One of the exciting highlights of the week of commemorations honoring the decade of rebuilding since the catastrophic floods and storms of 2005 was the release of the City of New Orleans Resilience Strategy.
The selection of New Orleans as one of the first members of the 100 Resilient Cities initiative (funded by the Rockefeller Foundation) sparked the endeavor to create the strategy, which represents a major step toward a sustainable future. The 90 page document commits New Orleans to a path of adaptation, equity, and transformation.
From its opening paragraphs, bold, assertive language declares the city will adapt to climate change by “building on the confluence of Louisiana’s culture, history, and natural systems,” carrying forward the theme and intent of the Greater New Orleans Urban Water Plan to live and work more harmoniously with nature. In fact, the following paragraph declares, "We will implement our regional Urban Water Plan to reduce flood risk, mitigate soil subsidence, and beautify our communities.”
People in our region are eager to share experiences and help others facing similar challenges. And this week gave us a chance to express our profound gratitude to the world for supporting us. With the release of the Resilience Strategy, New Orleans earns that support by committing to a better, more thoughtful path—as leaders. It truly is a new day.