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1.?What goes into a Florida vulnerability assessment?

Florida vulnerability assessments are a risk analysis of all the key infrastructure in a community. The main focus of these reviews is the impact of flooding. Among the infrastructure that get evaluated:

• Power structures
• Transformers
• Water and wastewater treatment facilities
• Government buildings
• Historic/cultural properties
• Vital roadways

The goal? To find their weak points. These reviews analyze the biggest risks and outline those most in need of protection. The scope of work for these projects often includes wide public engagement to address residents¡¯ concerns.?

The first step is to fully understand the local needs and assets. In Florida City¡ªthe gateway to the Florida Keys¡ªour team partnered with the city to complete an assessment funded by the state. Although Hurricane Andrew struck more than 30 years ago, its destruction left a lasting awareness of the risk that hurricanes and rainfall-induced flooding pose to both infrastructure and the economy. That history shows the importance of community input in shaping this project.

Through workshops and conversations, we heard from residents about what mattered most¡ªfrom schools and emergency services to major roadway corridors. That feedback helped us focus our exposure model on the assets people relied on the most. The analysis showed that repeated flooding could cut off access to critical services, strain public resources, and slow long-term recovery from flooding.?

The result was more than a technical report. It was a roadmap informed by the community that pointed out specific vulnerabilities and clear priorities for action. By combining resident input with data, Florida City now has the foundation it needs to protect its most valued assets.?

We also assisted the City of Dania Beach and Village of Wellington to determine resilience focus areas. Those areas include many of the city¡¯s most flooded areas and critical assets.

2.?How Florida vulnerability assessments help communities unlock resilience funding and solutions

Florida vulnerability assessments let cities identify risks and submit for grant funding like the Resilient Florida Grant Program.

Our team worked with the cities of North Port and Opa Locka to create adaptation plans. Those plans contain a myriad of resilient solutions and strategies for the most critically flooded areas. Projects might include flood proofing municipal buildings, water treatment plants, and major transportation networks. The goal is to keep them operating during extreme weather.??

This action plan assists the cities to find funding to support resilience projects and strategies.

Resilience highlights how communities can adapt to a changing climate. For Bonita Bay, we examined risks related to heat, wildfires, and saltwater intrusion.?

Heat and wildfires: By reviewing historical data on extreme heat days (those more than 90 degrees) and projecting future trends, we assessed how rising temperatures affect the built environment. Pavement and concrete amplify heat. Strategies included reducing watertight surfaces, using materials that absorb rather than reflect heat, and using natural features to cool the landscape. Native planting reduces heat, improves water quality, recharges aquifers, and absorbs carbon.?

Saltwater intrusion: As flooding and sea levels rise, aquifers can get more saline. Overdrawing from these aquifers allows more seawater to seep in. The result? Less fresh groundwater for use, cascading effects such as drinking water restrictions, and drought conditions. It can make communities more vulnerable to wildfires and heat impacts.

3.?Advancing long-term resilience through stormwater planning

These Florida vulnerability assessments do more than focus on short-term priorities. They also map out how the community can grow with resilience in mind while reducing risk.??

For the City of Hallandale Beach, the review focused on sea-level rise and stormwater challenges. The plan recommends growth strategies to promote resilience. It¡¯s part of a five-year Stormwater Master Plan that we crafted for the city. The team used a watershed approach to assess the capacity to protect, enhance, and restore water quality, while addressing flood and sea-level rise concerns.??

Our findings led Hallandale Beach to create a watershed management plan that is now guiding priority projects for future funding. By identifying vulnerable areas, the city has a roadmap to secure resources. It can strengthen its community against future flooding.??

Discover your vulnerability areas and adaptation solutions

Funding from the Resilient Florida Grant Program helps protect communities across the state. It especially helps the most socially vulnerable populations. These communities often struggle the most in rebounding from disasters. The program takes Florida vulnerability assessments and adaptation plans into account. It gives cities the resources they need to take action against rising sea levels and extreme storms.

It's key to find a balance between adaptative land development policies and strategies to strengthen our infrastructure. Our team is excited to work with local leadership and the community to retain the unique characteristics of our towns, all while building a resilient future.??