Urban Resilience is the capacity of individuals, communities, institutions, businesses, and systems within a city to survive, adapt, and grow no matter what kinds of chronic stresses and acute shocks they experience.
Chronic Stresses
Stresses weaken the fabric of a city on a daily or cyclical basis.
Examples include:
- inequality,
- the high cost of housing,
- climate change, and
- stressed transportation networks.
Acute Shocks
Acute shocks are sudden, sharp events that threaten a city.
Examples include:
- infrastructure failure,
- heat waves,
- cyber-attacks,
- severe storms,
- terrorist incidents,
- and floods.
Building a Resilient City
A resilient city recognizes the connection between their challenges – both chronic stresses and acute shocks – and plans for them together. This results in holistic solutions that have multiple benefits, equipping a city to thrive in the face of change.