Transformational Adaptation and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act: Now Comes the Hard Part America Adapts the Climate Change Podcast

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; Brandon 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.
Check out the America Adapts Media Kit here!
Subscribe to the America Adapts newsletter here.
Battelle Information
Innovations in Climate Resilience Conference
https://www.battelle.org/conferences/conference-on-innovations-in-climate-resilience
General email is climateconf@battelle.org
Media inquiry contact is TR Massey masseytr@battelle.org
ICR23 Call for Abstracts: Download here ICR22 On-Demand: Access all proceedings, presentations, videos, and photos here Donate to America Adapts
Listen to America Adapts on your favorite app here!

Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter:
https://www.facebook.com/americaadapts/
@usaadapts
https://www.linkedin.com/in/doug-parsons-america-adapts/
@BrookingsInst
@BrookingsMetro
@AdieTomer
@ShaliniVajjhala
@SamMedlockCFM
@MARCKCMetro

Resources and Links in this episode:
Brookings Federal Infrastructure Hub
https://www.brookings.edu/interactives/brookings-federal-infrastructure-hub/
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/
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
Donate to America Adapts
Follow on Apple Podcasts
Follow on Android
Doug Parsons and Speaking Opportunities:
If you are interested in having Doug speak at corporate and conference events, sharing his unique, expert perspective on adaptation in an entertaining and informative way, more information can be found here!
Now on Spotify!

List of Previous Guests on America Adapts
Follow/listen to podcast on Apple Podcasts.
Donate to America Adapts, we are no