Catalyzing Collective Action

About Us

Resilient Virginia strengthens local capacity to prepare for, respond to, and adapt to complex social, environmental, and economic challenges.

Resilient Virginia advances a coordinated, statewide approach to resilience by connecting local governments, regional organizations, businesses, academic institutions, and community leaders around shared priorities. Through cross-sector partnerships, applied research, and learning-to-action initiatives, Resilient Virginia strengthens local capacity to prepare for, respond to, and adapt to complex social, environmental, and economic challenges.

Our work translates data, policy, and best practices into actionable tools and collaborative pathways that support communities across Virginia-urban, rural, coastal, and inland alike. By convening diverse stakeholders and aligning efforts across regions, Resilient Virginia helps reduce fragmentation, elevate local voices, and accelerate solutions that strengthen the Commonwealth’s long-term resilience.

Mission

Resilient Virginia catalyzes collective action to enhance whole-community resilience across the Commonwealth.

Vision

Empowered communities will exceed resilience benchmarks and embody whole-community resilience.

Strategic Purpose

DRIVE integrated, statewide resilience and adaptation efforts that connect work across regions, government systems, and industry sectors.

Serve as a catalyst for comprehensive, cross-jurisdictional resilience planning across the Commonwealth of Virginia by fostering coordination among local, regional, and state partners.

EXPAND partnerships across government, business, academia, and the many groups and networks that shape community life.

Strengthen collaboration among government, business, academic, and community sectors to build shared capacity, align investments, and promote innovative resilience solutions.

PROVIDE leaders and practitioners with clear, nonpartisan policy guidance and practical support for implementation.

Equip communities, decision-makers, and stakeholders with nonpartisan policy education, research, and technical assistance to help them effectively plan for and implement resilience strategies.

DELIVER dynamic educational programs and collaborative platforms that strengthen shared resilience knowledge.

Offer training, convenings, and knowledge exchange opportunities that enhance understanding and implementation of resilience principles, best practices, and tools for adaptation and sustainability.

Pillars of Resilience

Ecosystem Services

Recognizing and protecting the essential benefits that nature provides — clean air, clean water, biodiversity, and more.

Built Environment

Promoting infrastructure systems designed to withstand and adapt to changing conditions.

Economic Activities

Supporting long-term strategies that promote environmental stewardship, innovation, and community well-being.

Community Empowerment

Empowering local stakeholders through education, collaboration, and preparedness to lead resilience efforts.

Whole-Community Resilience

Think of a community like a web of connections – when one strand breaks (a power outage or flood), the strength of the web depends on how well the other strands hold together.

Whole-Community Resilience (sometimes referred to as ‘systems-level’ resilience) is about weaving those strands stronger and smarter so the whole web can bend without breaking.

When the Four Pillars of Resilience work together, Whole-Community Resilience becomes possible.

Whole-Community Resilience

Think of a community like a web of connections — when one strand breaks (a power outage or flood), the strength of the web depends on how well the other strands hold together.

Whole-Community Resilience (sometimes referred to as “systems-level”resilience) is about weaving those strands stronger and smarter so the whole web can bend without breaking.

Values

Collaboration

We believe resilience is built through partnerships. We foster inclusive, cross-sector collaboration that unites communities, governments, businesses, communities and individuals in shared purpose.

Community Centered

We are committed to ensuring that all communities—especially those with fewer resources—have the capacities, voice, and support they need to thrive.

Innovation

We embrace forward-thinking solutions, champion new ideas, and adapt to evolving challenges with creativity and determination.

Integrity

We uphold transparency, accountability, and trust in all our actions, relationships, and decision-making.

Sustainability

We promote strategies that protect our natural systems, strengthen economic well-being, and ensure long-term community health and vitality.

Empowerment

We equip local leaders and communities with the tools, knowledge, and connections they need to lead resilient futures.

Whole-Community Thinking

We recognize that lasting resilience requires a holistic approach—integrating environmental, economic, social, and infrastructural systems in planning and action.