This moderated panel pauses to ask the question, “what did we learn from recent Black Swan (major unpredictable) events and recession that now influences infrastructure planning decisions?” It has never been clearer that much of the infrastructure that we rely on to move us around, support our economy, and keep us safe as well as healthy needs significant rethinking given the implications of the last year. This panel includes leaders from four major jurisdiction in two countries. Each had their own unique, regionally specific challenges. Each took different approaches to setting the stage for recovery and enhanced resilience. Each is assuming that federal funding will catalyze a transition to infrastructure that is up to the challenges of the 21st century. There will be strings attached to that funding in the form of new expectations in response to climate change, the ongoing threat of pandemic, systematic racism, as well as public security and questions of fairness and equity. Infrastructure projects are shaped by the engineering community. Mayor Miller and his panelists will describe how they are collaborating with and shaping the direction engineers move in as they respond to new demands. He will also probe ways in which each city and county are preparing to make the case for sustainability given extreme economic pressures.
  
 The audience can expect to hear about flood control, mobility, communications, water supply, and global supply chain initiatives. They will also hear about plans for innovation in procurement, economic analysis, and steps being taken to leverage infrastructure investments lift the vulnerable class.

Post-Black Swan Event Infrastructure: Lessons Learned and Plans for the Future

To lean into ASCE’s sustainability efforts to mitigate environmental effects and use resources wisely, ASCE’s International Conferences on Sustainable Infrastructure (ICSI) 2021 will be held as a virtual event. The dates of ICSI 2021 will be December 6-10th.

Powered by the ICSI Steering Committee based in Houston, the 2021 event will bring together leaders to discuss leveraging sustainable infrastructure for resilient communities.  The program will offer content from across the globe, but have several highlights on sustainability initiatives in Houston, Texas. We hope you will join us virtually for plenary sessions, technical discussions, along with opportunities for Q&A and networking, connecting with virtual exhibitors, and to earn professional development hours.  

[Paper Proceedings](https://ascelibrary.org/doi/book/10.1061/9780784483879)

Conference DOI: https://doi.org/10.26226/m.63208d58cb3e8e001271fcc3