FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (February 24, 2026) - As climate change reshapes economic conditions and communities’ approach to infrastructure, Broward County and leading business organizations are calling on industry leaders and regional partners to play an active role in delivering on regional resiliency strategies.

Resilient Broward: Economic Strategies and Solutions for our Future, organized by the Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce, Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance, Marine Research Hub, Broward Workshop, and Broward County, and emceed by six-time Emmy award-winning journalist and media personality Laurie Jennings, will feature high-level discussions and workshops with public and private sector experts about climate adaptation, infrastructure hardening, economic sustainability, along with the growing cost and influence of risk within finance, insurance, and real estate, and innovative funding strategies for a sustainable future.

Now in its second year, this regional Resilience Forum will emphasize resilience as both a smart business practice and essential economic strategy, with the goal to empower the Broward and regional business community along with key sectoral partners to turn adaptation needs and strategy into action.

An international leader on the issue of climate risk and resilience, Broward County published a comprehensive 50-year Resilience Plan in March 2025, which serves as a clear and actionable roadmap to mitigate the effects of climate change on Broward’s communities and economy, which mirror challenges documented by other leading cities along the Atlantic coast. Grounded in robust scientific and economic data, the Plan outlines adaptive solutions that combine green-gray infrastructure, critical water management improvements, and redevelopment strategies to deliver nearly $60 billion annually in cumulative economic savings and risk reduction. 

Conversely, should the Plan’s recommended infrastructure improvements not be implemented, exposures including increased property damage, flood insurance rates, and uninsured losses, coupled with reduced property values, economic activity, and tax revenue, could generate economic losses in the multibillions.    

During the Forum, Broward County Chief Resilience Officer Dr. Jennifer Jurado, Ph.D. will share critical Resilience Plan updates, presenting a call to action for businesses to engage in key resiliency initiatives designed to reduce risk and ensure Broward’s competitive future. 

“The effects of climate change - rising sea levels, intensifying storms, extreme temperatures - have direct economic implications, whether we’re looking at our critical infrastructure, affordable housing, healthcare costs, labor or insurance rates - and our business and community leaders have a crucial role to play in shaping the speed and effectiveness of our collective response,” said Broward County Mayor Mark Bogen, who will deliver opening remarks. “By working together to implement smart resilience strategies and support related industries, we are taking proactive steps to ensure Broward’s strength and prosperity well into the future, and save our business owners and residents billions of dollars in the process.”

“Resilience is not just an environmental issue—it’s an economic imperative,” said Dan Lindblade, CAE, Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce President and CEO. “If we want to protect jobs, stabilize insurance costs, safeguard property values, and continue attracting investment to Greater Fort Lauderdale, the business community must lead and support smart, data-driven resilience planning. Our long-term prosperity depends on it.”

Featured Panels:

The Rising Cost of Risk: Top financial analysts will explore the connection between climate change and fiscal stress, offering public and industry insights about how climate risk, exposure, and vulnerability are manifesting across various public and private sector markets, including municipal credit, insurance, and housing.

• Ben Watkins, Director, Florida Division of Bond Finance (moderator)
• Sergio Masvidal, Managing Director, PFM Advisors
• Sarah Sullivant, Sector Lead, U.S. Public Finance Ratings, S&P Global
• Kevin Roberts, Managing VP, Public Finance, Build America Mutual

Delivering Resilience: This session, led by top engineering and city planning experts,