As local governments continue investing in climate resilience, disaster recovery, and infrastructure improvements, a growing conversation is emerging around how those efforts can unintentionally contribute to displacement, particularly for small businesses in vulnerable communities.
The 2026 Small Business Anti-Displacement Network Summit is seeking proposals focused on equitable climate resilience and recovery strategies that help small businesses remain rooted in place as communities adapt to climate pressures.
The virtual summit, scheduled for Nov. 12–13, is co-hosted by the Gentrification & Urban Displacement Lab at Boston University’s Initiative on Cities and will examine how climate displacement is increasingly affecting vulnerable communities and small businesses across the U.S. and globally.
Climate disasters, the long-term effects of climate change, and climate adaptation or mitigation strategies can kickstart or compound gentrification. New public and private climate-related investments can significantly change communities, displacing small businesses and the residents whom they serve. BIPOC- and immigrant-owned small businesses in low-wealth neighborhoods are particularly vulnerable to climate displacement.
Organizers note that while many jurisdictions are advancing resilience and disaster planning efforts, the needs of small businesses are often overlooked in those conversations — especially in low-wealth communities and areas vulnerable to flooding, redevelopment pressure, or climate migration.
The summit is seeking proposals on topics including:
- resilience and disaster preparedness planning
- community resilience hubs and mutual aid efforts
- barriers to accessing disaster recovery funding
- land use and regulatory tools to address displacement
- equitable approaches to climate infrastructure investments
- strategies supporting small business recovery after disasters
For counties, these issues increasingly intersect with:
- economic development
- land use and planning
- disaster recovery
- infrastructure investment
- community preservation efforts
Proposals are due June 15, 2026.
