To build real resilience, we must simplify the federal system
“Since Helene struck, we have had to navigate a system that is fundamentally broken,” said a North Carolina commissioner. “Reform is clearly needed. We need less paperwork and faster relief.” Over the last decade, the federal government spent $558 billion on disaster response—in the ballpark of what it spent on its share to build the […]
Embracing flood-smart agriculture to reduce flood risk throughout a watershed
Farms and agricultural land cover hundreds of millions of acres across the United States, making them one of the most powerful levers for managing flooding. When farmers adopt practices that slow runoff, increase soil infiltration, and store water, they protect their own fields while serving as critical flood infrastructure for entire watersheds. But right now, […]
More than 60 local leaders gather in Washington, D.C. to prove resilience starts local
As storms grow stronger and floods become more frequent, the impacts are hitting communities faster than many can respond. Local elected leaders are often the first to face these challenges, and the first to demand action. In May, the American Flood Coalition (AFC) was proud to welcome local elected leaders from across the country to […]
AFC convenes state legislators in the Netherlands to learn from one country’s approach to flood resilience
In September, the American Flood Coalition, in partnership with CSG Midwest, led a bipartisan delegation of 14 state legislators from 11 states to the Netherlands to study the country’s approach to managing water and protecting communities from flooding. Most of the Netherlands is below sea level, and the Dutch have spent centuries pioneering innovative flood-abatement […]
The Carolinas and Florida advance flood resilience during sessions
The Carolinas and Florida continue to take proactive steps to tackle growing flood risks and strengthen resilience. The three states recently passed significant measures aimed at strengthening their flood resilience and recovery efforts, efforts led by state partners and the American Flood Coalition Action (AFCA), the advocacy arm of the American Flood Coalition. North Carolina: […]
2021 in Review
2021 was again a year of challenges. Still, we have more reasons for hope than ever.
Why flood resilience is key to public health
As communities prepare for and respond to flooding and sea level rise, one impact is often overlooked: how flooding affects long-term public health.