New climate and flood models are needed to understand growing flood risks.

A ‘new normal’ of flooding and extreme weather events is prompting cities around the country to reevaluate their water infrastructure and flood risk models, writes Carl Smith in Governing. Smith notes that “floods are the most common and widespread weather-related disasters. Estimates of their annual cost range from $180 billion to $496 billion a year.”
Daniel Swain, a University of California, Los Angeles climate scientist, says “Virtually all of the infrastructure that we have built was built for a climate that no longer exists.” To address this, a new report from the US Water Alliance, Water Rising: Equitable Approaches to Urban Flooding, identifies priority areas for resilience and equity planning and encourages cities to assess their own local challenges and infrastructure.
In Hampton, Virginia, the Hampton Roads Sanitation District (HRSD) produced a report that highlights risks and resources in the region, offering local officials “an opportunity to look at exposure to climate hazards among the more than 150 facilities in the HRSD system and possible floodwater levels now and in the future.”
According to Swain, “Localities must gather and heed this kind of data as they plan for infrastructure improvements.” Mami Hara, CEO of the US Water Alliance, suggests a more regional approach to water infrastructure, such as a “regional resilience entity that brings together water and climate issues.”
FULL STORY: Planning for a Daunting New Normal of Flood Risk

Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss
The plan would reduce visitor accommodation by 25,% resulting in 1,900 jobs lost.

North Texas Transit Leaders Tout Benefits of TOD for Growing Region
At a summit focused on transit-oriented development, policymakers discussed how North Texas’ expanded light rail system can serve as a tool for economic growth.

Using Old Oil and Gas Wells for Green Energy Storage
Penn State researchers have found that repurposing abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal-assisted compressed-air energy storage can boost efficiency, reduce environmental risks, and support clean energy and job transitions.

Santa Barbara Could Build Housing on County Land
County supervisors moved forward a proposal to build workforce housing on two county-owned parcels.

San Mateo Formally Opposes Freeway Project
The city council will send a letter to Caltrans urging the agency to reconsider a plan to expand the 101 through the city of San Mateo.

A Bronx Community Fights to Have its Voice Heard
After organizing and giving input for decades, the community around the Kingsbridge Armory might actually see it redeveloped — and they want to continue to have a say in how it goes.
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