Businesses, communities, and government at all levels are making investments to enhance their economic vitality while simultaneously building resilience to extremes. Conversations about these investments should not be independent.  There are numerous benefits for both the economy and resiliency that can emerge from the same decisions. By integrating these decision-making processes, communities can both secure their economic growth and protect against weather or climate extremes. As evidence grows that the risk of some extreme events is changing, the economic value of environmental information about extremes increases.

This session aligns with the new Department of Commerce Strategic Plan for 2018–22, which includes focusing on the department’s mission of creating the conditions for economic growth and opportunity and includes a strategic objective to reduce extreme weather impacts.