Sandy One Year Later: Looking to the Future (CM | 5.5)

What have we accomplished? What have we learned? What do we still need to do?

Presented by: Monmouth University, New Jersey Future, Union of Concerned Scientists, New Jersey Recovery Fund

There is no cost to attend, but registration is required. A continental breakfast (7:30-8:30 am) and box lunch (12:30-1:30 pm) will be provided.

On Oct. 29, 2013, the anniversary of the worst natural disaster ever to hit New Jersey, we invite you to join us at Monmouth University in W. Long Branch for a day-long conference to address three critical questions about the Sandy recovery process: What have we accomplished? What have we learned? What do we still need to do?

Distinguished speakers, including former governors James Florio and Christine Todd Whitman, will highlight the economic and planning impacts of Sandy and of potential future storms, and will discuss things New Jersey and its municipalities need to be doing in order to be better prepared for the next severe weather event. You’ll have the opportunity to network with local and state officials, residents and community groups, professionals in the fields of land use, infrastructure and environmental science, and representatives from federal agencies, all focused on one thing: how best to rebuild the Garden State after Sandy.

Tentative Agenda

7:30- 8:30 am: Light breakfast and partner displays in Wilson Hall

8:30 am: Welcome and Introductions in Pollak Theatre

9:00 – 9:30 am: Setup for the day: What’s been accomplished, what’s still to be addressed?

9:30 – 10:00 am: Morning Keynote

10:00 – 11:15 am: Session I: Assessing the Risk: An examination of sea-level rise and severe weather events and their economic impacts, and the importance of incorporating future-looking assessments into long-term decisionmaking

11:15 am – 12:15 pm: Session II: Planning for the Inevitable: An examination of needs, tools and opportunities for individual towns and the region as a whole as we plan for a more resilient future

12:30 – 1:30 pm: Lunch in Wilson Hall

1:45 – 2:15 pm: Afternoon Keynote in Pollak Theatre

2:30 – 3:30 pm: Session III: Designing Differently: An overview of infrastructure and community design innovations that can help both urban and shore communities to withstand the next storm

4:00 pm: Closing remarks: Hon. James Florio, former governor, state of New Jersey

5:00 – 7:30 pm:  Following the conference, please join us at McLoone’s Pier House in Long Branch for a cocktail reception supporting New Jersey Future’s Sandy rebuilding work.  More details and ticket information.

Confirmed speakers:

• Adm. Thad Allen (USCG, retired), former director of relief and recovery efforts following Hurricane Katrina
• Lisa Auermuller, watershed/outreach coordinator, Jacques Cousteau Reserve, Rutgers Institute of Marine and Coastal Sciences, Tuckerton, N.J.
• Hon. James Florio, former governor, state of New Jersey
• Christopher Hager P.E. LEED AP, principal/vice president, Langan Engineering
• Patrick Murray, director, Monmouth University Polling Institute, W. Long Branch, N.J.
• Hon. Frank Nolan, mayor, borough of Highlands, N.J.
• Ben Strauss, vice president for climate impacts and director of the program on sea level rise, Climate Central, Princeton, N.J.
• Mark Mauriello, former commissioner, New Jersey Dept. of Environmental Protection
• Hon. Christine Todd Whitman, former governor, state of New Jersey

Attendance is free but space is limited, so registration is required.

Presented by:

The New Jersey Recovery Fund
The Union of Concerned Scientists

Conference partners:

AIA New Jersey
American Littoral Society
American Planning Association-New Jersey Chapter
ANJEC
Clean Ocean Action
Climate Central
Fair Share Housing Center
Housing and Community Development Network of New Jersey
NJBIZ
New Jersey Association for Floodplain Management
New Jersey League of Conservation Voters
NY/NJ Baykeeper
Regional Plan Association
Sustainable Jersey
Urban Land Institute – Philadelphia Chapter
Urban Land Institute – Northern NJ Chapter