MMA’s 3rd ‘Climate Action’ webinar focuses on community engagement

The MMA today hosted the third in a series of climate change webinars, focusing on how to develop effective community engagement efforts.

Julie Gagen, sustainability coordinator in Weston, and Michele Paul, director of resilience and environmental stewardship in New Bedford, shared best practices for engaging different populations in climate planning and adapting to community needs.

“Stakeholder engagement can be daunting,” Gagen said, “but the benefits are profound. It helps build trust, increase credibility, and foster innovation.”

She said engaging the community in local efforts is essential because “lived experience is higher quality data than anything you can observe or measure.”

Paul recommends meeting people where they are.

“Identify who’s missing from the process and engage them,” she said. “Join an existing meeting, walk the neighborhood, or use social media to get youth involved.”

She added that “people aren’t going to come to one meeting and be completely on board.” It’s important to “move at the speed of trust,” she said.

“Have conversations with your residents about what worked and what didn’t, and learn from them,” she said.

MMA Legislative Analyst Josie Ahlberg moderated 30 minutes of questions and answers, addressing inquiries about connecting disengaged residents, working with business districts, and managing climate efforts without dedicated staff.

The next wave of “Climate Action” webinars will be held in June, focusing on federal funds, decarbonization and energy codes, and electric vehicles. Details and registration links will be posted on the MMA website and emailed to members in the coming weeks.

• Community Engagement in Climate Action – Town of Weston presentation (7M PDF)
• Community Engagement in Climate Action – City of New Bedford presentation (3M PDF)