State leaders from 20 states met in Athens, Georgia, to explore how nature‑based solutions like restored wetlands, floodplains, and living shorelines can reduce disaster risk while delivering major economic, environmental, and community benefits.

The forum emphasized that resilience projects gain support when their benefits are clearly quantified, from avoided flood damage to improved health and recreation.

The event also highlighted innovative financing, including environmental impact bonds and the role of green banks in blending public and private capital. MCGB’s Laura Mondragon shared how the Resilience Dedicated Fund is helping affordable housing owners pair sustainability upgrades with resilience measures, creating multibenefit projects and stronger community partnerships.

A tour of the North Oconee River Greenway showed how nature‑based investments can reduce flooding, improve water quality, restore habitat, and create valued public spaces.

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