Success Stories

*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.

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Scenes of the waterfront downtown Hampton, Va., including the Historically Black College and University (HBCU) Hampton University on Oct. 29, 2021. (Source: Aileen Devlin/Virginia Sea Grant)

Virginia’s Coastal Resilience Master Plan improves community resilience while prioritizing environmental justice

Last Updated: February 13, 2024
 

To enhance its resilience to sea level rise, Virginia released its Coastal Resilience Master Plan in December 2021. The plan development process recognized that overburdened, underserved communities were not always adequately prioritized in infrastructure and resilience projects. The State worked with these communities to prioritize environmental justice-focused projects.


Success Story Details

Wake County Parks, Recreation and Open Space staff lead a tour through the fall foliage at Historic Yates Mill County Park, Wake County. (Source: Wake County Government)

Wake County completes a tree canopy assessment

Published: March 1, 2024
 

Wake County conducted an urban tree canopy assessment. The County wanted to understand how it can manage its tree canopy to mitigate urban heat islands and improve environmental equity, flooding and stormwater runoff issues. The project included 12 municipalities. The report identified priority locations for future planting projects.


Success Story Details

Located in an area that suffered severe damage from Hurricanes Matthew and Florence, the Eatmon Townhomes community was strategically built outside the 100-year floodplain, which will decrease the risk of future flooding. (Source: NC Office of Recovery and Resiliency)

Wilson Housing Authority replaces vulnerable public housing in safer location nearby

Published: March 1, 2024
 

Flooding from Hurricane Matthew rendered scores of public housing units in Wilson uninhabitable. In response, Wilson Housing Authority constructed Eatmon Townhomes. The new affordable housing project includes 32 new units outside the floodplain.


Success Story Details

View of NYC skyline at night from across the Hudson River.

Working together to keep the lights on in New York City

Last Updated: April 24, 2024
 

Hurricane Sandy caused significant damage to New York City’s energy grid. The city examined the future vulnerability of electrical infrastructure and took action to increase its resilience. NYC’s utility company strengthened flood barriers, made equipment submersible, raised or relocated critical equipment and more.


Success Story Details