CitiesAlive is Coming to New York City
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Introduction
Green Roofs for Healthy Cities has had a busy and productive start to 2026, highlighted by the successful completion of our Grey to Green Conference in Chicago, which brought green roof, green wall, and landscape architecture industry leaders together. . Looking ahead, we are excited to continue the momentum with our Grey to Green Conference in Costa Mesa, California on September 14, where attendees will explore the latest developments in living architecture with a focus on water preservation. Our flagship event, CitiesAlive New York City will be in Brooklyn from September 30 to October 3. This bi-annnual event brings together expert policymakers, designers, researchers, contractors, manufacturers and other industry professionals for outstanding education,inspirational keynotes, training courses, tours of awesome projects and networking. The outstanding program this year includes six masterclasses on topics such as biophilic design, design for biodiversity and green wall design. The program profiles the latest peer reviewed research findings and ends with a celebration of award winning projects. Early bird registration rates expire on June 30, making now the ideal time to register and join us for the premier green infrastructure event of the year.
A portion of the 2026 Chicago Grey to Green attendees after a fantastic day of cutting edge presentations. Photo courtesy of Molly Meyer, Omni Ecosystems.
Whether you're joining us in Costa Mesa or New York City, these events will help you to:
Stay informed on the latest green infrastructure policies and programs in your region
Network with like-minded industry professionals
Learn about local projects from award winning designers and design best practices
Learn new skills through our robust training programs that were created by multiple industry experts, like the hands on Green Roof Installation and Maintenance Professional (GRIMP) training and accreditation.
Earn continuing education credits from ASLA, AIA, GRHC and more
Meet local and regional suppliers of products and services.
2026 Conferences & GRIMP Training Programs
The Green Roof Installation and Maintenance Professional training and accreditation provides you with an intense one day where you can learn the theory and practice by building several green roofs mock ups on site. We invite you to review our 2026 prospective event list. For details on our upcoming virtual and in-person events visit greenroofs.org/events. Please note that dates are subject to change.
September 14: Grey to Green Conference | Costa Mesa, CA (SCCWRP HQ)
September 30 - October 3: CitiesAlive Conference and Award Ceremony | Brooklyn, NY
October 27-30: World Green Infrastructure Congress | Barcelona, ESP
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Costa Mesa Grey to Green Conference | September 14
Located in the heart of Orange County, Costa Mesa is a dynamic and design-forward community increasingly embracing sustainable urban solutions. As Southern California faces mounting pressures from heat, drought, and water management challenges, green infrastructure—particularly green roofs, walls, and water-efficient landscape systems—plays a critical role in enhancing urban resilience. The Grey to Green conference in Costa Mesa will highlight how these nature-based solutions can reduce heat impacts, improve stormwater capture, and support regional sustainability goals across Southern California. Green Roofs for Healthy Cities has partnered with the Southern California Coastal Water Research Project to combine complementary expertise and deliver an impactful Grey to Green conference.
CitiesAlive 2026: Returns to New York City
Join industry leaders, policymakers, researchers, designers, architects, engineers, landscape architects, urban planners, developers, and sustainability professionals at CitiesAlive 2026, a conference dedicated to green roofs, green infrastructure, urban resilience, climate adaptation, stormwater management, sustainable cities, and nature-based solutions.
CitiesAlive will be from September 30 to October 3, 2026, in Brooklyn, New York, at the New York Marriott at the Brooklyn Bridge. Click here to book into the hotel and receive a discounted rate.
September 30 will feature training programs, including the GRIMP training as well as Green Roof Professional Training, culminating in the opening dinner and open bar reception on the Frying Pan, an historic vessel moored at Pier 66 on the Hudson River.
The Frying Pan - a moored vessel on the Hudson River has fantastic sunset views and is the location of our opening dinner and reception networking event on Wednesday September 30. Photo courtesy of Rhododendrites.
October 1 kicks off with two keynotes and five concurrent sessions, covering NYC policy, project profiles, research, masterclasses and panel discussions. Our exhibit hall will feature the latest technologies in the green roof and wall industry.
Additional keynotes and concurrent sessions culminate with our Awards of Excellent ceremony on Friday October 2. October 3 provides an opportunity for attendees to partake in leisurely expert guided tours of some of the most fantastic projects in New York City.
As cities across North America face increasing challenges related to climate change, flooding, extreme heat, biodiversity loss, and aging infrastructure, CitiesAlive serves as the industry's most important gathering for advancing innovative solutions that create healthier, more resilient communities. Register before June 30, and save with our early bird rates!
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Dr. Karen Liu from Next Level Stormwater Management presenting about green roof design at CitiesAlive 2024.
Who Should Attend?
CitiesAlive 2026 is designed for:
Architects and landscape architects
Engineers and consultants
Urban planners and municipal officials
Developers and building owners
Green roof professionals and contractors
Researchers and academics
Sustainability and resilience professionals
Stormwater managers and watershed organizations
Policymakers and government agencies
Manufacturers and suppliers
Environmental nonprofits and advocacy organizations
Whether you're seeking professional development, cutting-edge research, policy insights, business opportunities, or meaningful connections, CitiesAlive 2026 offers an unmatched opportunity to engage with the leaders driving the future of green infrastructure.
Professional Training and Education - September 30
The conference begins on September 30 with two specialized educational opportunities designed to build expertise and advance careers in the green infrastructure sector. Professionals seeking industry-recognized credentials can participate in the Green Roof Installation and Maintenance Professional (GRIMP) Training and Accreditation Course at the New York Green Roofs Headquarters, providing hands-on knowledge and best practices for green roof construction, installation, maintenance, and long-term performance.
Also on September 30, attendees can participate in the highly regarded Green Roofs 101 Course, taught by renowned green roof expert Bill Foley at the Urbanstrong Headquarters. This introductory course provides foundational knowledge on green roof design, benefits, applications, and performance, making it ideal for newcomers to the industry and professionals seeking a comprehensive refresher. Ticketed Event.
CitiesAlive 2024 Trade Show
Unparalleled Networking Opportunities
CitiesAlive kicks off with an unforgettable Opening Reception and Networking Event aboard the iconic Frying Pan, a historic vessel permanently moored on the Hudson River. Attendees will enjoy spectacular waterfront views and an open bar, while connecting with peers, industry leaders, municipal officials, researchers, and solution providers from across North America and beyond. Ticketed event. Space Limited.
On Thursday evening, networking continues with the popular Trade Show Floor Reception, providing attendees with direct access to leading manufacturers, suppliers, consultants, and innovators showcasing the latest products, technologies, and services in green roofs, blue-green infrastructure, stormwater management, waterproofing systems, urban forestry, living walls, and sustainable construction.
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Inspiring Keynotes and Industry Leadership
Throughout the conference, attendees will hear from distinguished keynote speakers on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, offering insights into the future of sustainable urban development, climate resilience, environmental policy, green building innovation, and large-scale implementation of green infrastructure.
These keynote presentations will explore how cities can leverage nature-based solutions to address some of today's most pressing environmental challenges while creating economic, social, and ecological benefits for communities.
Cutting-Edge Technical Sessions and Research
Dr. Bill Browning of Terrapin Bright Green presenting at CitiesAlive 2024
Thursday and Friday feature a robust conference program with five concurrent presentation tracks, delivering the latest knowledge and innovations across the green infrastructure industry.
Conference sessions will include:
Emerging green roof technologies and innovations on the exhibit floor
Stormwater management design strategies and performance
Urban climate resilience and adaptation planning
Biodiversity and ecological restoration in urban environments
Green building design and sustainable architecture
Policies and programs from NYC Department of Environment and other jurisdictions
Research findings from leading academic institutions
Case studies from successful projects in NA and from around the world, by Linda Velazquez
Ninety minute long Master classes led by recognized industry experts such as Bill Browning, Bruce Dvorak, Lily Turner, Zach Waliullah and more.
Interactive panel discussions featuring policymakers, practitioners, and researchers and issues such as best practices in waterproofing and trouble shooting installation challenges.
Come to CitiesAlive and gain practical insights, technical expertise, and actionable strategies that can be immediately applied to projects, programs, and policy initiatives.
Driving Policy Change and Scaling Green Infrastructure
A central theme of CitiesAlive 2026 is advancing public policy that accelerates the adoption of green infrastructure throughout New York City and beyond.
Green infrastructure delivers its greatest environmental and economic benefits when implemented at scale. CitiesAlive will bring together municipal leaders, policymakers, advocates, developers, and industry professionals to explore how building codes, development standards, incentives, and regulations can support widespread adoption of green roofs and other nature-based solutions.
Discussions will focus on policies that encourage or require green infrastructure on new developments and building retrofits, helping cities better manage stormwater runoff, reduce combined sewer overflows, mitigate urban heat islands, improve air quality, increase biodiversity, and strengthen climate resilience.
By convening the industry's leading experts in one of the world's most influential cities, CitiesAlive 2026 aims to advance the conversations, partnerships, and policy frameworks necessary to transform urban environments for future generations.
Celebrating Excellence in Green Infrastructure
The conference technical sessions conclude with the prestigious Jeffrey L. Bruce Awards of Excellence ceremony, recognizing outstanding achievements in green roof design, green infrastructure innovation, research, policy leadership, and project implementation These awards celebrate the individuals, organizations, and projects setting new standards for excellence and demonstrating the transformative impact of living architecture and nature-based urban solutions.
Register today and join the movement shaping more resilient, sustainable, and livable cities through green roofs, green infrastructure, and nature-based solutions.
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GRIMP Training and Accreditation Session in Denver led by Andy Creath of Green Roofs of Colorado. Students are experiencing hands-on assembly of mock green roof systems. September 30 New York Green Roofs will host a GRIMP Training. Photo: Eric Durnford.
Thank you to our CitiesAlive 2026 Sponsors & Exhibitors!
Professional Training
The Living Architecture Academy brings you the best, most up to date professional training information on design, installation and maintenance practices for green infrastructure. Start your professional development journey today!.
Popular courses on the Living Architecture Academy Include:
Green Roof Professional Training and Accreditation
Solar + Green Roof Integration Virtual Symposium Recordings - Multiple Presenters
Introduction to Solar Green Roof Integration - Blaine Stand, Professional Resources Manager
Biodiverse Green Roof Maintenance - Cynthia Pohl, Living Lands Landscape and Design
Biophilic Holism - Elizabeth Calabrese, Biophilic Studies
Green Infrastructure Research Virtual Symposium - Multiple Presenters
Green Infrastructure Policy Virtual Symposium - Multiple Presenters
And many more!
Visit LivingArchitectureAcademy.com for more information and to take a course or listen to a lecture.
New & Returning Members
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