Optimizing Community Infrastructure : Resilience in the Face of Shocks and Stresses

Optimizing Community Infrastructure: Resilience in the Face of Shocks and Stresses examines the resilience measures being deployed within individual disciplines and sectors and how multi-stakeholder efforts can catalyze action to address global challenges in preparedness and disaster and hazard mitigation. The book provides a theoretical framework to advance thinking on creating resilient, inclusive, sustainable and safe communities. Users will find an accurate and up-to-date guide for working on the development, implementation, monitoring and assessment of policies, programs and projects related to community resilience.

• Provides updated information on resilience, especially on infrastructure, finance, land use, standards and policies
• Includes case studies that illustrate how communities have increased their resilience to natural and other disasters
• Analyzes the institutional, political, social and economic dimensions of resilience at the community level
• Illustrates the interdependencies and interconnectedness of infrastructure systems and how community resilience relies on a holistic approach
• Examines responses to emerging risks associated with climate change

Ryan M. Colker is Vice President of Innovation at the International Code Council, Washington DC, United States. He also serves as Executive Director of the Alliance for National and Community Resilience (ANCR), a national coalition working to provide communities with the tools necessary to holistically assess and improve their resilience. Prior to joining ICC, Colker served as Vice President at the National Institute of Building Sciences where he led the Institute’s efforts to improve the built environment through the collaboration of industry stakeholders from both the public and private sectors. At the Institute he directed the Consultative Council which develops findings and recommendations on behalf of the entire building community and served as staff director of the Council on Finance, Insurance and Real Estate; the National Council on Building Codes and Standards; the Off-Site Construction Council and the Institute’s STEM Education Program. He is a recognized expert on emerging issues within the built environment including resilience, building performance, and off-site construction and speaks and writes frequently on these subjects. Previously, he served as Manager of Government Affairs for the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) and as Program Director of the Renewable Natural Resources Foundation. He is a graduate of The George Washington University Law School, and holds a Bachelor of Arts, with honors, in environmental policy from the University of Florida.