The Resilient Butte Steering Committee is seeking a project planner to work with the committee in developing a climate solutions plan for Butte-Silver Bow. The committee has issued a Request for Proposals for a planning consultant, available at this link. Proposals must be submitted by January 20, 2023.

The Plan will guide development of a local climate solutions plan that helps Silver Bow County, local businesses, and residents prepare for climate change, mitigate its environmental and social impacts, conserve natural resources, and pursue economic development opportunities tied to the emerging clean energy economy. Project partners anticipate the Plan will be incorporated into the county’s Comprehensive Plan and inform zoning regulations.

The Resilient Butte project was initiated by the Butte-based National Center for Appropriate Technology, the City and County of Butte-Silver Bow, and Montana Technological University. In response to a public announcement about the project, the three partners received 24 applications for the steering committee, and 10 were selected representing a diverse cross-section of the community.

Steering Committee members include Paul Babb, Raelynn Brandl, Stephen Coe, Julia Crain, Katie Crossman, Shawn Fredrickson, Jesse Sims, Cathy White, Davie Williams, and Matt Vincent.

The steering committee seeks a planning consultant who will:
• Support the steering committee in a process to develop strategies and priorities to be included in the plan.
• Lead a community engagement process and solicit public input
• Write and produce a community climate resilience plan

Issues of concern and opportunities initially identified by the steering committee include water resources, wildfire smoke and public health, resilience of reclaimed contaminated sites, economic development opportunities tied to renewable energy on former minelands, and support for household energy efficiency, among other topics.

The next steering committee meeting will be Monday, January 9, 4 p.m. at Pioneer Technical Services Conference Room.