Broward County partners with Resilient Cities Network to advance global climate resilience solutions through finance-focused forum
Broward County, Florida – Broward County is set to lead a creative effort to climate resilience via its next Resilience Finance Convening. Planned from March 25 to 27, 2025, this event is a partnership with the Resilient Cities Network and will bring together leaders from cities worldwide, financial specialists, and private sector allies. Their aim is to create plans to draw significant capital commitments required for local resilience projects.
Through capital planning and risk reduction strategies enabling investments in resilience, this forum will help communities improve their readiness and responsiveness to climate-related issues. It will also be a platform to see the resilience initiatives now being carried out in Broward County and southeastern Florida as well as a venue for gaining insight into the progress achieved by other communities, both domestic and international.
Broward County is now working on a resilience strategy meant to reduce flood risks and related damages. The approach emphasizes keeping reasonable flood insurance, protecting property values, and increasing economic output. Working with the Resilient Cities Network will help Broward County share ideas and knowledge with world counterparts confronting similar environmental issues, hence investigating creative projects and funding models put into effect in other places.
“As climate risks intensify, Broward County recognizes that strong partnerships and diverse finance strategies will be key to building a resilient future, “said Broward County, Mayor Beam Furr. “This knowledge exchange is an opportunity to learn from one another, build new partnerships, share successes, and accelerate solutions to ensure our communities have the resources needed for a stronger, more resilient future.”
“City resilience is a costly endeavor but, not nearly as costly as ignoring risks and dealing with the consequences. We see that cities that focus on investment in the systems that provide essential services to their citizens are better off when crisis hits. They are prepared and can adapt to the shocks and stresses that they inevitably face. Our Network and member cities understand the critical role of lining up the finance that will keep their systems running and their communities safe.” said Lauren Sorkin, Executive Director of Resilient Cities Network. “Opportunities for cities to come together and share expertise are essential for driving investment in city resilience.”
The program will also explore the need of portfolio-based capital planning including sophisticated systems. Such plans are essential for increasing the funding needed to support long-term resilience initiatives in several industries.
Joining the Resilient Cities Network as its 101st member in December 2023 at the COP28 meeting in Dubai, Broward County signaled major passion to worldwide climate action. Dr. Jennifer Jurado, Chief Resilience Officer and Deputy Director of the Resilient Environment Department, leads the County’s resiliency initiatives. This department is crucial in strengthening community resilience through its comprehensive environmental, planning, housing, and community-focused initiatives.
Global leader in urban resilience, the Resilient Cities Network links more than 100 cities around the world to promote the sharing of information, best practices, and tools. This city-led initiative promotes climate resilience, circular economies, and equity-driven solutions while highlighting city empowerment to create safe and fair environments, hence improving the quality of life for their people.
