Integrating Sustainability Planning and Performance in Indiana local governments

More cities and towns in Indiana are working to make their communities sustainable and resilient to extreme weather than three years ago, according to a survey led by Indiana University researchers. 
The results, gathered between January and June of this year, arrive as local governments contend with federal funding cuts and state tax changes that threaten to undermine local sustainability and resilience projects. 
More than 150 local government representatives participated in the 2025 survey, a follow-up to a 2022 survey focused on identifying local barriers to pursuing sustainability initiatives. Through actions such as participating in regional collaborations, applying for grants, and updating local ordinances, survey respondents report new measures they are taking to protect Hoosiers from climate impacts, such as severe storms and flooding. 
“One of the significant changes from three years ago is how much increased collaboration is happening across cities and between cities and other organizations,” said Aaron Deslatte, an associate professor at the IU O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs who led the survey. “We’re also seeing a lot more implementation of strategies focused on the built environment, like roads and stormwater infrastructure, to better prepare for environmental changes.” 

Read more from IU's Environmental Resilience Institute.