Fort Collins Mayor Karen Weitkunat is now part of a 26-member task force to advise President Barack Obama on severe national weather and energy issues.

City officials like Weitkunat have been invited to the Task Force on Climate Preparedness and Resilience in recognition of the fact that local governments are often the first to respond when disaster strikes –– and Fort Collins is no exception.

“Fort Collins has faced a series of major weather-related issues recently, and citizens expect their City to be prepared for the associated impacts from the events,” Weitkunat stated in a press release issued  by the City of Fort Collins.

The task force will advise the president on gaining investors, improving federal grants and loans for local efforts, and gathering the information necessary to prepare for climate change.

City Manager Darin Atteberry feels that the appointment recognizes the success that Fort Collins continues to have in the face of environmental struggles. Specifically, the city has reduced local greenhouse gas emissions while population and local sales have grown.

“This is an honor for the City of Fort Collins, and a tribute to the commitment of the Mayor and City Council in addressing climate change in our community,” Atteberry stated in the press release. “Our Climate Action Plan is making a difference in the long-term health and vibrancy of our City.”

Weitkunat said she is appreciative of the opportunity.

“Our City is a leader in increased preparedness and resiliency to the effects of changing climate in our state,” Weitkunat stated. “I am honored to be selected to serve the residents of Fort Collins on (this) Presidential Task Force.”

Collegian Senior Reporter Caitlin Curley can be reached at news@collegian.com.