From Backyards to Boardrooms: Building Community Led Climate Resilience at Every Scale

This 90‑minute interactive workshop hosted by University of Illinois Extension, Lake County and led by Jessica Rudnick, PhD, helps Illinois residents make sense of what climate change means for our state today—and what we can do together to prepare for tomorrow. This session explores how climate change is already shaping daily life in Illinois communities. Participants will learn practical steps that individuals, organizations, and local leaders can take to strengthen resilience across the state. 
What the program covers:
 • How Illinoisans think about climate change—and why it matters  
We’ll look at recent public opinion research to understand how people across the state view climate change, what they’re worried about, and how those perceptions influence everything from neighborhood-level engagement to statewide policy decisions. 

 • Key insights from the Illinois Climate Vulnerability Assessment  
Participants will get a clear, accessible overview of the major climate pressures facing Illinois, including rising temperatures, more frequent extreme rainfall, increased flooding, and shifts in ecosystems and agriculture. We’ll break down what these trends mean in practical terms for communities, infrastructure, and natural systems.

 • Localized climate risks for Northern Illinois and Lake County  
We’ll explore the specific challenges facing Northern Illinois—such as stormwater management, public health impacts from heat, stress on water systems, and threats to natural resources. 

 • Stories of Illinois communities taking action  
Across the state, communities are already experimenting with creative, community-driven approaches to resilience. We’ll highlight examples—from neighborhood cooling strategies to green infrastructure projects to cross-sector partnerships—that show what’s possible when residents, local governments, and organizations work together.

 • Practical strategies for building resilience where we live, work, and play  
The workshop closes with actionable ideas for individuals, workplaces, community groups, and local leaders. Participants will leave with a clearer sense of what resilience looks like at different scales—from backyard choices to organizational planning—and how collective action can reduce future risks while strengthening community well‑being.