This groundbreaking community planning initiative coordinated federal disaster-recovery benefit programs with holistic plan for neighborhood investment.

I conceived and launched this initiative while Executive Director of Resiliency Planning, Policy and Acquisitions at the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development (2013-2019).

The work began as part of the City’s Hurricane Sandy recovery work, this equity-centered and community-driven initiative brought together City, State, and Federal agencies to align short and long-term housing, infrastructure, and open space investments. It is an internationally-recognized example that links government operations to long-term planning goals.

Like many government innovations, this product is the work of many. The implementation will continue over the next two decades. Special thanks to: the residents of Edgemere, Zack LeMel (HPD lead project manager), Lauren Wang (HPD), Jaclyn Sachs (HPD), Michael Sandler (HPD), Andrew Eickman (HPD), Thaddeus Pawlowski (DCP), Michael Marrella (DCP), Brendan Pillar (DCP), Crystal Jane Eski (DCP), Vanessa Espailiat Lovett (DCP), Alda Chan (DPR), Mitchell Loring (DPR), Sarah Neilson (DPR), Laura MacNeil (DOT), Amy Peterson (HRO), David Lewis (HRO), Marlon Williams (DOHMH), Alan Cohn (DEP), Ibrahim Abdul-Martin (DEP), Callie Gorowitz (EDC), Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, Devaney Brown, the Staff of Neighborhood Restore and Center for New York City Neighborhoods, Holly Leicht (HUD), 3X3 Design.

The latest on Resilient Edgemere here.