WHAT SHOULD MAMDANI KNOW ABOUT HOW FLOODING AFFECTS AFFORDABILITY?
It’s time to talk about flooding, affordability, and NYC’s future. We’re excited to launch “Affordability and Climate in NYC,” a monthly discussion series identifying what Mayor Zohran Mamdani needs to know about the intersection of affordability and climate.
We’ll hear directly from New Yorkers on the front lines, national experts, and policymakers to discuss housing, engagement, and neighborhood solutions. We’re asking: What should NYC’s new administration know… and what are the quick wins?
Scroll down for a recap of our past events and to RSVP for upcoming events.
Sign up for our Rainproof NYC Newsletter to stay up to date on new events! (Scroll below)
__________________________
This event series is brought to you in partnership by Rebuild by Design, Rainproof NYC, The City Sponge, and the Waterfront Alliance, with support from Con Edison.
UPCOMING topics
Come back later for the announcement of our May event.
DIVE INTO OUR PAST TOPICS
TOPIC 1: How do we build climate strong communities
How do we build climate strong communities? Kicking off our series, we’re discussing neighborhood approaches to flood and climate solutions. Join us to hear leaders share what’s working, what needs improvement, and what comes next.
In conversation with:
- Saul Porter, Northfield Community LDC (Staten Island)
- Lisa Goren, LIC Coalition / Hunters Point Community Coalition (Queens)
- Chauncy Young, New Settlement (Bronx)
- Moderator: Samantha Maldonado, The City
TOPIC 2: How do we build climate strong communities
NYC is expensive. Will climate risk exacerbate costs? Join us to discuss how climate risk translates into real costs for households, communities, and the city. Grounded in insights from Carlos Martin’s research on mitigation and recovery costs with perspectives from finance, housing resilience, and community programs, the conversation will explore how we define “affordability” in a climate-constrained city. The event will clarify where smart investments can reduce both climate risk and long-term costs—and what the new administration should understand about these tradeoffs.
In conversation with:
- Dr. Carlos Martin, VP, Research and Policy Engagement, Resources for the Future
- Dr. Firas Saleh, Director of Product Mgmt, Moody’s
- Aaron Sturm, Deputy Director of Resiliency, Center for New York City Neighborhoods
- Tess Williams, Deputy Director of Housing Development, Fifth Avenue Committee
- Moderator: Amy Chester, Rebuild By Design
TOPIC 3: Flood, Recover, Repeat: The Costs of Climate EVENTS TO NYC Small Businesses
Flood, Recover, Repeat: The Costs of Climate Events to NYC Small Businesses. As of 2023, there are over 183,000 small businesses across NYC1. With increasing flooding, many find themselves in a precarious position, caught between rising water and rising costs. Join us for a candid conversation with experts and local leaders to understand the real costs of flooding for NYC’s small businesses and what the new Administration can do.
In conversation with:
- Valeen Bhat, Owner, Private Picassos
- Mark Caserta, BK Chamber of Commerce
- Daniela Sancu, NYC Small Business Services
- Charles Yu, Long Island City Partnership
- Nadia Adam, Staten Island Industrial Alliance
- Moderator: Nick Nyhan, The City Sponge
Join our mailing list
We each have a role to play in Rainproof.
Rainproof NYC is where all stakeholders learn from each other and act collectively to tackle increasingly heavy rainfall and flash floods.The growing Rainproof NYC network brings together community groups, city officials, technical experts, policy advocates, private sector partners, educators, and more to understand and address flooding in NYC.
Ways you can get involved include:
- Stay updated on new pilot projects, events, and funding opportunities.
- Collaborate with the Rainproof NYC Network.
- Join a Rainproof event.
- Learn from other cities in our Rainproof Series.
- Participate in or Pilot Rainproof NYC Projects.
- Share Rainproof Resources & Expertise.