The bipartisan Community Disaster Resilience Zones (CDRZ) Act will have sweeping impacts on US climate policy. The CDRZ Act, signed by President Biden in December 2022, requires the Federal Emergency Management Agency to use a natural hazard risk assessment to identify the places most at risk of natural hazards and the effects of climate change. Communities designated as CDRZs will be eligible for significant federal support and may be the target of transformative investments by philanthropies, nonprofit organizations, and private-sector partners. What knowledge and evidence will be necessary for the successful implementation of the CDRZs? Join the Urban Institute and guests as we discuss a policy research and learning agenda to accompany the rollout of the CDRZ Act. The event will feature a dialogue among researchers, elected officials, subject-matter experts, community advocates, nonprofit organizations, and resilience professionals who aim to build a more disaster- and climate-resilient nation through CDRZ investments.   

Keynote Conversation:

• Gary Peters, US Senator, Michigan; Chairman, Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee
• Myra Jones-Taylor, Chief Policy Impact Officer, Office of Policy Impact, Urban Institute (moderator)

Speakers:

• Marccus Hendricks, Associate Professor of Urban Studies and Environmental Planning and Director, Stormwater Infrastructure Resilience and Justice Lab, University of Maryland
• Andrew Rumbach, Senior Fellow and Colead, Climate and Communities Program, Urban Institute
• Victoria Salinas, Senior Official Performing the Duties of Deputy Administrator, Resilience, Federal Emergency Management Agency
• Maddie Sloan, Director, Disaster Recovery and Fair Housing Project, Texas Appleseed 
• Scott Williamson, Senior Vice President, Reinsurance Association of America 
• Sara McTarnaghan, Senior Research Associate and Colead, Climate and Communities Program, Urban Institute (moderator)

This event is available for in-person or virtual participation. Please be sure to register correctly. In-person check-in and lunch will begin at 12:30 p.m. Proof of COVID-19 vaccination, including one booster shot, is required to attend this event in person. Please be prepared to show proof of your vaccinations upon arrival. 

We strive to host inclusive, accessible events that enable all individuals to engage fully. Please email [email protected] if you require any accommodations or have any questions about this event.