The Austin City Council adopted the latest in a series of measures intended to improve the city's stormwater resilience after experiencing repeated flooding events in the past decade.
The Austin City Council last week adopted a "resolution that incorporates a range of initiatives to improve flood mitigation infrastructure, expand disaster response training and provide vulnerable households access to affordable flood insurance," reports Kali Bramble.
The resolution "encourages the city to make maximal use of funding available for flood resilience projects," according to Bramble. "In addition to directing the city manager to seek funding for infrastructure improvements at the state and federal level through organizations like FEMA, it calls for connecting vulnerable communities with disaster preparedness and response training."
The resolution also "builds upon work done by the city’s Watershed Protection Department, affirming the city’s commitment to tightening regulations on future development and investing in flood mitigation infrastructure such as gutters and drainage swales."
The source article details how the Halloween floods of 2013 and 2015 contributed to the political will to achieve this new priority on flood control in Austin. The City Council also approve the resolution while the city was under a flash flood warning.
FULL STORY: Council approves flood resilience resolution ahead of anniversary of devastating floods
How US Communities Are Building Resilience Against Flooding
Flooding causes over $400 billion in damage in the United States every year.
Study: Outdated Stormwater Infrastructure Exacerbates Flooding
Infrastructure built to mitigate flooding a century ago no longer serves current needs.
Costs to Fix Jackson's Water System Estimated at $1 Billion
Planning and funding are both in dire need in Jackson, Mississippi. The question is who should be in charge of all the planning and funding.
Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking
Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?
King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents
The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.
Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing
Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.
Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive
Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
planning NEXT
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie