Great Lakes Climate Adaptation Network (GLCAN)

GLCAN Flyer

GLCAN is a regional network of local government staff and partners that actively work together to identify and act on the unique climate adaptation challenges of the Great Lakes region.

The purpose of this network is to build capacity for community resiliency efforts by focusing on sharing information on and finding solutions to the unique challenges faced by the Great Lakes region. Building upon a core network of member cities and counties, GLCAN explores partnerships with other organizations that are working on Great Lakes climate challenges. GLCAN also seeks to promote connections among cities, counties, nonprofits, foundations, and universities. Formed in 2015 as a partner network of the Urban Sustainability Directors Network (USDN), GLCAN is a member-driven peer network that integrates leading cities and counties across the Great Lakes region to address issues of community sustainability. GLCAN seeks to establish network connections and identify network priorities through quarterly conference calls and yearly face-to-face meetings. GLCAN members share resources and updates through a variety of online tools and techniques.

Questions? Interested in Joining?

Contact the GLCAN Network Coordinators:

GLCAN Priorities

  • Improve the accessibility and integration of climate information into decision-making processes
  • Strengthen relationships among municipalities and key institutional, non-profit, and business community partners in developing climate-resilient programs and strategies
  • Increase the capacity of adaptation professionals working in the Great Lakes region
  • Increase the capacity of regional adaptation planning
  • Collaborate on initiatives that enhance the resilience of the Great Lakes region to climate-related impacts

GLCAN Membership

Membership Eligibility
  • Network membership is limited to local government staff and partners in the Great Lakes region.
  • Members are committed to action through cross department and community-wide collaboration.
Membership Benefits
  • Connect with a peer network of sustainability professionals in the Great Lakes region.
  • Access to GLISA including local climatology resources, vulnerability assessment templates, and funding opportunities related to adaptation efforts being taken across the Great Lakes region. Potential early access to ongoing applied research projects with GLISA.
  • Access to USDN.org and potential access to funding from USDN and other sources.

Map of GLCAN Member Governments

Map last updated December 2022.

Greening Americas Cities Initiative

In partnership with the Urban Sustainability Directors Network, or USDN, GLCAN will be supporting the Greening America’s Cities Initiative under the Bezos Earth Fund, a $400M commitment to urban greening in communities across the U.S. GLCAN and USDN will work with the City of Chicago to provide additional support for their engagement with community organizations in their implementation of greening projects. This support will include local government skill building, coaching, and training.