A national survey conducted in early 2025 by GFOA and civic engagement and data analytics research firm Polco paints a hopeful picture of a sector in motion. The results show encouraging progress in adopting new practices, greater alignment with strategic plans, and increasing interest in performance and technology. But they also reveal persistent gaps—in public engagement, outcome focus, and modernization

With each passing year, North Carolina residents face higher heat index values, more warm nights and more heat waves. These warmer days and nights, coupled with increased humidity, pose risks to public health and daily life. Prolonged exposure to extreme heat can lead to heat-related illnesses, such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke. As high heat days become more common, North Carolinians are using more energy to cool their homes and buildings, with many households unprepared for increasing energy costs.

Local leaders can play a key role in helping residents stay safe in high temperatures. Supporting communities starts with monitoring local conditions, identifying those most at risk, and understanding how to reduce heat-related risks to public health and household budgets. To help local leaders protect health and safety, the State Resilience Office and the State Climate Office of North Carolina offer the NC Planning for Extreme Heat Cohort annually. There is no cost to participate in this program.

Applications for the Fall 2025 Cohort are now open.