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June 2023
Happy Pride Month! Pride Month is a time dedicated to recognizing and honoring the diverse experiences and contributions of the LGBTQ+ community. Together, let us champion diversity, foster understanding, and create a world that celebrates every unique identity.
Call for Partnerships!
We will be trying a NEW interactive session highlighting the foundation of this network: our partners. Our July event, “Partner Connect,” will work to actively connect partners to collaborate.
"Partner Connect” will hear from up to 5 partner organizations interested in partnerships. Specifically, we are looking for partner organizations with needs that are actively searching for a partner(s) with the capacity for collaboration.
Our hope is to catalyze lasting resilience partnerships across the Whole Community. If you would like to be a partner and present your specific needs during this session, please email a brief summary of the project(s) you would like to present and areas of collaboration you are looking for to FEMA-ResilientNation@fema.dhs.gov. All submissions should consider the RNPN's three priorities:
- Promoting natural hazard mitigation actions.
- Advancing equitable resilience initiatives.
- Expanding capacity through partnerships.
To continued partnership,
The Resilient Nation Partnership Network
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National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine: Empowering the Next Generation of Community Resilience Leaders
The Gulf Research Program is seeking proposals for youth leadership training programs in the Gulf of Mexico or Gulf of Alaska coastal region that equip youth (ages 15-24) with the knowledge, skills, and expertise necessary to build resilience to climate hazards and associated disasters. A total of $2 million is available for this funding opportunity, with a maximum request of $500,000. For more information, visit the application webpage.
Grant cycle opens: May 1, 2023
Deadline for submission of proposals: July 10, 2023 by 5 p.m. ET
NOAA: Climate Resilience Regional Challenge Notice of Funding Opportunity Released!
NOAA released the Notice of Funding Opportunity for the Climate Resilience Regional Challenge, which provides approximately $575 million in funding from the Inflation Reduction Act for investing in holistic, collaborative approaches to coastal resilience at regional scales.
The competitive funding can be used to increase resilience to extreme weather events (e.g., hurricanes and storm surge), as well as address longer-term, chronic climate hazards (e.g., sea level rise, erosion, heat stress). Projects funded under the Challenge will need to consider four overarching priorities: risk reduction; regional coordination and collaboration; equity and inclusion; and enduring capacity. The approach for these grants, which emphasizes integrating NOAA’s scientific and technical expertise with on-the-ground efforts, will ensure that equal access is provided to previously underserved communities.
More information can be found at the NOAA Climate Resilience Regional Challenge website.
National Wildlife Federation: Nature-Based Solutions Funding Database
As natural hazards like flooding and drought increase in intensity and frequency each year, communities face the growing pressure to develop and implement plans that protect vulnerable communities, infrastructure, natural habitats and farmland. Nature-based solutions offer a cost-effective, long-term approach to addressing environmental issues like polluted water, eroded soils or degraded habitats, while simultaneously considering social and economic outcomes. While there are several funding sources for nature-based practices, this database focuses on federal funding and technical assistance programs.
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Partner News
RNPN: Thank You to Everyone Who Attended the May Resilience Exchange!
During our May Resilience Exchange on Resilience and Economic Development, our panelist did an amazing job exploring how increased natural hazard risks affect the future of cities and towns across the U.S. This session brought together experts from the local and federal government, local community, and private sector. If you would like to connect with the featured speakers, please email FEMA-ResilientNation@fema.dhs.gov. In the coming weeks, we will upload the event recording for all to view.
Stories of Resilience: Voices that Inspire
Do you have a story to tell? We want to learn more about your journey toward climate resilience. Sharing your wins and challenges can help others learn from your experience. You can submit photos, video, audio, text, or art about your resilience journey.
Ready to share? Visit our Stories of Resilience: Voices that Inspire website for more information.
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FEMA ArtWorks: Call for Artist!
Artists! We want to see your images and hear your stories that focus on overcoming climate change. How have environmental changes impacted your lives, your work, or your community? Submit materials here by June 30.
#FEMAArtWorks is open to artists living in Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, Wyoming and the 29 tribal nations within FEMA Region 8.
Florida International University: Wall of Wind Mitigation Challenge
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South Florida high school students were on the edge of their seats as they watched their rooftop models perform against the FIU Wall of Wind. FIU hosted the Wall of Wind Mitigation Challenge, where teams of local high school students developed innovative wind mitigation concepts and solutions within guidelines set by FIU’s wind engineers. The objective for the 2023 Wall of Wind (WOW) Mitigation Challenge was to reduce the wind-induced uplift force on a building’s roof, by optimizing its overall shape. Teams were tasked with designing a rooftop that would improve its aerodynamic performance. The Wall of Wind tested the rooftop models to measure their performance. The best rooftop designs were able to withstand Category 1 hurricane wind speeds, over 74 mph.
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National Endowment for the Arts: Our Town Applications are Open!
Guidelines and instructions for the Our Town grant program are now available online. Through project-based funding, Our Town supports activities that integrate arts, culture, and design into local efforts that strengthen communities. These are cost share/matching grants ranging from $25,000 to $150,000. Funding starts July 1, 2024, for 1–2 year projects. The application is submitted in two parts. The Part 1 deadline is August 3, 2024.
Opportunities to connect with Our Town staff include a webinar on June 15 at 2 p.m. ET and three Q&A sessions on June 27, July 20, and August 10. Registration information is on the Our Town Applicant Resources page.
National Wildlife Federation in NYC: NYC Students Use Nature-based Solutions to Make ‘Shore’ Coney Island is Safe from Storms
Public school students, local residents and community partners planted 15,000 beach grass culms to stabilize dunes, prevent erosion, and protect coastal homes from flooding in Coney Island, Brooklyn. This effort was part of the National Wildlife Federation's Resilient Schools Consortium (RiSC) program. The RiSC program was named the winner of FEMA’s Cooperative Technical Partners (CTP) Recognition Program Award for “outstanding efforts to increase risk awareness [and] to help advance equity and inclusion.”
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FEMA: Region 9's Level Up Audio Project
Season 3 of FEMA Region 9’s Level Up Audio Project is now available! Developed for hazard mitigation and climate adaptation professionals, the series features stories and best practices to inspire mitigation action. From themes of equity to problem-solving and collaboration, there is so much to learn.
Environmental Defense Fund: Five Recommendations for Integrating Equity into Benefit-Cost Analysis for Flood Risk Management
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers uses benefit-cost analysis to make funding decisions related to flood risk management. A new blog post by Dave McLaughlin, EDF’s senior economist, shares recommendations on how to integrate equity into this process.
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Sustainable Solutions Lab, UMass Boston: Emerging Governance Structures for Climate Resilience
On June 2, the Climate Adaptation Forum, Environmental Business Council of New England, and Sustainable Solutions Lab hosted a virtual forum on Emerging Governance Structures for Climate Resilience. The forum discussed how communities across the country are approaching this challenge and emerging models for governance and implementation. The presentations for this event are now available online.
Environmental Defense Fund: How New Provisions in the Water Resources Development Act are Building Climate Resilience
New provisions in the Water Resources Development Act of 2022 are building climate resilience for at-risk communities and ecosystems. EDF expert Sarah Henshaw shares more in a new blog post.
Union of Concerned Scientists: In a Changing Climate, What Does a “Normal” Year of Wildfires Look Like?
This year’s wildfire season may offer the western US a chance to catch its breath after several years of record-breaking fires. But with climate change expected to deepen the hot, dry conditions that enable such record-breaking fires, we must prepare for a future with even more fire.
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Union of Concerned Scientists: How Forest Management Can Build Healthy Wildfire Cycles in Western North America
Science-based and indigenous-led forest management can build and maintain fire resilient landscapes. Using fire-resistant building materials and creating defensible space around homes can reduce risks for communities at the wildland urban interface. Fire will always be a part of these forests, but it doesn’t have to be catastrophic.
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Technical Assistance Available
FEMA: Center for Domestic Preparedness
The Center for Domestic Preparedness (CDP) enhances the resiliency of U.S. communities. It teaches responders to prepare for and safely respond to a wide range of natural and manmade disasters. The advanced, all-hazards training is free and delivered on the CDP campus in Alabama, at sites around the nation, and online.
Enterprise Community Partners: Fourth Climate Resilience Academy (West Coast) Coming Soon
Enterprise Community Partners will launch the fourth climate resilience academy for affordable housing owners and operators, focusing on the West Coast. It launched at the end of April (applications opened in mid-February), the curriculum will provide education and technical assistance with climate risk reduction. Owners and operators of affordable housing in California, Oregon and Washington are encouraged to join this regional cohort to engage with other housing providers, content experts and local stakeholders to learn how to better address the unique hazards of the West Coast. If you have questions, please contact Senior Program Director, Mihir Parikh at mparikh@enterprisecommunity.org.
Environmental Protection Agency: "Creating Co-Benefits Through Hazard Mitigation Planning and Water Resource Management" Training
EPA’s Nonpoint Source (NPS) program, alongside EPA’s Watershed Academy, is excited to announce the release of a web-based training, “Creating Co-Benefits Through Hazard Mitigation Planning and Water Resource Management.” This training, developed with review and feedback from partners at FEMA, supports water quality and hazard mitigation professionals. It helps them integrate water quality issues, water resource management, and nature-based practices into state or local Hazard Mitigation Plans (HMPs). Modules in this series can be used as training tools to help planners from both worlds explore activities of mutual interest and benefit. Case studies and real-world examples show hazard mitigation planners how to connect with water resource programs through hazard mitigation planning. They also help watershed planners understand the synergies between water resource plans and HMPs.
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New Resources
Garrison Flood Control: A Flood Prevention Case Study Using Hammerhead Aluminum Flood Barriers
San Francisco restaurant Rintaro experienced severe flood damage due to atmospheric river flooding, which caused expensive repairs and closure. The restaurant's susceptible entryways used the Hammerhead™ Aluminum Flood Plank system for defending against future flooding.
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FEMA: Local Mitigation Planning Handbook
FEMA’s updated Local Mitigation Planning Handbook breaks down mitigation planning into manageable steps. It gives case studies, best practices, and guidance for readers at all levels of experience.
This is a timely resource because FEMA’s updated local mitigation planning policy took effect in April 2023. This new version of the handbook—updated for the first time since 2013—shows how communities can design a sound planning process while meeting new policy requirements, including climate change considerations.
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The Nature Conservancy and Aspen Institute: Roadmap for Wildfire Resilience: Solutions for a Paradigm Shift
The Nature Conservancy (TNC) and Aspen Institute convened workshops through 2022 to gain input from public and private stakeholders on wildfire resilience. This culminated in the Roadmap for Wildfire Resilience that addresses FEMA-related themes such as resilient landscapes, fire-adapted communities, post-fire recovery and required investments.
Contact: Jay Lee, jay.lee@tnc.org
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FEMA: Building Community Resilience with Nature-Based Solutions
When designed the right way, nature-based solutions (NBS) can absorb floodwaters, reduce a wildfire’s intensity, and lower air temperature. They also offer social, environmental and economic benefits for communities that can address many issues at once.
“Building Community Resilience With Nature-Based Solutions: Strategies for Success” is a user-friendly resource. It includes case studies, infographics and practical tips. It also covers five key strategies to set community leaders up for success in their NBS projects—even if you are new to them.
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