Bellwood Climate Resiliency Plan

Planning for the Community

The Village of Bellwood partnered with Cook County to create a climate resiliency plan through a community-driven process that involved engaging residents and stakeholders to understand climate hazards, set goals and identify priority actions. Implementation of the plan will improve Bellwood’s resiliency to the effects of climate change, including heavy rain, flooding, high winds and extreme heat. Through the partnership, Bellwood will also receive funding to support actions to manage stormwater through green infrastructure, plant and maintain trees, promote residents’ health and well-being and bolster community assets to lessen negative impacts from a changing climate.  

Bellwood Climate Resiliency Plan 

Read the Bellwood Climate Resiliency Plan executive summary.

The Village identified the following issues and opportunities, along with other community priorities that emerged through the planning process, as part of the resiliency plan:  

• Frequent stormwater management issues and flooding.  
• Aligning economic development and redevelopment efforts with resiliency goals.  
• Creating a community where residents and families can grow.  

Community Engagement 

As a community-driven effort, the climate resiliency plan identified Bellwood’s priorities and needs through public input and participation. The Village, in partnership with Cook County and a team of consultants, hosted a series of workshops, interviews, focus groups and meetings with a wide range of community stakeholders and residents. Through these forums, members of the community voiced their top concerns and issues, generated ideas for solutions, defined a vision and priorities and provided feedback on the plan.

Next Step: Implementation (Phase II)

The climate resiliency plan includes recommendations for potential projects that will help Bellwood achieve its resiliency goal, by addressing flooding, the impacts of heat and steps to build local capacity to adapt to climate impacts. Cook County and its implementation partner are working with Bellwood to design, construct and/or implement select projects from the plan. 

Timeline 

The climate resiliency planning process took place from early 2024 through early 2025. Most community input events occurred in spring and summer 2024. Phase II implementation is taking place through the end of 2026. 

Get involved 

If you have questions about Bellwood’s Climate Resiliency Plan, email environment@cookcountyil.gov.