The Rockefeller Foundation 100 Resilient Cities (100RC) Program hosts “network exchange” meetings, where chief resilience officers from various cities in the 100RC network convene to share approaches and experiences to address common problems. In October 2015, nine cities, including New Orleans and Norfolk, convened in Rotterdam to discuss innovative approaches for water management. In late February 2016, 100RC announced a handbook of lessons learned and guidance gleaned from the Rotterdam discussions.
The report, Rotterdam Exchange: Water Management & Multi-Benefit Solutions, provides ideas for innovation, tactical approaches and tools, and market needs that can be leveraged in other cities. The report advocates for well-defined problem statements that can help maximize potential solutions and “unlock funding streams.” Integrated solutions that promote equitable outcomes should be explored and finance strategies that promote investments should be incorporated. To ensure a sustained implementation of solutions, the report urges creative approaches toward communicating the benefits of resilient water solutions, working with stakeholders in the community toward a shared ownership of solutions and continuing education for citizens and practitioners along the way.