In transportation, experts were advised to identify strategies for the redundancy and resiliency of transportation systems and infrastructure at the greatest risk; improve interagency and interstate communications and inform residents about backup plans for transportation, power, fuel, and locations for assistance.

On housing, AIA advised officials to work with FEMA and National Flood Insurance Programs to create a multifamily design guide and adjust zoning regulations to account for new flood maps. In terms of what AIA calls “critical and commercial buildings,” it advised that existing critical buildings in harm's way “that cannot be hardened” be replaced, except for those with historic or cultural significance and it suggested the development of regional protective systems that either enhance, or eliminate the need for, individual building responses.

Finally, on the waterfront, AIA suggests the development of “ground-up, incremental approach to waterfront resiliency that, in part, includes giving property owners with a menu of strategies; and it proposed creating waterfront labs to investigate strategies that could mitigate storm surge and prevent erosion.

Adding AIANY chapter president Jill Lerner, “Moderating past mistakes through careful planning, becoming more energy independent, and requiring sustainable design and construction practices will help reverse the vulnerability New York City has inherited from centuries of misguided development. AIANY looks forward to debating the ideas in this report with policymakers and New Yorkers who will benefit from a rich conversation about protecting our city.”