New York City’s waterways have always been an integral part of city life and it is important now, with the threats of climate change, to take not of the issues facing the city’s waterfront. On May 7th, join a group of policymakers, waterfront advocates, journalists, and academics, as well as professionals from a variety of fields, to discuss the issues and innovative solutions surrounding New York City’s waterfront at The 2019 Waterfront Conference. This annual conference will be held aboard the Hornblower Infinity as it sails around New York harbor. Untapped Cities is proud to be a media sponsor of this year’s conference and our founder Michelle Young will be hosting a panel.
The theme of this year’s conference is Rising Seas, Rising Risks: Adapting our Region. Speeches, panels and discussions will explore how we can use new strategies, policies, and financing options to make New York City’s waterfront communities more resilient in preparation for rising sea levels and increased coastal storms. The activities will look at the problems facing waterfront communities through the lens of various fields from finance and marketing, to science and urban planning.
Photograph Courtesy of The Waterfront Alliance
This year, Untapped Cities founder Michelle Young will explore how to communicate climate risk through art. “Designing for a resilient waterfront in the face of climate change may be the most critical issue in urban development for our time, and for future centuries,” she says, “The survival of cities relies on a sensitive, comprehensive understanding of the contradictory demands of waterfront development and how to communicate such insights effectively to the public. The Waterfront Alliance’s annual conference has become the gathering place for not only experts in waterfront development, but also for urban dwellers looking to engage more deeply with the city’s future.” Other panel topics include, The Future of Governor’s Island and Connecting to the Waterfront, Climate Resilient Solutions for our Neighborhoods and Open Spaces, and the Power of Marketing Climate Change with comedian Chuck Nice. You can see the whole day’s schedule here.
Every year the Waterfront Conference brings together top innovators, influencers and elected officials to participate in the day’s activities. This year, featured speakers include Roland Lewis, President and CEO, Waterfront Alliance, Peggy Shepard of the WEACT for Environmental Justice, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Catherine McCabe, and New York City Department of Parks and Recreation Commissioner Mitchell Silver. Attendees will also have the opportunity to hear from artists, professors, non-profit leaders and other professionals involved with climate initiatives.
Photograph Courtesy of The Waterfront Alliance
The Waterfront Conference boat will remained docked at Hudson River Park’s Pier 40 until 1:30pm and then will sail around the harbor for the remainder of the afternoon. Untapped Cities readers can get a special 10% discount on individual tickets by using the code “untapped” at checkout!
If you are an Untapped Cities Insider, you can attend the conference for free! Not an Insider yet?  Become a member today to join behind-the-scenes tours and special events all year round. Insider tickets are currently booked out, join the waitlist by filling out the form below:
