Strategy in Action

Tool : Retrofitting Programs

In the Brownsville neighborhood of Brooklyn, Resilient Cities Catalyst (RCC) has worked with the Mayor’s Office of Climate and Environmental Justice, the Department of Small Business Services, and the Pitkin Avenue Business Improvement District to retrofit the corridor’s small businesses to be more resilient to heat and flooding. The effort is part of RCC’s Neighborhood Small Business Climate Resilience Program (NCBSRP), which works in 12 neighborhoods across the United States and abroad to strengthen partnerships between cities and businesses and create projects that increase resilience to climate change.

In partnership with the Pitkin Avenue BID, NCBSRP has helped businesses purchase flood resilience equipment such as flood proof storage, flood sensors, and portable solar generators. The program also funds upgrades such as flood barriers, rain barrels, solar power, and cool roof materials, and shade awnings. To participate, businesses have to submit a proposal, then purchase equipment and be reimbursed through a grant. Businesses are also required to develop a continuity plan. The BID has also helped businesses access additional city and state incentive programs for energy-saving projects like solar systems. NCBSRP has also funded streetscape improvements co-designed with the community, such as shade structures and tree guards with benches.