We have created a series of stakeholder activities designed to help rural, small, and medium-sized Illinois communities pursue integrated solutions and projects related to water, energy, and climate change resilience.

Our process begins with conducting community outreach activities to identify community climate resilience needs and priorities. We then aim to identify projects that are policy, education, research, and turn-key related projects that meet the stated community needs (e.g., Based on our 2021 needs assessment, storm water management; drinking water quantity and quality; water for agriculture; energy efficiency, cost, and renewable transition, but subject to further study of community needs).

We then hold a Community Project Lab (CPL). The 2022 CURES CPL was held at the University of Illinois at Springfield on November 4, 2022, at which community advocates, funding agencies, researchers, NGOs, and others were welcomed to discuss and initiate community and research projects tailored to the overlapping needs of small and medium-sized communities. The selected projects will continue along our designated CPL Engagement Process, as we measure the implementation, success, and impact they make.