New Hampshire ’s changing climate is evident not only to scientists but also to communities attempting to respond to its impacts. As the climate continues to shift, the wellbeing of these communities will depend on their ability to anticipate and adapt to current and future changes. To do that, stakeholders need accurate information about local climate impacts and risks and the ability to have tough conversations as they decide how best to protect infrastructure, businesses, and human safety. In response, Great Bay Reserve worked with the University of New Hampshire and other partners on a 2013 Collaborative Research project to develop a model climate adaptation plan for the town of Exeter. This plan helped local decision-makers address the intensifying stormwater runoff, flooding, sea level rise, nonpoint source pollution, and habitat change associated with a shifting climate.

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This article, prepared by members of the project team, describes how the project studied adaptive governance and climate change adaptation planning by evaluating stakeholder involvement in a local institutional setting.