Across the United States, increased flood risks have prompted cities to reassess and improve their flood management strategies, to engage residents and boost community awareness. Recent initiatives from Brookings, South Dakota, and Port Orange, Florida, highlight the growing emphasis on informed decision-making and collaboration to address rising waters.
Brookings City Council recently partnered with ISG, an employee-owned architecture and engineering firm, to update the city’s master drainage plan for the first time in 15 years. Jacob Rischmiller, head of ISG’s Water Resources Practice Group, noted, “Flooding is a relevant aspect to understand the city.” Brookings is geographically vulnerable, situated adjacent to the Six Mile and Deer Creeks and the Big Sioux River.
The significant changes since the last FEMA flood maps were established—dating back to 2008—became apparent as ISG evaluated both historical and newly proposed maps. “A lot has changed, including advancements in flood modeling software,” stated Rischmiller at Autodesk University. The tools they've employed enable dynamic, two-dimensional modeling to visualize flood scenarios more comprehensively.
The effort included consulting local stakeholders and the public, noting discrepancies between the existing and proposed FEMA maps. “When we’re seeing these record rainfalls… flood maps don’t always take these conditions heavily enough,” stated former FEMA director Deanne Criswell. Climate change is affecting rainfall patterns, driving the need for updated flood risk assessments and models.
The expanded master drainage plan aims not only to determine current flood risks but to anticipate future conditions based on potential climate impacts. ISG used InfoWorks ICM for advanced modeling, which allows for detailed simulations of urban landscapes and existing infrastructures. This detailed flood modeling aids the city in making informed decisions for capital improvement projects. By assessing areas within Brookings, ISG provided local officials with insights on drainage, inundation zones, and stormwater infrastructure, keeping community safety at the forefront.
Funding opportunities emerged from this project, as the city sought to pivot from the traditional land-use tax model to one based on impervious surfaces—an approach expected to yield more equitable results. Rischmiller explained, “We focus on providing storage solutions upstream to manage excess water, enhancing water flow capabilities, and finalizing additional storage downstream.”
Engaging local stakeholders was also pivotal; ISG set up meetings with FEMA and community members, which, Rischmiller noted, builds partnerships for future climate resiliency strategies. The collaboration culminated when FEMA approved ISG’s modeling techniques, allowing Brookings to proceed with the updated flood maps.
Meanwhile, the city of Port Orange is utilizing its own vulnerability assessment to identify neighborhoods susceptible to flooding. Organized by the engineering firm Kimley-Horn, the assessment began with community outreach to gather input on flood experiences. The initial meeting welcomed around 60 residents who shared insights during discussions led by engineers Alycia Ciresi and Shelby Rocha.
The vulnerability assessment features objectives aimed at addressing flooding risks posed by storm surges, heavy rainfall, and sea-level rise. Ciresi emphasized the importance of community knowledge: “The residents provide information on the flooding mechanisms, which is invaluable.” Citizens placed stickers on maps indicating vulnerable areas, enabling local officials to visualize and prioritize these regions.
The city obtained funding of $164,650 from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, part of the Resilient Florida Program initiated by Governor Ron DeSantis. By completing this vulnerability assessment, Port Orange aims to devise strategies for mitigating climate impacts.
Following the analysis, the city will develop recommendations and possible funding sources, anticipating enhanced assessments by March 2026. This blend of community input and scientific analysis symbolizes the proactive stance cities take against increasing flood risks.
Further building upon the awareness of flood risks, the University of South Florida, alongside Neptune Flood, released the 2024 Neptune Consumer Survey on flood awareness. Conducted after the severe flooding experienced during the recent Atlantic hurricane season, which included Hurricanes Debby, Helene, and Milton, the survey provided significant data on homeowners' perceptions of flood risks and insurance.
The survey reveals dramatic shifts; 77% of respondents observed heightened awareness of flood risks, up from 63.9% the previous year. Younger homeowners, particularly those ages 18-34, displayed increased concern, demonstrating a generational change concerning climate resilience.
Philip Trocchia, the USF marketing professor who led the survey, stated, “The year-over-year trends clearly show growing awareness of flood risks among homeowners.” This trend aligns with the recognition of the value of flood insurance as part of responsible homeownership.
Neptune Flood CEO Trevor Burgess highlighted the survey results as indicative of opportunity within the insurance industry to bridge coverage gaps using data-driven insights. “We have the responsibility to meet the increasing demand for flood protection,” he noted, as consumers show willingness to invest more, with only 2.2% of respondents against paying higher premiums.
Overall, the dynamic interplay among flood management initiatives, community engagement, and heightened consumer awareness signifies how U.S. cities are adapting to tackle rising flood risks and the imperative of climate resilience. Whether it's Brookings refining its drainage strategies, Port Orange mapping vulnerable areas, or the insights from USF’s annual survey, these efforts reflect how shifts in awareness and policy can collectively forge stronger communities capable of weathering the storm.