Public Sector Roundtable: Scaling Urban Sustainability & Climate Resilience

WHEN

Thursday, October 22, 2026
3:30 PM – 5:00 PM, Eastern Time

WHERE

Javits Center - Room 410
429 11th Avenue, New York, New York, 10001, USA

In Person

Public Sector Roundtable: Scaling Urban Sustainability & Climate Resilience

Turning ambitious climate goals into scalable, community-wide action

Join leading public sector voices in New York City for a high-impact roundtable driving the future of urban climate action. Building on last year’s momentum, this convening brings together local leaders at the forefront of sustainability, resilience, and decarbonization to share what’s working—and what’s next.

This session will spotlight how governments are turning ambitious climate goals into on-the-ground results. Through candid discussion and peer exchange, participants will explore cutting-edge policies, implementation strategies, and public-private approaches that are accelerating progress on green building, infrastructure resilience, and equitable climate solutions.

Designed for leaders navigating complex challenges, this roundtable creates space to exchange bold ideas, unpack real-world barriers, and identify pathways to deliver measurable impact across communities.

Whether you're advancing transformative policy, modernizing building systems, or leading cross-sector climate initiatives, this is an opportunity to connect with peers and shape the next phase of urban sustainability leadership.

SPEAKERS

David Abell

Associate Director, Client Solutions
U.S. Green Building Council

Chris Diamond

Director, Office of Sustainability
Port Authority NY/NJ

Jennifer Gonzalez

Chief Sustainability Officer and Business Administrator
City of Hoboken, NJ

Kathleen Schmid

New York City Mayor's Office

Gracie Tilman

Project Manager, Policy & Partnerships
USGBC

Flavia Toniolo

Global Principal for Integrated Urban Sustainability
Jacobs

Hilari Varnadore

Vice President
U.S. Green Building Council

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?

Public sector leaders and partners working to advance urban sustainability, resilience, and decarbonization, including:

  • Local government officials and staff
  • Planners and sustainability and resilience officers
  • Facilities and operations leaders
  • City and county managers
  • Elected officials
  • Regional, state, and federal agency representatives
  • NGOs and mission-driven organizations
  • Private sector implementation partners and consultants
  • USGBC members
  • Emerging leaders committed to urban climate solutions

WHY ATTEND?

Discover Solutions That Deliver

Learn how innovative tools, technologies, and partnerships are driving measurable progress in green building and climate adaptation.

Turn Policy into Progress

Explore leading policies and implementation strategies advancing urban decarbonization, resilience, and sustainable development.

Overcome Barriers to Scale

Examine how governance, financing, and cross-sector collaboration can accelerate climate solutions.

Strengthen Your Network

Build strategic relationships with public sector leaders shaping the future of urban climate action.

AGENDA AT A GLANCE
  • 3:30 PM - 3:40 PM
    Welcome & Introductions
  • 3:40 PM - 4:15 PM
    Urban Sustainability & Climate Resilience Insights from New York and New Jersey
    Chris Diamond, Director, Office of Sustainability, Port Authority of NY/NJ | Jennifer Gonzalez, Chief Sustainability Officer and Business Administrator, City of Hoboken, NJ
  • 4:15 PM - 4:45 PM
    Roundtable Discussions
  • 4:45 PM - 5:00 PM
    Wrap-up and Conclude

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSOR

Swinerton

SPONSORSHIP

Connect your brand with influential sustainability leaders, building owners and investors through the USGBC Experience at Greenbuild 2026. Sponsorship offers targeted visibility, meaningful engagement and opportunities to demonstrate thought leadership while showcasing your commitment to a sustainable, resilient and equitable built environment.

Contact bgerritsen@usgbc.org with questions.