Identifying infrastructure most at risk from severe weather impacts

City of Florida City Vulnerability Assessment

Located on the southern tip of Florida along the Atlantic coast, Florida City has experienced flooding and damage over the years from hurricanes and severe storms. The City of Florida City received a grant to conduct a vulnerability assessment for the entire county. To better prepare their residents and resources against future climate events, the City hired our team to develop a comprehensive vulnerability assessment consistent with Florida statutes.

We identified specific flooding locations as well as current and future impacts on critical infrastructure. A key part of our work involved collecting data from community members. For residents in socioeconomically challenged neighborhoods, attending sessions focused on flooding and sea level rise issues over the long term was a low priority. To make public meetings as convenient as possible to access and attend, we held them at the City’s utility bill paying center as well as local grocery and convenience stores. We also hosted public workshops with technical presentations, survey questionnaires, flood maps and graphics.

Alongside educating City employees, the final report includes compiled data and analysis to help the City pursue more resilient and adaptative solutions, protect their assets, and support the continued operations and viability of critical systems.