental resilience. Bello announced a series of public meetings organized by the Monroe County Department of Environmental Services, aimed at gathering input for the County’s Climate Adaptation & Resiliency Plan (CARP).

The initiative is part of a broader effort to prepare Monroe County for the growing challenges posed by climate change, including extreme weather, flooding, and shifting environmental conditions. The CARP will serve as a roadmap for building a more climate-resilient community by identifying local vulnerabilities and creating a coordinated action plan to address them.

“The CARP will assess the vulnerability of the County’s infrastructure, programs, and human and environmental services to a changing climate and establish a strategic framework of policies, programs, projects, and partnerships, providing a clear, actionable pathway to build a more resilient Monroe County for all,” Bello said.

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The first set of public meetings is scheduled for Tuesday, November 18, 2025, offering both in-person and virtual opportunities for community members to participate. A virtual session will be held at 12:00 noon via Zoom, while an in-person workshop is planned for 6:00 p.m. at the Children’s School of Rochester School #15, located at 85 Hillside Avenue. Residents are encouraged to register in advance to ensure smooth participation.

Each meeting will begin with a presentation introducing the Climate Adaptation & Resiliency Plan, followed by interactive sessions where participants can discuss issues affecting their neighborhoods. County officials hope these conversations will highlight the specific areas most at risk from climate-related impacts and help prioritize which strategies should be implemented first.

Bello emphasized the importance of community engagement in developing a plan that truly reflects the needs and experiences of Monroe County residents. By collaborating with local voices, the county aims to strengthen not only its infrastructure but also its sense of shared responsibility in facing environmental challenges.

“The meeting will include a presentation overviewing the CARP, followed by interactive activities to explore climate vulnerabilities throughout Monroe County. With your help and feedback, the County will shape the priorities of the CARP,” officials said in the announcement.

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Through these public meetings, Monroe County hopes to foster transparency, encourage civic participation, and inspire community-wide collaboration on climate resilience efforts. The input gathered will help guide investments, partnerships, and policy decisions that will affect generations to come.

For more details on the Climate Adaptation & Resiliency Plan and how to participate in the upcoming sessions, residents can visit the county’s Climate Action Plan website.

As Monroe County steps forward in its climate planning efforts, officials believe these community discussions will play a vital role in ensuring that the county’s future remains both sustainable and secure.