Climate Action KC outlines regional plan and programs during Leawood council meeting

Emily Randall, managing director of the nonprofit Climate Action KC, briefed the Leawood City Council on Jan. 21 about the organization's regional climate work, its data-driven Regional Climate Action Plan and programs aimed at buildings and transportation.

Randall told the council Climate Action KC convenes elected officials and community leaders across 10 counties (the Mid-America Regional Council's nine counties plus Douglas County) to coordinate climate strategies and share tools. She noted the Regional Climate Action Plan attributes about 63% of the region's greenhouse-gas emissions to buildings (residential and commercial) and 34% to transportation, and she described the Climate Action Playbook and Building Energy Exchange as practical guides for local governments and developers.

Randall highlighted several initiatives: Building Energy Exchange (focused on high-performance buildings and financing strategies), Plug in KC (an education and equipment-focused effort, launched with Evergy, that includes an electric-vehicle finder tool), and the Climate Action Summit (scheduled for April 5 at Unity Temple on the Plaza). She said the summit will include a regional greenhouse-gas inventory update and a keynote speaker announcement.

Randall asked the council to share Leawood projects and local staff contacts so Climate Action KC can integrate local efforts into the regional work. Councilmembers and staff thanked Randall and said they welcome follow-up and participation in upcoming programs. City staff said Climate Action KC's materials, playbook and regional inventory are available online for review.

Randall concluded by inviting councilmembers to the April summit and offering the nonprofit's assistance to city staff, noting the group emphasizes resource-sharing and cross-jurisdictional coordination to avoid duplication and accelerate implementation.

No formal council action was required or taken on the presentation.