This report presents a framework for urban climate adaptation that identifies seven essential capacities that cities need to develop so they can effectively implement climate adaptation actions in the short- and long-term. This framework is based on an extensive review of current adaptation practice and is different from most available frameworks, which focus primarily on processes for adaptation planning and specific actions to take depending on which climate hazards a city faces. Identifying the new, enduring capacities that cities need builds on the current knowledge of urban adaptation. The report was supported with funding from the Summit Foundation.