The scale and complexity of climate adaptation with rapid urbanization and escalating risks cannot be overstated. Connecting strategic investment in infrastructure, driven by national and city governments, with mobilized grassroots action can achieve more cost-effective and impactful urban climate adaptation. Inclusive approaches, such as community-led data collection and the co-design of locally led climate adaptation solutions with organized communities, combined with innovative climate financing like Results-based Finance, can bridge the climate financing gap for the most vulnerable areas, strengthen institutions, and foster new patterns of collaborative working.