Black communities are often at the frontlines of climate disasters, facing disproportionate damage, slower recovery times, and systemic barriers to rebuilding. From redlining to underinvestment in infrastructure, historical inequities have left many communities more vulnerable to extreme weather, flooding, and displacement. Architects have a powerful role to play—not just in rebuilding after disasters but in equipping communities with the tools to prepare before the storm hits. We’ll begin with an overview of architects’ role in emergency management and introduce the Communities by Design (CxD) program, a nationally recognized initiative supporting local leaders in addressing pressing social, environmental, and economic challenges. Through case studies from post-disaster recovery efforts in Birmingham, AL, the Lower 9th Ward of New Orleans, and others, we’ll examine the impact of architect-led community engagement in rebuilding efforts. We’ll also share insights from emerging work in Los Angeles, where proactive planning is shaping more resilient communities post-wildfire.