Policy applications of climate change science play important roles in the mitigation of and adaptation to the impacts of climate change. The University of North Carolina - Asheville developed a "Planning for Climate Change: A Handbook for Urban and Rural Area Planners" under a grant from and in cooperation with NOAA's National Climatic Data Center. This document is intended to provide practical advice for public and private-sector planners working at the local government level with regard to climate change mitigation and adaptation. The Handbook guides decision making in land use, transportation, public safety, and structure design. An overview of handbook topics, peer-review methodology, and implementation status and successes will be provided along with information on the publication of and access to the handbook.