Description

1) People Living in Encampments, Flood Risk Management, & Watershed Health: Strengthening Partnerships & Leveraging Resources
Sunny Simpkins, R.G., National Association of Flood and Stormwater Management Agencies
Co-presenters: none

Abstract: Even before the COVID-19 pandemic began, homelessness was increasing across the country. But there are rarely enough shelter beds. Where there are beds, some individuals experiencing homelessness are reluctant to stay in shelters due to concerns about safety, sanitary conditions, potential for mistreatment by shelter staff, or fears about their children’s safety and well-being. Rather than stay in a shelter, homeless individuals create temporary housing in flood risk reduction systems and floodplains since they are in urban areas close to services but provide open space for camps. Public agencies that manage these flood risk reduction systems and floodplains are not social service agencies, have not been trained or equipped to address the complex issues of homelessness, and often have limited funds to be used for these purposes. Flood control and public works agencies have had to direct limited resources to address impacts of individuals camping near flood risk management systems and floodplains. Such impacts include debris, damage to the flood risk management system and floodplains, theft, and providing additional support and security. This redirection of resources can impact the ability of maintenance staff to focus on their mission of protecting life and property from flooding. To address this complex situation, the National Association of Flood and Stormwater Management Agencies (NAFSMA) has convened virtual mentoring sessions and in person discussions to bring flood risk management and public works agencies together from the across the country to share best practices and brainstorm about solutions that could work for their systems. This session will share the relevant legal framework and practical strategies that we have found are alleviating the impact of this issue and further the dialogue of how to address this complex issue.

2) Good Intentions and Unintended Consequences: Improve Climate Equity without Added Harms
Kristin Murphy, Fors Marsh, kmurphy@forsmarsh.com
Co-presenters: Ronne Ostby, rostby@forsmarsh.com

Abstract: Despite our best intentions, sometimes efforts to better understand and engage disadvantaged flood prone communities may, in fact, cause harm. Increased burden, stigma, opportunity costs, psychological impacts, and even direct harms that exacerbate flood hazards can result from efforts to pursue more equitable resilient outcomes in historically underserved communities. While there is broad and passionate support for efforts that focus on equity in disaster and climate resilience, many floodplain managers are concerned about added harm. This can ultimately keep them from taking meaningful action. This presentation will help floodplain managers take on significant equity efforts and manage the potential for unintended consequences at the same time. As a result of attending this presentation, conference attendees will:

1. understand evidence-based frameworks for assessing potential added harms;
2. compare a range of approaches for avoiding added harms; and
3. consider best practices and lessons learned from case examples of engaging disadvantaged communities to improve public health and safety outcomes.