How Cities Can Support Climate Adaptation

With federal funding for emergency management and climate resilience projects under threat, city governments are reassessing how to achieve their resilience goals and continue plans for managed retreat — “Asking people to leave their homes and relocate from areas at risk of repeated environmental threats” — in areas highly prone to flooding or other disasters. 

In a panel at the Urban Land Institute’s Resilience Summit, city leaders discussed the tools and strategies cities can use to acquire at-risk properties and incentivize and assist residents in relocation. Robyn Griggs Lawrence covered the panel for Smart Cities Dive. 

“Alison Branco, director of climate adaptation for The Nature Conservancy in New York, urged audience members to take advantage of the assistance nonprofits like land trusts, land banks and community development corporations can provide in managing transactions and stewarding properties after they’re purchased.”

Branco also pointed to programs led by nonprofits, such as The Nature Conservancy’s pilot program that provides cash assistance for people who agree to a buyout of a vulnerable property to ensure they follow through.