Event Description

Resilient Virginia’s 2021 Conference will deliver the tools, information, and networking opportunities you need
to help build resiliency in your community.

The past year’s COVID experiences have highlighted the need for inclusive resiliency plans that integrate health, social, and economic concerns with ever-increasing climate change impacts. This conference will bring national and local perspectives on solutions being formulated to address vulnerabilities while moving forward to create a more economically sound and equitable future.

Plenary speakers will include national and state experts on new initiatives that bolster the transition to a Clean Economy while rebuilding our nation’s infrastructure.

The plenary sessions will also address the need to ensure equity is a core element of these initiatives, and will illustrate the value of state support for local resiliency planning.

Breakout sessions will:

• Highlight the steps needed for infrastructure — transportation, buildings, energy systems, water and natural resources — to both reduce greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to climate adaptation strategies;
• Provide examples from urban and rural communities on approaches to resiliency that include climate risk assessments that lead to economic, health, and equity considerations; and
• Examine the accelerating opportunities for economic diversification and entrepreneurship to bolster a Clean Economy.

 Day Three will provide participants with the opportunity to engage in workshops that focus on in-depth learning on key resiliency topics. This year we will focus on

1. Technical tools for resiliency planning;
2. Moving resiliency into existing local government plans; and
3. Tools for ensuring equity is included in resiliency planning.

NEW THIS YEAR: The conference will include a virtual Green Jobs Forum and Career Fair, hosted by partner organization, Leaders in Energy. The virtual platform will allow for job seekers to directly meet with prospective employers and submit resumes to the potential employers participating in the Career Fair. In addition, an afternoon Green Jobs Forum on August 26 will feature information on the growing numbers of opportunities, and will highlight successful Green Job search efforts.