The City of Jacksonville has been honored with the National Planning Award for Resilience and Sustainability by the American Planning Association. This prestigious award recognizes Jacksonville's innovative Resilient Jacksonville strategy, a comprehensive plan designed to protect the city from the impacts of climate change, including flooding and extreme heat. By combining scientific data with community input, Resilient Jacksonville provides a roadmap for sustainable urban development and resilience for the years to come. The plan's success is a testament to Jacksonville's commitment to creating a more sustainable and secure future for its residents.

Resilience, in the context of urban planning, refers to a city's ability to withstand and recover from challenges, particularly those related to climate change and natural disasters. A resilient city is one that can adapt to changing conditions, minimize the impact of adverse events, and bounce back quickly from disruptions. This involves a combination of physical infrastructure, social systems, and economic vitality.

The American Planning Association (APA) is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the field of planning. Its mission is to create a better quality of life for all through effective planning and good design. The APA provides resources, education, and advocacy to planners and communities across the United States.

The Resilient Jacksonville strategy is a comprehensive 50-year plan developed by the City of Jacksonville to enhance the city's resilience to climate change and other challenges. Local residents, government agencies, and experts all participated in developing the strategy. The plan outlines a series of actions and investments that will help Jacksonville adapt to rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and other climate-related risks.

One of the key components of the Resilient Jacksonville strategy is the development of a resilient infrastructure. This includes investments in seawalls, storm surge barriers, and other protective measures to reduce the risk of flooding. Additionally, the plan calls for improvements to the city's transportation system, water supply, and energy grid to ensure that these essential services remain operational during and after disasters.

Another important aspect of resilience is social equity. The Resilient Jacksonville strategy recognizes that the impacts of climate change are not felt equally by all residents. Disadvantaged communities are often more vulnerable to the effects of climate change, and the plan includes measures to address these disparities. This includes investments in affordable housing, community resilience initiatives, and programs to support vulnerable populations.

Finally, the Resilient Jacksonville strategy emphasizes the importance of economic resilience. A resilient economy is one that can continue to function and grow even in the face of adversity. The plan includes measures to promote economic development, job creation, and business sustainability. By fostering a strong economy, Jacksonville can better withstand the challenges of climate change and build a more prosperous future.