Communitywide Climate Survey 2 Report Released

San Juan County has released the summary report for our second Community‑wide Climate Survey, which was conducted May 21–June 19, 2026, to gather public input on strategies and priority actions that will inform the County’s Climate Action Plan. The online survey was hosted on Engage San Juan County and featured links to local programs and resources. In total, 331 respondents participated.

Community feedback emphasized several recurring priorities:

• Protect and preserve environmental resources. Respondents placed a very high value on preservation, raising concerns about wildfire risk and habitat loss. There was a consistent call for stricter enforcement of environmental regulations as well as stewardship incentives.
• Planning and preparing for water resiliency. Concerns around water quantity and quality, as well as growth and development impacts, underline the need for better understanding of our water resources and long-term planning in the face of current and future climate impacts.
• Expanding local renewable energy. Respondents overwhelmingly favor solar, with many expressing opposition to forest clearing and preference for rooftops/parking lots/already-disturbed sites. Incentives, technical assistance and streamlined permitting are desired.
• Community transportation solutions. Responses converged strongly on public shuttles, safe biking/walking infrastructure, and better connections between ferry terminals and towns/villages.
• Supporting local food production and reducing waste. Supporting farmers and affordable access to local food was highlighted, as well as strong interest in expanded composting and circular waste systems across the islands.

Community feedback also surfaced key concerns, barriers, and opportunities, including:

• Growth, carrying capacity, and impacts to natural resources. Many raised concerns about population growth and the islands’ ecological carrying capacity. Responses showed an emphasis on protecting natural areas and considering regulations for housing size while prioritizing affordable housing.
• Cost and affordability were most often cited as barriers. This cuts across every sector and is a critical consideration for equitable solutions. Renters raised the issue of not being able to upgrade their homes. Respondents also voiced a desire for more transparent communications and accessible information.
• Collaborative community efforts are needed. Responses showed an emphasis on local partnerships, community-driven solutions, and neighbor-level organizing and resource sharing.
• There’s strong willingness to take personal action, but support is needed. Many folks already compost, buy local food, weatherize, and use efficient appliances. Education and incentives for higher-cost or higher-commitment actions is needed.
• Local government should "lead by example". Respondents indicated they’d like to see local government take feasible measures, such as adding solar on buildings or electrifying the fleet, to demonstrate commitment with the broader asks of the public. A vocal minority rejected any local climate action on the premise that it's not government's job or that local government is unable to be effective.

What’s next
These survey insights, along with results from Communitywide Climate Survey 1 and a host of other engagement initiatives, are guiding the development of San Juan County’s Climate Action Plan, which aligns with the Climate Element and climate-related policies of the Comprehensive Plan.

The Survey 2 summary and full open‑response appendix are available now, and additional updates will be shared through Engage San Juan County.

• Read the Communitywide Climate Survey 2 Summary
• Explore programs and assistance in the survey’s resource list