The UW Climate Impacts Group (CIG) was awarded a grant from the Climate Smart Communities Initiative (CSCI), a public-private partnership that helps communities across the country plan and prepare for extreme weather events and other climate impacts.

This award, which includes $115,000 in funding as well as technical support, will enable CIG, the Kalispel Tribe, and the Kalispel Public Works Advisory Committee to work together to address critical water-related climate hazards such as flooding, drought, and stormwater infrastructure degradation in the Kalispel community. The grant will support staff coordination and data collection to complete a Drought, Flood, and Stormwater Vulnerability Assessment for the protection of critical infrastructure and natural habitats. By integrating localized community outreach, the project will align future climate investments with Kalispel values.

To learn more about the award, visit 2026 CSCI Awarded Communities.

Contact: Anne Thebo, Research Scientist, University of Washington, Climate Impacts Group