Community Engagement Core

Community Engagement

The Community Engagement Core (COEC) is dedicated to advancing community-driven environmental justice research and fostering meaningful partnerships to develop effective climate health equity solutions for urban populations in Chicago and beyond. The COEC bridges the gap between communities, healthcare professionals, policymakers, and researchers to build capacity for sustainable, community-led climate health solutions. Through collaborative engagement, we ensure that climate and health research is informed by—and directly benefits—the communities most affected by environmental challenges.

Our Approach

  • Community Engagement & Leadership – We facilitate multi-directional communication through a Community Advisory Group, empowering local leaders within CECHE and hosting events that encourage broad community participation.
  • Translating Research into Action – We transform research findings into accessible knowledge and practical solutions through a train-the-trainer model, expanding community capacity to address climate and health issues at the neighborhood level.
  • Urban Planning & Policy Solutions – We support green infrastructure, zoning improvements, and regional planning efforts to create climate-resilient urban environments. By conducting qualitative research, we integrate community perspectives into sustainable, equity-driven policy solutions.

Key Initiatives

  • Climate Health Institute – A train-the-trainer model to expand knowledge among community stakeholders, empower community scientists in climate research, and help local organizations implement sustainable climate health solutions.
  • Stakeholder-Driven Urban Planning – Partnering with academic and community leaders to develop nature-based resiliency solutions and analyze zoning and planning policies that impact climate and health equity.
  • Regional Summits & Advisory Networks – Hosting events and working groups to ensure community voices drive research priorities, policy development, and solution implementation.

By fostering deep partnerships and translating research into action, the Community Engagement Core is building a more just, sustainable, and health-focused future for Chicago and beyond.