Chelan County Resilience Summit
Thursday, April 16, 2026 | 9:00am–2:00pm
Wenatchee Convention Center
Turning insights into action to prepare for Chelan County’s future
Our county is growing. New industries, energy innovations, and infrastructure projects are reshaping our economy and how we live. At the same time, natural hazards and a changing climate are testing our communities, livelihoods, and resources.
Join us for a one-day summit focused on learning and collaboration. We’ll blend data-driven assessments with real-world implementation, link local needs to available funding programs, and facilitate cross-sector partnerships. Attendees will leave with actionable opportunities and connections to build resilience in Chelan County.
8:30–9:00 am | Welcome and Coffee
Registration and opening remarks from Our Valley Our Future, Sustainable NCW, and supporting partners.
9:00–10:15 am | Risk, Values, and Priorities
Learn about the latest local data on climate-exacerbated hazards and their impacts on the environment, infrastructure, health, and the economy. Help brainstorm priorities and solutions for the county. Presenters include Dr. Zack Thill from UW Climate Impacts Group, Visit Chelan County’s Jerri Barkley, and Sustainable NCW’s Marlene Farrell and Freyja Bourke. Moderated by Our Valley Our Future’s Steve Maher.
10:15–10:30 am | Break
10:30–11:30 am | Funding and Implementation Clinic
Explore funding pathways and implementation opportunities at the federal, state, and local levels. Learn about Climate Commitment Act programs and opportunities as well as about the impacts of the EPA's recent announcement that it no longer considers greenhouse gases a threat to public health. Hear how Sustainable NCW used social vulnerability as a lever to fund its bicycle co-op. Presenters include Ruby Gaston, Congresswoman Kim Schrier’s Central Washington Director, Brisa Sanchez Cornejo from the Washington Department of Commerce, and Kelli Scott from Chelan County PUD.
11:30–11:45 am | Listening Session – What’s Next?
Discuss needs, barriers, and ideas to advance resilience work.
11:45 am–12:15 pm | Networking Lunch
Buffet style lunch provided.12:15–1:00 pm | Keynote
Hear from Dr. Sonia Hall, WSU Agricultural Climate Resilience Specialist, on moving from concern to capacity to build a more resilient agriculture sector in Chelan County.
1:00–1:30 pm | Panel Discussion
Learn about practical lessons, partnerships, and solutions from organizations and sectors already pursuing resilience. Panelists include Winton MFG’s Robbette Schmit, Link Transit’s Ed Archer, Stemilt’s Jana Fischback, and Chelan County PUD's Whitney Machado. Moderated by Ward Media’s Andrew Simpson.
1:45–2:00 pm | Closing Remarks and Next Steps
Registration: $10
(Advanced registration required. All proceeds benefit Sustainable NCW.)
The Climate Resilience Summit is supported with funding from Washington’s Climate Commitment Act. The CCA supports Washington’s climate action efforts by putting cap-and-invest dollars to work reducing climate pollution, creating jobs, and improving public health. Information about the CCA is available at www.climate.wa.gov.
