RPA is taking part in a number of Climate Week events this year! More will be added to our website as they are announced — stay tuned for additions.

September 24

In a region highly vulnerable to climate change and facing land constraints, recent climate adaptation projects are increasingly embracing innovative design. This new wave of climate adaptation co-locates recreation with resilience, creating ​“active assets”—spaces that not only safeguard against climate hazards but also provide recreational space, increase connectivity, support local ecosystems, and leverage public access to promote long-term environmental stewardship.

This panel brings together designers from several recently developed, planned, and proposed adaptation projects to discuss their work in shaping resilient communities through a multi-benefit approach. Rather than treating flood mitigation and public access as separate priorities, these modern projects demonstrate that they are deeply synergistic. By layering ecological, functional, and social benefits, we can design a future where both humans and changing ecosystems thrive together.

Panelists:

• Zoe Baldwin, VP of State Programs, RPA
• Christine Garner, Urban Design Associate & Richard Kaplan Fellow, RPA

Re-envisioning the right of way: from the road, to the curb, to the sidewalk. How can we rearrange our streets to encourage walking, biking, and transit ridership? How can we use public realm features for stormwater management and other resiliency interventions? How can we ensure congestion and curb pricing don’t just speed up traffic or make it easier to park but instead give us the space to create efficient, safe, resilient, and social streets?

Panelists

• Rachel Weinberger, Vice President of Transportation, RPA (moderator)
• Rob Freudenberg, Vice President of Energy & Environment, RPA
• Liya Rechtman, Policy Director for Transportation & Infrastructure, Office of the NYC Comptroller
• Emily Weidenhof, Assistant Commissioner for Public Realm, NYCDOT
• Spencer Williams, Director of Land Use & Topography, Brooklyn Borough President

RPA, Enterprise Community Partners and NYC HPD explore how policy, planning and partnerships can turn climate-resilience goals into local impact to protect affordable homes, accelerate recovery and strengthen communities.

Panelists

• Jee Mee Kim-Diaz, Americas East Geography Leader, Arup (moderator)
• Maulin Mehta, New York Director, RPA
• Elizabeth Zeldin, Director, Neighborhood Impact, Enterprise Community Partners