Local government managers are on the frontlines of climate change: Are they ready?

Abstract

State and local governments in the United States are the implementation agents for a vast swath of federal policies. As the country embarks on an unprecedented foray into fiscal federalism to combat climate change, we face a stark reality: many local governments are not ready. Drawing from recent data and evidence on local sustainability activities, we argue policymakers and managers at all levels of governance need to apply the lessons learned over the last two decades of sub‐national climate efforts. For local government managers working in the 21st century, climate change will likely be a defining social dilemma of their lifetimes. After years of inaction, the U.S. has taken a major step in trying to meet its greenhouse‐gas mitigation pledges. But implementation requires understanding both the opportunities and opportunity costs posed by such generational investments.This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

An editor's commencement: Heritage, legacy, and destiny

“…Moon (2023) examines the complex and uncertain nature of artificial intelligence (AI) alongside the disparities in its benefits and posits that participatory governance is an appropriate governing mechanism for inclusive AI that contributes to social good. Deslatte et al (2023) reflect on the United States' unprecedented foray into fiscal federalism to combat climate change, and the stark reality we face: many local governments are not ready. Drawing from recent data and evidence on local sustainability activities, they argue that policy makers and managers at all levels need to apply the lessons learned over the last two decades of subnational climate efforts.…”