Anchor Institutions as Adaptation Allies: promises and pitfalls of joint urban/military adaptation planning in U.S. cities

Abstract

U.S. cities have attempted to fill a leadership vacuum for climate action. But acting alone, cities face significant barriers to their capacity, so many seek additional resources through collaborations across sectors and levels of government. This study analyzes how cities leverage one particular kind of collaboration, urban/military adaptation planning. Case studies of urban/military collaborations in Norfolk, Virginia and San Diego, California reveal that military installations can serve as adaptation allies to surrounding communities. These collaborations are motivated by a recognition of social and infrastructural interdependence, but crucially, they are city-led, complicating expectations of exclusionary, authoritarian outcomes. Instead, they have provided pathways for increased resources for local adaptation and expanded regional cooperation. In addition, with urban/military relations shifting away from traditional defense dependency, bases serve as a form of anchor, or large, place-based institution. The military base is one of several overlooked anchors which, in addition to the traditional hospitals and universities, could be key allies. The current anchor model promotes community reinvestment in partnership with large institutions, but does not explicitly include adaptation. However, the anchor model is conceptualized to benefit the same marginalized communities disproportionately impacted by climate hazards, so this is a promising avenue for urban adaptation.