As the practice of climate adaptation grows organically across New York State and around the world, the planning and implementation of climate resilience measures remains challenging. Outdated frameworks, small budgets and lack of adequate staffing makes it hard for local government to face a changing climate. In order to adequately prepare our communities for the future, we need cohesive climate mitigation and adaptation plans, policies, and practices which address greenhouse gas emissions, smart growth, zoning reform, long-term infrastructure, and protection of waterways. Federal and state agencies play key roles in shaping our response to this need, but local and regional stakeholders–NGOs, academic institutions, community groups, etc.–are also critical in developing and executing effective strategies for climate adaptation.

Rebuild by Design is partnering with Cornell University’s Water Resources Institute and Syracuse University’s Environmental Finance Center to establish and lead the NYS Adaptation Practitioner’s Network, an effort which seeks to: 

1) Connect and build relationships among non-profit organizations advising local governments on climate adaptation; 

2) Share knowledge and develop the professional practice in a variety of contexts (e.g., rural to urban); 

3) Identify processes, models, and tools that create high-quality vulnerability assessments and adaptation projects and discuss how to scale and replicate.