Expert insights on climate and the built environment from PWC NY “Resilience Infrastructure Across New York”

Manhattan, NY The New York chapter of Professional Women in Construction (PWC-NY) brought together top industry leaders from PANYNJ, NYCEDC, SCAPE, STV, MTA and NYC DEP for a panel on Resilience Infrastructure Across New York. They discussed how climate affects the built environment and creates opportunities for innovation. 

The Resilience Infrastructure panel was moderated by Karen Appell, PE, vice president and climate change lead AECOM Metro New York and featured the following expert panelists:

• Sarah Hammitt Colasurdo, senior climate resilience specialist, The Port Authority of New York & New Jersey;

• Alexis Taylor, vice president of climate resilience, neighborhood strategies, New York City Economic Development Corporation;

• Pippa Brashear, RLA, Resilience principal and partner, SCAPE;

• Breanna Horne, CHMM, ENV SP, WEDG, WELL AP, senior associate, director of resilience, STV;

• Erin Morey, director, climate resilience planning, Metropolitan Transportation Authority;

• Kathryn Prybylski, PE, assistant commissioner Bureau of Coastal Resilience, NYC Department of Environmental Protection.

Professional Women in Construction is a nonprofit organization that supports and connects women and promotes diversity within the architecture, engineering, construction and related fields via exclusive member resources as well as leadership and networking opportunities. The Resilience Infrastructure panel is one of several PWC informative industry programs held throughout the year to help women advance in their careers. 

“Resilience isn’t just about seawalls — it’s about smarter, faster, and future-proof solutions,” says Miranda Fischer, CRIS, Alliant Insurance Services, and PWC NY Membership Committee Treasurer. She summarizes the key insights from the industry experts, including:

Funding Complexities

• Draws from federal, state, and local sources

• Each funding stream has different requirements

• Contractors and project managers must understand these to avoid delays

• Project closeout is critical — always plan ahead.

Risk & Management Considerations

• Who owns the risk? It’s essential to clarify upfront

• Construction managers with funding and compliance expertise are valuable assets

• Education-focused solutions can justify higher upfront costs

• Clear documentation of decision-making through construction is important

Intersection of Asset Management & Disaster Recovery

• Infrastructure serves the public — residents need to understand its benefits

• Resilience assets are for emergency use and often not visible to the public

• Simplification is key for long-term maintenance

Climate Change & Infrastructure Challenges

• NY is a leader in resilience infrastructure due to high population density

• Utilities’ construction timelines may not align with resilience priorities

• Future-proofing utilities is necessary — significant funding is available

Disasters as Catalysts for Investment

• Agencies like MTA incorporate resilience in all projects

• Coastal flooding, storm surge, and extreme heat require proactive planning

• Risk assessments help prioritize asset maintenance and improvements

• Flooding risks require analysis of maps, tide data, and high-frequency events

Nature-Based & Shoreline Infrastructure

• Increasing construction at shorelines requires better contractor-designer collaboration

• Value engineering helps reduce costs and seasonal construction limitations

• Tradespeople offer practical insights for better solutions

Evolving Climate & Risk Management Strategies

• Post-Sandy strategies focus on flood barriers but rainstorms pose different challenges

• Mitigation must be fast and adaptable

The event was sponsored by STV. Co-chairs for this event are PWC members:

• Gia Mainiero, AIA, LEED AP BD+C assoc. DBIA, principal, Dattner Architects;

• Marilisa Stigliano, SVP, financial planning and analysis, STV; 

• Elizabeth Thompson, PE, ENV SP, president & civil engineering practice lead for transportation, Metro New York, AECOM.

PWC members represent a broad spectrum of the industry that serves real estate owners, developers, facilities and property managers and public agencies. They include general construction and specialty contractors, architectural and engineering firms, environmental services, and suppliers. Because the core client industries have many needs, PWC also draws representatives from the services sector: law and accounting firms, insurance/surety and bonding companies, banks and financial services, graphic designers, printers, computer consultants, travel agencies, marketing specialists and more. Membership is open to professional women and men, private companies and public agencies in construction and allied industries. To join Professional Women in Construction NY, please email [email protected].