1052-Dominican Republic-An Early Warning and Action System for Climate Resilience in Santo Domingo

Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic is a participant in a global network of local governments that partner with the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg Center for Public Innovation (BCPI) and Bloomberg Center for Government Excellence (GovEx) to advance the practice of public innovation and data-driven decision making. In 2023, BCPI provided city staff with training in public innovation methods, which they applied to tackling the accumulation of garbage in the city’s public spaces. In 2024-2025, Santo Domingo is participating in the GovEx City Data Alliance program to develop a resident impact data project focused on improving the city’s capacity to anticipate and respond to extreme weather events. In particular, due to climate change, the city is increasingly experiencing torrential rainstorms, even outside of its wet season that historically ran from May to November.

The “Early Warning and Action System” aims to leverage city data to address flooding and other climate vulnerabilities by providing timely alerts and clear guidance to its one million residents, enhancing preparedness and reducing the social and physical impacts of flooding events intensified by climate change. The city would like the system to include predictive modeling of rainfall and landslides and have the capacity to analyze the climate vulnerability of city neighborhoods, such as demographics and rainfall absorption rate. The systems would ultimately provide residents with clear, actionable information that can be disseminated rapidly and contain location-specific details. 

The Summer Scholars program is seeking a student to work in collaboration with the Santo Domingo mayor’s technical secretariat focused on climate change and resilience. The student will take part in the design of the city's Early Warning and Action System. The student would contribute to some or all of the following activities: database management, historical and predictive data analysis, support in the design of predictive algorithms and models, engagement with residents and community leaders. At the end of the 10-week placement, the student will present their project contributions to city leadership.

Within the Santo Domingo Mayor’s Office with the Technical Secretariat, specifically with the areas responsible for climate change and resilience, strategic coordination and design, and technical supervision. For this project, the student will also collaborate with city departments responsible for information technology and urban planning and development.

●        Is interested in climate data and early warning systems for residents
●        Would like to gain professional experience in local government
●        Has quantitative data analysis skills
●        Would like to work collaboratively in a team environment 
●        Would like experience interacting with community leaders
●        Is flexible and willing to adapt to the local context

●        Training in public policy-relevant research methods related to urban resilience
●        Data analysis skills, including spatial analysis, data dashboards, database design 
●        Excellent communication skills, including writing and speaking in clear, plain terms to reach multiple audiences
●        Curiosity and cultural humility
●        Ability to work independently and in teams
●        Prior experience with or willingness to learn design thinking

Name: Francisca Rojas, franrojas@jhu.edu 

I would describe my communication and mentorship styles as... 

As the Academic Director at the Bloomberg Center for Public Innovation (BCPI) at Johns Hopkins, I take time to mentor students as a coach and advisor. During the placement, we have bi-weekly zoom check-ins and are in communication by email as needed. This placement is aligned with the BCPI Summer Scholars program which provides additional training and support through a pre-departure orientation and virtual workshops throughout the summer. 

A complementary student would have a working style and mentorship expectations that are..

Committed to good communication, responsible/reliable conduct, a willingness to learn and engage with city hall colleagues and city residents, and show initiative, curiosity, and enthusiasm. 

Estimated Costs:

Housing $750/month
Food: $300/month
Transportation: $50
Internet/mobile: $50
Total US$1,150

Additional support from PI:

The BCPI Summer Scholars program will pay the student a stipend for the 10-week placement. We will consult with the local team to provide guidance on where to live affordably and safely to maximize the stipend across the duration of the placement.