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STL Resilient City Initiative

STL Resilient City Initiative

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Oct 28, 2015#1

Word is the City of St. Louis is hiring a "Chief Resiliency Officer", and apparently yesterday there was a facilitated event pertaining to the city's designation as 1/100 resilient cities worldwide.

Anyone attend and can share details here?

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Oct 28, 2015#2

yes the position will pay $147,000 + benefits...first 2 years its paid by someone else and no idea what happens in year 3...does the city keep paying the person or does it cut the job.

Salary
Minimum: $95,212.00
Maximum: $147,264.00
Nature of Work

Overview
The City of St. Louis has been selected to participate in the100 Resilient Cities - Pioneered by the Rockefeller Foundation (100RC), an initiative dedicated to helping cities around the world become more resilient to the physical, social and economic challenges that are a growing part of the 21st century. 100RC advances a view of resilience that includes addressing not just the physical shocks such as earthquakes, fires, floods, but also the stresses that weaken the social and economic fabric of a city on a day-to-day. The shocks and stresses consist of intertwined social, environmental, and economic challenges that should be addressed in an integrated, coordinated manner rather than in isolation. The City of St, Louis, by addressing both the shocks and the stresses as a city becomes more able to respond to adverse events, and is overall better able to not only deliver basic functions and services, but to grow and thrive in the future inclusive of all populations. City leaders recognize that building resilience in St. Louis will require innovative, systemic solutions that address racial and socioeconomic inequity and other social challenges, as well as issues related to infrastructure and regionalism. Inclusion and empowerment of all St. Louisans in a resilience strategy is the foundation for the City’s future.

Position Description
This senior executive position of Chief Resilience Officer (CRO) has been established in partnership with 100 Resilient Cities - Pioneered by the Rockefeller Foundation. The position will interface with executive and managerial levels of City government as well as with outside agencies and community stakeholders. The position will also interact with the 100RC global network of cities, 100RC staff, and 100RC Platform Partners from the private, public, academic, and non-profit sectors.

The primary responsibility of the CRO is to lead the development and coordinate the implementation of a coherent Resilience Strategy for the City of St. Louis, identifying systems-wide solutions that respond to intertwined social, environmental, and economic challenges identified through a comprehensive, inclusive integrated strategy development process. The Strategy will identify the shocks and stresses unique to St. Louis and the region, with particular focus on addressing the issues of persistent racial and socioeconomic inequity that underlie recent civil unrest in the St. Louis region. These challenges were identified by the City in their application to the 100RC program, and present major vulnerabilities for our community’s resilience to, response to, and recovery from natural disasters and economic prosperity. The ideal goal of the Resilience Strategy is to unlock the untapped human capital in our region through new systems of empowerment, economic access, and restorative justice. This will require solutions that build capacity and wealth and opportunity for individuals and communities throughout the region. The Resilience Strategy will also identify ways to mitigate impacts of major environmental shocks including heat waves, tornadoes, and flooding and other natural hazards.

The successful CRO candidate will be a systems-thinker and a coalition-builder with a track record of driving outcomes in complex decentralized social environments. The CRO must apply an inclusive, innovative, and interdisciplinary approach to the reorganization of systems and lift up existing best practices and innovations. This will require an ability to facilitate creative problem solving, expand collaboration between diverse stakeholders and partners, catalyze community action and foster participation in the implementation of key projects.

The resilience effort will draw on the work of a number of existing, adopted City plans and programs as well as regional plans and efforts currently underway. These plans shall include but are not limited to: the Ferguson Commission Report, City of St. Louis Sustainability Plan, OneSTL regional plan, the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy, Strategic Land Use Plan, Market Value Analysis, etc. Additional coordination with current efforts, such as the Urban Vitality and Ecology Initiative, Great Rivers Greenway Planning, Army Corp of Engineers planning, Strong Cities, Strong Communities (SC2), the Promise Zone designation and resources, and the City Emergency Management Agency.
Detailed Description of the Chief Resilience Officer Position
Purpose of the Role

The Chief Resilience Officer will work with a diverse group of stakeholders both within City government and without to lead the development and implementation of a comprehensive Resilience Strategy for the City of St. Louis.
Key Responsibilities

Strategy and Implementation
The CRO, with partners will develop a cohesive resilience strategy for the City and coordinate its implementation through:
Leading the development of a comprehensive assessment of the City’s current policy, planning and resilience initiatives
Working closely with 100RC and designated Strategy Partner to leverage the benefits and services of the 100RC network and Platform
Creating a Steering Committee and Working Groups to carry out the Strategy development and its implementation
Working collaboratively across multi-disciplinary wide-range of stakeholders to lead the development of a robust, inclusive, action-oriented Resilience Strategy that is meaningful and impactful for the City and its communities
Driving the implementation of the Resilience Strategy including: coordinating efforts across government and multi-sector stakeholders to effect resilience policy; secure funding needed to implement priority resilience initiatives; monitor and evaluate implementation progress.
Program Leadership
The CRO must be able to inspire, influence, and enlist others to meaningfully engage in the development, implementation and evaluation of the Resilience Strategy.
Generate energy and enthusiasm for the effort within traditional internal and external stakeholder groups; build support and coalition between these groups
Be a strong team player with the ability to demonstrate emotional intelligence and sound judgement while collaborating and cooperating on decisions and initiatives
Work with other leaders and elected officials to deliver a Resilience Strategy
Coordinate multi-streams of activity to achieve integrated and holistic outcomes
Identify issues and risks and develop and implement mitigation strategies
Be responsible for the Deliverables outlined in the Strategy Development process put forward by 100RC and carried out with the Strategy Partner
Thought Leadership
The CRO will serve as the principal advisor and point person on resilience and guide the delivery of priority resilience initiatives for St. Louis.
Inform the City of St. Louis’ policy, regulatory and investment decisions from a resilience view
Master and apply the 100RC City Resilience Framework in the creation of a Resilience Strategy
Promote awareness and offer insight that will advance and institutionalized the understanding of resilience planning
Coordinate resilience efforts internally and through stakeholders across diverse community sectors and professional disciplines
Guide the development of a communication strategy for St. Louis’ resilience building initiative
Qualities important to the position are: Bring a flexible, creative, and entrepreneurial approach to solving problems; be comfortable navigating and learning new and unfamiliar disciplines quickly; be resourceful and willing to experiment, pursue new ideas, and take risks; be a confident public speaker, a concise communicator and a good listener.
Relationship Building
CRO will build and strengthen relationships with stakeholders in local and regional government and across diverse sectors, professional disciplines, and communities
Identify and maintain engagement from key stakeholders
Collaborate to share knowledge and identify lessons and best practices from diverse community sectors and other cities
Ensure active and inclusive stakeholder and public engagement through the strategy development process
Work regionally and in collaboration with other efforts in the cities, counties, states, and other regional governing bodies
Serve as primary representative to the international 100RC Network on behalf of the City
Represent St. Louis in national and international resilience conferences and media events
Participate in technical training and learning opportunities with 100RC including the annual international CRO Summit
Monitor and report to 100RC on progress towards key milestones
Organizational Structure and Key Relationships
Organizational Structure

The CRO will report directly to the Mayor’s Chief of Staff. The CRO will be supported through administrative staff in the Mayor’s Office and in the City Planning Agency.

Key Internal Relationships
Mayor and Mayor’s staff
Board of Aldermen
Director of Planning and Urban Design Agency
City Attorney
Directors of City Departments and Offices including, but not limited to: Public Safety Department, Sustainability, Police Department, Fire Department, Affordable Housing Commission, Civil Rights Enforcement Agency, Department of Health, Department of Human Services, Board of Public Service
Key External Relationships:
Citizens of St. Louis and Neighborhood Organizations
Non-profit organizations and NGOs
Ferguson Commission
St. Louis Public Schools
St. Louis County Government
Start-up & entrepreneurial community including Cortex, T-Rex, Arch Grants
Business community and St. Louis Regional Chamber of Commerce
Higher education and academic Institutions
Metropolitan St. Louis Equal Housing and Opportunity Council
East West Gateway Council of Governments
Metropolitan Sewer District
Metro St. Louis
Army Corp of Engineers
Philanthropic foundations
Appropriate and relevant state and federal agencies and elected officials
Media
100 Resilient Cities and the 100 RC Network of member cities
Minimum Qualifications
Strong demonstrable knowledge of and experience in
End to end program design, delivery, and evaluation for one or more major policy or program initiatives
Facilitating, influencing, and engaging diverse stakeholders, coordination and execution of projects that span multiple sectors or disciplines
Knowledge and understanding of the local political, business and non-profit cultures
Understanding of the diverse array of communities and social dynamics that comprise St. Louis
Ability to build trust and strong working relationships with a broad range of citizens
Ability to navigate St. Louis’ political and municipal processes and regulations
A minimum of 10 years of experience in urban or regional planning, emergency management, social work, economic development, or a related field
Solid understanding of resilience principles, with expertise in one or more of the fields related to resilience, e.g., urban/regional planning, municipal system reform, sustainability planning, public facilities planning, large scale infrastructure provision, community engagement and empowerment, and equitable community-based economic development
Bachelor's degree required, Master’s degree preferred in related field.
Ability to catalyze innovation and entrepreneurship, trigger creativity, and spur action
Matrix management leadership skills leading a team including both direct reports, peers, consultants and contractors

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Oct 28, 2015#3

Thanks. Sounds like a municipal super dude.

Anyone make the event yesterday?

What was the takeaway?

Everything about the "Ferguson Effect" on STL?

Anything about the Rams?

How does the public get involved in these sorts of events/efforts?

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Oct 28, 2015#4

Hopefully it's someone who can rattle the cage.

Here's the link to the job listing:

https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/government/d ... 0&detail=1

Oct 28, 2015#5

Northside Neighbor wrote: How does the public get involved in these sorts of events/efforts?
I'd hope once someone is hired they'll be on social media, have an email newsletter, have methods to contact them, offer opportunities to engage.

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Oct 28, 2015#6

Well, there was a meeting about this yesterday with a couple hundred people attending. If folks here didn't know about it, that'd be surprising. Was this an invitation only event? Who sponsored it? Anything?

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Oct 28, 2015#7

I'll be curious to see whether this position has any real authority to accomplish its goals. With such a diffuse leadership structure in this city, I can't see yet how such a position will effect practical change. I'm not a nay-sayer by nature. I am willing to be convinced. :D
@PresbyterianStl

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Oct 28, 2015#8

Yeah, I hadn't heard about it either until I saw a tweet fromt he meeting yesterday. Looks like the Deaconess Foundation was there. Guess you had to be a key stakeholder to get an invite.

Press release

https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/government/d ... launch.cfm

Here's the New Orleans website for the effort. They offer you to sign up for info right off the bat. They were selected for the 100 Resilient Cities program in the first round. http://resilientnola.org/

I figure they'll do the same here.

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Oct 28, 2015#9

Well, shoot. I guess since I didn't get invited to attend the launch event, that means I have no chance at the job. Oh well. :?

But to the matter of effectiveness or not, I say it goes back once more to that same issue challenging STL in all aspects: division.

Can we as a *region* get behind (funded) priorities to make *STL* more resilient?

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Oct 28, 2015#10

Northside Neighbor wrote:Can we as a *region* get behind (funded) priorities to make *STL* more resilient?
Boy, hit the nail on the head there! Spreading out and fragmentation are synergizing to make us the opposite of resilient. It's a matter of will, but here's a lot of vested interest in maintaining the way things are.

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Nov 02, 2015#11

Hmmm. Just perused some of the Resilient City info - they keep an active website going to engage interested followers.

So I drilled down into the various areas of interest.

Interesting to note that on this web page, the featured glamour shot of a city skyline, is...wait for it...San Francisco.

And interesting further to note that nowhere contained in the basic drill down graphic is there info that says housing affordability is a key to resilience...

Hmmm.

Let's see what I can copy here>

Leadership & Strategy

The processes that promote effective leadership, inclusive decision-making, empowered stakeholders, and integrated planning

-Promote Leadership and Effective Management

Encourage capable leadership and effective urban management within government and civil society, particularly during an emergency. This involves strong leadership, cross-sector communication, and evidenced-based decision-making.

-Empower a Broad Range of Stakeholders

Ensure everybody is well informed, capable, and involved in their city. This includes access to information and education, communication between the government and public, knowledge transfer, and timely and appropriate monitoring.

-Foster Long-Term and Integrated Planning

Align sectoral plans and individual projects with the city’s vision to be coordinated and appropriate to address the city’s needs. This includes city strategies and plans.

Health & Wellbeing

Everyone living and working in the city has access to what they need to survive and thrive.

-Meets Basic Needs

Particularly in times of crisis, ensure that people have access the basic resources necessary to survive – food, water and sanitation, energy, and shelter.

-Supports Livelihoods and Employment

Assist individuals to access diverse livelihood and employment opportunities, including access to business investment and social welfare. This includes skills and training, fair labor policy, and development and innovation.

-Ensures Public Health Services

Provide access to effective public healthcare and emergency services to safeguard physical and mental health. This includes medical practitioners and plans, as well as clinics and ambulances.

Economy & Society


The social & financial systems that enable urban populations to live peacefully, and act collectively.

-Promote Cohesive and Engaged Communities

Create a sense of collective identity and mutual support. This includes building a sense of local identity, social networks, and safe space; promoting features of an inclusive local cultural heritage; and encouraging cultural diversity while promoting tolerance and a willingness to accept other cultures.

-Ensure Social Stability, Security, and Justice

Ensure a comprehensive and inclusive approach to law enforcement and justice that fosters a stable, secure, and just society. This includes fair and transparent policing and deterrents to crime – specifically in times of crisis, as well as enforcement of laws such as codes and regulations.

-Foster Economic Prosperity

Ensure the availability of funding and a vibrant economy as a result of diverse revenue streams, the ability to attract business investment, and contingency plans. This involves good governance, integration with the regional and global economy and measures to attract investment.

Infrastructure & Environment

The man-made and natural systems that provide critical services, protect, and connect urban assets enabling the flow of goods, services, and knowledge

-Provide and Enhances Protective Natural and Man-Made Assets

Maintain protective natural and man-made assets that reduce the physical vulnerability of city systems. This includes natural systems like wetlands, mangroves and sand dunes or built infrastructure like sea walls or levees.

-Ensure Continuity of Critical Services

Actively manage and enhance natural and man-made resources. This includes designing physical infrastructure such as roads and bridges to withstand floods so that people can evacuate, as well as ecosystem management for flood risk management. It also includes emergency response plans and contingency plans that may coordinate airports to function so that relief can be lifted in and out during a crisis.

-Provide Reliable Communication and Mobility

Provide a free flow of people, information, and goods. This includes information and communication networks as well as physical movement through a multimodal transport system.

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Sep 30, 2022#12

1) Anyone know if there's been any kind of lasting legacy of this program, e.g. did it lead to any implementation of plans and follow-on funding? I believe the actual program was only limited to the initial couple years funded by the Rockefeller grant. (Patrick Brown was the "Chief Resiliency Officer.")

2) With the increase in disasters across the globe, how resilient are we in the Saint Louis Metro? What if a major tornado like those in 1896 & 1927 ripped through heavily populated areas again?  The 1927 one hit at noon on a weekday on September 29th and was absolutely devastating.