Nicholas Institute for Environmental Policy Solutions

Practical Frameworks and Digital Tools to Strengthen Local Infrastructure Resilience

Date and Time
Tuesday, September 23, 2025 - 10:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.
Location
AECOM, 605 3rd Avenue, New York, NY

About

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Twin Talk NYC is an invite-only conversation for leaders shaping the future of America’s infrastructure. Taking place during Climate Week NYC, the largest global gathering of climate and infrastructure leaders, this session focuses on how U.S. state and municipal leaders can plan, fund, and deliver resilient, high-performing infrastructure that stands the test of time.

The discussion builds on key findings from Built to Endure: A Systems Approach for Resilient and Responsive U.S. Infrastructure, a forthcoming smart guide from Bentley Systems, Duke University, the American Society of Civil Engineers, AECOM, and Microsoft. Developed through research, expert input, and on-the-ground municipal experiences, the paper identifies the most urgent levers for improving infrastructure resilience and performance.

From that work, three core themes emerged as critical to success:

  • Resilience Planning – anticipating and mitigating climate and operational risks before they become crises
  • Policy & Regulatory Reform – creating conditions for faster, more effective project delivery
  • Empowering Communities & Leaders – ensuring equitable access to infrastructure benefits and fostering long-term stewardship

These themes will anchor the session, supported by practical frameworks, technology-enabled solutions, and policy strategies to help local governments translate resilience principles into measurable infrastructure outcomes.

Invite-only for U.S. state & municipal infrastructure leaders, policymakers, planners, engineers, investors, and Climate Week NYC delegates.

View all Duke events at Climate Week: https://climate.duke.edu/what-were-doing/climate-week-nyc-2025/

Speakers

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Keynote

Mayor Kate Gallego, Phoenix, AZ

Fireside Chat Guests

Sadia Janjua, Chief of Digital Transformation, Port Authority of New York and New Jersey
Jennifer Goupil, Chief Resilience Officer, American Society of Civil Engineers
Nick Novelli, High Performance Building Specialist, AECOM

Moderator

Elizabeth Losos, Duke University & Chair, Chapel Hill Planning Commission

Opening Remarks

Rory Linehan, Bentley Systems

Closing Remarks

Ross van Dongen, United for Infrastructure