Sustainability and Climate Adaptation Planning: an Integrated Guide for Highlands Region Municipalities

This resource was developed through the vision and direction of the New Jersey Highlands Water Protection and Planning Council (Highlands
Council). Charged with protecting and enhancing the natural resources and vitality of the New Jersey Highlands Region, the Highlands Council recognizes the timely importance of preparing the region for climate change-related impacts in the context of environmental sustainability and through local comprehensive planning. Municipalities are experiencing increasing and intensifying climate-related events and conditions. Many are also working to advance equity. State and regional legal and policy requirements are progressing to address these issues. Municipal leadership, engaged community members, and practicing professionals need to synthesize various information, data, and requirements in order to formulate and accomplish appropriate planning goals associated with sustainability, equity, and climate change. To help municipalities approach these considerations efficiently and with meaningful outcomes, the Highlands Council commissioned work to “Develop a Guidance Document and Scope of Services for Municipal Land Use Plan and Environmental Sustainability Master Plan Elements, Including a Municipal Climate Change Related Hazard Vulnerability Assessment.” The New Jersey Future Team was awarded the project and developed this guidance document through engagement with a variety of stakeholders and with guidance from the Highlands Council throughout the process.

Experiencing tangible climate change impacts and encountering a suite of emerging rules and policies, municipalities are contending with new and dynamic facets of planning. The approach promoted by this guidance is for municipalities to put forth an intentional effort to comprehensively incorporate all of these elements simultaneously. The guidance provided in this resource is aimed at helping municipalities navigate the complexities of equitable environmental sustainability and climate adaptation planning within a single integrated effort.

Learn more and view the full report on the Highlands Council website.