Markham Climate Resiliency Plan

Planning for the Community 

The City of Markham 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 Markham’s resiliency to the effects of climate change, including severe weather events such as heavy rain, flooding and extreme heat. Through the partnership, Markham 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.  

Markham’s Climate Resiliency Plan 

Read the Markham Climate Resiliency Plan executive summary. 

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

• Frequent flooding and stormwater management issues.  
• Updating aging infrastructure.  
• Improving access to natural resources within the City, such as the Indian Boundary Prairies.  

Community Engagement 

As a community-driven effort, the climate resiliency plan established Markham’s priorities and needs through public input and participation. The City, 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 Steps: Implementation (Phase II)

The climate resiliency plan includes recommendations for potential projects that will help Markham 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 Markham 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 Markham’s Climate Resiliency Plan, email environment@cookcountyil.gov.