Mitigation matters: Policy solutions to reduce local flood risk

Devastating floods are on the rise. Since 2000, flood-related disasters have cost the United States more than $845 billion in damage to homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The expense of adapting to more frequent and severe storms is projected to increase over the next several decades, placing a premium on the need to take action now to reduce flood impacts in the future.

Research from the National Institute of Building Sciences shows that every dollar spent on risk reduction measures—such as creating green space to help absorb floodwaters, buying out residents in at-risk areas who want to move out of harm’s way, and adopting the most up-to-date building codes and standards— saves an average of $6 in disaster costs. Efforts to take advantage of this return on investment are beginning to gain traction at all levels of government.