*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 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.
Last Updated: April 24, 2024
An Ohio farmer’s use of cover crops year-round and not tilling his fields led to increased crop productivity, reduced costs for fertilizer and pesticides and increased carbon sequestered into the soil. He encourages other farmers to adopt his methods both locally and globally.
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.
Last Updated: April 24, 2024
In North Carolina's Outer Banks, the coastal Town of Nags Head used the Vulnerability Consequences and Adaptation Planning Scenario (VCAPS) tool in an open public planning process. The town used the results of this visual, participatory tool to incorporate coastal hazards in its subsequent comprehensive plan update.
Published: March 1, 2024
Construction on high elevation slopes and ridges can disturb environments and increase the chances of a landslide. Buncombe County included overlay districts its zoning ordinance that increase safety and decrease environmental impacts from new development on slopes and ridges.