#United States #Washington, D.C. #Infrastructure #NIBS #FIREWALL Act

Urgent Need for Resilient Infrastructure Investments

On June 26, 2025, the National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS), in collaboration with The High-Performance Building Coalition, hosted a significant Congressional Briefing that emphasized the critical need for investing in resilient infrastructure across the United States. This briefing served as a platform to convey the message that modernizing our infrastructure is no longer optional but a fundamental necessity in the face of growing climate challenges and disasters.

The session revolved around the 2025 Moving Forward Report from the NIBS Consultative Council. The report carries compelling findings, stating that for every dollar spent on resilience, there is a potential return of up to $13 in savings through avoided losses. This insight frames infrastructure investments not just as cost burdens but as wise financial strategies that ultimately protect lives and property while benefiting communities as a whole.

Evidence-Based Strategies for Retrofitting

During the briefing, panelists presented several evidence-based strategies crucial for enhancing the resilience of buildings and public infrastructure. The conversations pivoted around retrofitting existing structures to withstand the increasingly severe effects of natural disasters. This approach is particularly urgent, given that 2024 recorded 27 disasters causing billion-dollar damages. The necessity for proactive measures has never been clearer.

Policy Pathways to Strengthen Community Resilience

The event also tackled policy pathways aimed at bolstering community resilience. Participants discussed bipartisan legislation, particularly the FIREWALL Act (S. 1323), which was introduced by Senators Adam Schiff (D-CA) and Tim Sheehy (R-MT). This bill is designed to foster community resilience by providing new federal tax credits that incentivize local governments and private enterprises to invest in resilience improvements. The alignment of political support signifies an opportunity to unify efforts at all levels of government towards creating safe and sustainable environments.

A Panel of Experts

The panel featured prominent figures in the fields of engineering, policy, and advocacy for building resilience. Notable attendees included:

• - George Guszcza, President and CEO of NIBS,
• - Tom Smith, Executive Director of the American Society of Civil Engineers,
• - Lisa Washington, Executive Director of the Design Build Institute of America,
• - Aaron Davis, Deputy Executive Director of BuildStrong America,
• - Aaron Levy, Vice President of the International Code Council,
• - Christina Beros, Legislative Aide to Senator Adam Schiff.

Together, they represented a spectrum of interests and perspectives, highlighting that the path forward must involve diverse expertise and collaboration.

The Path Ahead

The discussions from the briefing underscored that while the need for resilient infrastructure is urgent, there lies a vast potential for positive impact through legislative reform and smart investments. By aligning financial incentives with long-term community benefits, there is an opportunity to safeguard lives and reduce costs in the face of inevitable climate challenges.

Conclusion

As communities grapple with the rise in the frequency and intensity of natural disasters, the insights shared during this Congressional Briefing make it clear that action must be taken now. Investing in resilient infrastructure is not merely an expenditure but a foundational strategy for ensuring a robust future. To explore more about the 2025 Moving Forward Report, please visit the NIBS website at www.nibs.org.