*Disclaimer: Communities across North Carolina are exposed to climate hazards and natural disasters. The case studies contained in the Success Stories database show communities’ commitment to reducing risks to their residents and planning for the future. However, disasters can overwhelm both nature-based and engineered solutions. No approach or project can mitigate all risks. These stories highlight how communities use creativity and innovation to develop processes, partnerships and funding strategies for resilience projects.
View case studies on how leaders in North Carolina and beyond are building community and ecosystem resilience. To filter the results, select the categories you are interested in and scroll down to select "Apply." Submit your resilience success story.
Last Updated: April 24, 2024
Asheville, N.C., used the U.S. Climate Resilience Toolkit’s Steps to Resilience framework to host a series of planning workshops. Residents and local leaders identified the city’s primary hazards, located the physical assets most vulnerable to those hazards and investigated response and preparedness options.
Published: March 1, 2024
The River Arts District in Asheville, N.C., was vulnerable to flooding due to its location within the floodplains of both the French Broad and Swannanoa Rivers. The City of Asheville used the River Arts District Transportation Improvement Project to reinvigorate the area and manage flooding on-site.
Last Updated: April 9, 2024
The Augusta Canal Authority analyzed the climate vulnerability of a brownfield redevelopment as part of an EPA checklist. The site is vulnerable to more frequent and intense flooding, which can impact the mobility of contaminated material left onsite. Based on findings, the landowner removed contaminated soils rather than capping them.
Published: March 1, 2024
Brevard’s City Council updated the Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance after two hurricanes caused immense damage. The new ordinance requires that proposed developments not increase risk to residents or properties downstream.
Published: March 1, 2024
Local governments in the Charlotte, N.C. region established a merged city-county stormwater utility. The merged utility reduced flood risk in the region using floodplain buyouts.