There is an increasing recognition of the usefulness of climate information, both recorded and predicted. Climate change has historically captured many of the headlines, however, there is an increasing understanding that regional and local applications of climate information, in isolation and in conjunction with climate change, can be utilized for mitigation, risk management, adaptation, public health, water quality, recreation, ecosystem and endangered species protection and enhancement, and economic benefit.

The challenge is to exploit the potential for best possible use of climate information for the benefit of US decisionmakers. This paper describes the key issues that have to be addressed in order to have cohesive interactions and collaboration, and provides a possible solution for enhancing the abilities of the climate community to respond to regional and local climate needs, specifically those of the decisionmakers.