Build Capa-cities is developing climate action capacity across Dublin and Cork City Councils through three approaches: new governance structures to embed climate leadership at senior level, innovation sandboxes to co- design public realm improvements with communities, and storytelling- based communication to engage staff and citizens in climate action in more accessible and compelling ways. Year 1 established foundations across all three initiatives, A director-level steering group now brings together 14 directors in Dublin City Council to collaboratively oversee climate action delivery and create a sense of ownership around the 121 cross departmental actions in the climate action plan. Cork City Council hosted several Sandboxes to engage citizens and stakeholders in reimagining public spaces and actively participate in co-designing physical street interventions. Dublin City Council also used sandboxes to engage with the community of the norther east inner city. Dublin City Council launched "City Stories" , a storytelling programme using personal leadership stories to build climate engagement with staff, stakeholders and the public.