Participatory climate adaptation planning in New York City: Analyzing the role of community-based organizations

In recognition of the importance of equitable climate adaptation, municipalities have increasingly utilized participatory planning processes that engage communities. However, while climate adaptation planning has become more open to public input, these processes still do not ensure equitable outcomes. This study examined equity concerning climate adaptation planning processes in New York City with a focus on the relationship between community-based organizations and participatory planning. The two planning processes studied here were the OneNYC comprehensive resilience plan and the Zoning for Coastal Flood Resiliency policy. 57 organizations responded to a survey investigating awareness of, participation in, and barriers to engagement with planning. These variables were compared to characteristics of each organization such as the issues they work on and the demographics of their local community boards. This study provides both quantitative and qualitative data demonstrating the roles that community-based organizations have played in climate adaptation planning in New York City. The results of the study demonstrated the existence of multiple barriers to engagement such as the absence of clarity about ongoing processes and a low understanding of how a climate adaptation plan may help an organization achieve its goals. This study has demonstrated that climate change adaptation planning processes should be revised in multiple ways to increase climate justice. The proposed changes are urgently needed because without equitable processes, there will be significant gaps in any cities' climate resilience. •57 community organizations in NYC were surveyed on participatory climate planning•Lack of awareness of planning processes was the most common barrier to engagement•Previous participation in planning processes correlated to sustained participation•Organizational capacity and staff size greatly improved rates of engagement•Community groups can be bridge organizations that support more equitable planning