Following the disruption caused by Hurricane Sandy in 2012, The Rockefeller Foundation launched an innovative competition called Rebuild by Design to inspire afflicted communities to rebuild holistically with future disasters in mind while addressing current needs of the New Jersey and New York residents. A report released in 2016 summarizes the lessons learned from the competition, several of which we find useful for future recovery and mitigation projects:
1) "Berms with Benefits" are flood control structures that can reduce flood risk and can offer environmental and recreational benefits are a means to provide dual purpose to green-grey elements that can also be integrated with open space.
2) Long-term approaches for large-scale projects must be phased appropriately and progressively implemented with inbuilt guidance for maintenance over time.
3) Coordination across agencies and levels of government can reduce redundant administrative requirements, streamline coordination for regional projects, as well as inform improved permitting processes that may delay project implementation.
Other important lessons can be gleaned from Rebuild by Design, and can be reviewed in the following publications which have been referenced in this post.
"Ten Key Lessons from the Rebuild by Design Competition Projects After Hurricane Sandy"
"Rebuilding with Resilience: Lessons from the Rebuild by Design Competition After Hurricane Sandy"
