Our approach
How We Work
RCC supports partners in driving new solutions from planning to implementation.
RCC translates local knowledge into action.
We shape our work around the needs, priorities, and circumstances of each city. A city with a plan in hand may need something different from a city that is still identifying its risks and opportunities. Our approach, tools, and partnerships evolve accordingly.
We begin with assessment and conversations with local partners, creating space for people to describe their priorities, experiences, and goals in their own words. This process helps us understand what is already working, where there are gaps, and where RCC can be most useful.
From there, we bring technical expertise, financing strategy, and our own resources to help move priorities toward implementation. We work alongside partners to develop approaches that fit their context and can adapt as needs change.
We also think about what will make the work last. That means building the partnerships, financing structures, and local capacity that can carry a project forward after RCC steps back.
Our Approach, Step by Step:
01
Define and Align Priorities
We bring uncommon partners into the same room and get agreement on what the risk is and which priorities come first.
- Analytical Tools
- Strategic Plans
- Research Reports
02
Design and Launch Implementable Solutions
Priorities become specific and we can visualize the path forward, designed with the people who will use it.
- Design Briefs
- Concept Notes
- Policy Recommendations
03
Identify and Activate Resources
Funding and regulatory paths are established, and a real project gets built.
- Implementation Plans
- Financing Strategies
- Funding Collateral
04
Forge New Models of Collaboration
We connect communities, public institutions, and private partners so the work keeps going. What worked gets documented and shared with other cities.
- Knowledge Exchange
- Workshops
- Alignment Facilitation
Which leads to
Accelerated Action and Sustained Capacity
Action today, capacity for what comes next.
Projects on the ground create the partnerships, knowledge and funding pathways that sustain them. Visible progress earns confidence, draws investment and makes the next project easier to fund.
- New multi-benefit projects
- Increased team capacity
- Greater technical expertise
- Increased alignment and commitment
- Effective strategic partnerships
- Increased knowledge
- New investment for long-term project viability
Solutions are put to the test.
Infrastructure projects, community pilots and on-the-ground implementation turn plans into visible progress.
Teams and partnerships grow stronger.
Convenings, knowledge sharing, playbooks and cross-sector collaboration build durable local capacity.
The cycle continues.
Investment builds teams. Those teams produce the next round of plans and projects, with the people and budget needed to carry them forward.
Accelerated Action
We drive communities and projects to overcome complex and persistent barriers more effectively, allowing for more rapid implementation.
One cycle
Sustained Capacity
We empower resilience leaders with the know-how, partnerships and resources required to deliver current projects and future solutions.
Our Approach in Action
RCC helps communities foster safer, healthier and more prosperous outcomes despite growing climate, social and economic challenges.
Developing coastal infrastructure to protect against erosion in Southern California
Fostering vibrant small business corridors in Brooklyn
Addressing the health impacts of extreme heat in Tampa
Start a conversation
Working on a resilience challenge in your city?
Bring us the challenge. Together, we can define a path from ambition to implementation.