Session Summary

This session addressed the vulnerability of urban dwellings, noting the need for risk assessment of housing stocks, identification of at-risk houses, retro-fitting, and housing recovery and reconstruction. Discussions touched on New York’s aid to a disadvantaged neighborhood flooded during Hurricane Sandy, in which a public-private partnership (PPP) was formed to engage a private developer to build climate-resilient and affordable housing on public land.

Where houses require pre-emptive retro-fitting, drone and street view technologies were highlighted as important identifier tools to assess natural hazard vulnerability, quantify retro-fitting needs and speed assessment. The State’s role in promoting resilience includes regulation of building codes, consumer protection, financial oversight and management of informal settlements.

The session concluded with a discussion on housing recovery and reconstruction, noting the need to select financial models (grants or loans) that are appropriate to local needs and capacities, and able to identify beneficiaries and clarify legal concerns. When home repair and building commence, procurement and monitoring skills become important.