Due to unforeseen circumstances, the Climate Leaders Initiative kickoff meeting originally scheduled for Wednesday, July 29 has been rescheduled to Wednesday, Aug. 12 at 6 p.m. Please see the updated schedule listed below. Contact Jake Sykes at jsykes@bellevuewa.gov if you have additional questions.
Climate Action Needs Climate Leaders
The Climate Leader Initiative is a part of the Sustainable Bellevue Team’s priority to mobilize community action to support the implementation of the Sustainable Bellevue Action Plan. Residents interested in becoming Climate Leaders will learn about the science and behaviors that drive climate change, best practices to reduce emissions and build resilience, and promote city programs and individual actions that will help us achieve our sustainability goals. Climate Leaders will serve as a community extension for the city's sustainability and climate change work, and be a primary partner with the Sustainable Bellevue Team.
What does a Climate Leader do?
Climate Leaders are residents of Bellevue and active members of the community. They will attend neighborhood meetings and community events to share information on climate change impacts and solutions. They will maintain a reciprocal relationship between the city and community to gauge concerns, relay ideas, and understand attitudes about climate change in our city. Through having conversations about climate change with other residents – their family, friends, neighbors, and colleagues – they will be an integral part of mobilizing their communities and leading climate action.
What role does a Climate Leader have?
Climate Leaders have an important role within the city. They serve as an extension of the Sustainable Bellevue Team promoting climate action within their communities. Climate Leaders are educators for residents and local organizations who are interested in learning more. They are also listeners who provide input and feedback to the City on their interactions with the community.
Upon completion of training and education, Climate Leaders will commit to leading a local sustainability initiative in their communities.
The Climate Leaders Initiative will launch its first cohort for all residents August 12, 2026.
Applications for Cohort 1 are now closed. Climate Leaders cohorts will be held once a year; if you are interested in joining next year's Cohort 2, please fill out the early interest form to stay included in updates.
Climate Leaders objectives
- Maintain a reciprocal relationship between the city and community members interested in and passionate about climate action and sustainability
- Build capacity to involve and engage general residents in community climate action
- To build awareness of climate change and sustainability opportunities for residents
Climate Leaders outcomes
Residents that join the Climate Leaders Initiative will be a part of an 7-class cohort where they will be provided education and training on climate literacy, community and civic engagement, effective communication, and mobilizing community action. Climate Leaders will be directed to resources for themselves and their communities to help inform and incentive climate action.
No prior background knowledge or experience is required for this program.
Program Schedule and Class Topics:
- August 12 – Introduction & Climate Change *
- August 26 – Energy
- September 9 – Transportation *
- September 23 – Waste
- October 7 – Natural Resources *
- October 21 – Resilience
- November 4 – Mobilizing Community Action *
Classes will be a mix of both hybrid and in-person meetings. In-person meetings will be held at City Hall on the first floor every other Wednesday from 6 - 7:30 p.m.
Register for classes in the link above to receive updates on class materials, links to virtual meetings, and any potential scheduling changes.