Urban Flood Risk Governance: What Do Practitioners Think About Current Flood-Risk Management Strategies?

Keywords: flood-risk management, urban flood risk, city practitioner, USA
Abstract Type: Virtual Paper Abstract

Abstract

The frequency and severity of flood events are increasing in cities in the United States. Consequently, vulnerability to flood impacts within certain segments of the population is also increasing due to a variety of factors, including continued urbanization, land use change, uneven development, resource inequality, and historical discrimination in planning and public service implementation. Existing flood-risk management strategies often fail to yield effective flood preparedness and response to meet the diverse needs of communities, especially those historically marginalized. In this study, we conducted expert interviews with flood-risk practitioners (n=11) in four US cities – Portland, Phoenix, Atlanta, and Baltimore – to better understand practices and priorities in flood-risk management and to explore the use of these strategies, including the implementation of nature-based solutions, in flood-risk mitigation. We also engaged the practitioners on how they view the latest flood risk assessments from First Street Organization. While perceptions of flood risk and potential solutions varied among cities, there was clear alignment among respondents on the importance of obtaining more funding and a commitment to developing and applying actionable, socially inclusive, and scientifically sound flood-risk management solutions. Practitioners stated a preference for both green and gray infrastructure, with no significant variations in practitioner choice between the two. Lessons from this study are relevant to practitioners and policymakers, particularly for incorporating a more holistic approach to flood risk in cities.