Transformational Adaptation and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act: Now Comes the Hard Part
In episode 178 of America Adapts, we dig into the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) as a catalyst for transformational adaptation. Joining the podcast: Adie Tomer of the Brookings Institution talks about their infrastructure resource hub; Shalini Vajjhala of re:focus partners returns to discuss how they are helping local communities be strategic in their adaptation planning and finding practical approaches for grant applications; Braden Kay of Tempe Arizona and Tom Jacobs of the Kansas city region, discuss how their communities are using their existing adaptation planning efforts to help them apply for funds. Bonus conversations: Samantha Medlock, the General Counsel for the now sunsetted U.S. House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis and Chad Nelson from Infrastructure Canada. These experts are in the thick of climate planning and they will offer useful advice on how your community or organization and apply for this adaptation funding. If done effectively, this infrastructure funding can lead to transformational adaptation.
Topics covered:
What is the Infrastructure and Jobs Investment Act.
How can local communities tap into the Act’s funding.
The role of regional collaboration in grant applications.
Environmental and climate justice embedded in the Act.
The legislative history of the Investment Act.
Infrastructure and Adaptation Resource Hub
Adaptation in Tempe, Az and the Kansas City region.
Infrastructure and adaptation in Canada.
Experts in this Episode:
Adie Tomer, Senior Fellow at Brookings Metro at the Brookings Institution
Shalini Vajjhala, Founder and CEO of Re:focus Partners
Braden Kay, Director of Sustainability for the City of Tempe, Arizona
Samantha Medlock, former Senior Counsel, Select Committee on the Climate Crisis at U.S. House of Representatives
Tom Jacobs, Director, Environmental Programs, Mid-America Regional Council
Chad Nelson, Principal Advisor for Climate Adaptation and Resilience, Infrastructure Canada
This episode was generously sponsored by the Genesee Mountain Foundation.
Transcription of this episode available here. (Transcripts are computer generate so errors present).
Dr. Shalini Vajjhala
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Resources and Links in this episode:
Brookings Federal Infrastructure Hub
https://www.brookings.edu/interactives/brookings-federal-infrastructure-hub/
Braden Kay
Resources mentioned by Tom Jacobs of Marc
https://kcmetroclimateplan.org/
www.marc.org
https://www.brookings.edu/experts/adie-tomer/
https://www.refocuspartners.com/team/
PRE Collective website today: www.precollective.org
Infrastructure Canada -- https://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/index-eng.html
Solving the Climate Crisis: Building a Vibrant and Just Clean Energy Environment
https://www.congress.gov/116/chrg/CHRG-116hhrg41340/CHRG-116hhrg41340.pdf
Canada’s National Adaptation Strategy
https://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/nia-eni/index-eng.html
Samantha Medlock
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Strategies to Address Climate Change Risk in Low- and Moderate-income Communities - Volume 14, Issue 1
https://www.frbsf.org/community-development/publications/community-development-investment-review/2019/october/strategies-to-address-climate-change-low-moderate-income-communities/
Tom Jacobs
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The 10 Best Sustainability Podcasts for Environmental Business Leaders
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The best climate change podcasts on The Climate Advisor
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7 podcasts to learn more about climate change and how to fight it
https://kinder.world/articles/you/7-podcasts-to-learn-more-about-climate-change-and-how-to-fight-it-19813
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