Which projects are best for my community?

Across the country, communities large and small face the devastating impact of flooding, yet each community’s ability to recover and plan for the future is different.

To help local leaders determine approaches to flooding or sea level rise that can work best for them, the American Flood Coalition, in partnership with the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and Arcadis, created the Adaptation for All guide and digital tool.

Drawing on examples from the U.S. and the Netherlands — a country with a long history of flood challenges and innovations — this guide and tool highlights 26 approaches broken down by cost, benefits, and other considerations. Using these categories, communities of any size can determine the solutions that best fit into their flood resilience strategies.

How to use this guide

1 Head to the concepts for local leaders

to review key tips and ideas for developing a local flood action plan

2 Look at the cost and complexity diagram

to explore which approaches may best fit local flood challenges, resources, and budgets

3 Review key tips and ideas for developing a local flood action plan

for summaries and case studies of each approach. Approaches are listed in order from low- to high-cost

4 Share this guide with key stakeholders

and plan community engagement to build a local action plan

Case Studies

Charleston, South Carolina

In 2019, the city created Charleston Rainproof, with the aim of capturing more rainwater by using both public and private spaces for water storage. Working with Clemson University Extension, the City reached more property owners — its four projects so far can store a combined 1,950 gallons of water.

Dewey Beach, Delaware

To address flooding from stormwater runoff, high tides, and storm surges, the Town of Dewey Beach recently constructed a project with living shoreline features, including a low dune, tidal wetland plantings, and an offshore oyster reef. The project was implemented through a partnership between the Town, the Delaware Center for Inland Bays, the Delaware Department of Transportation, and design and construction consultants.