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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View of the Georgetown Waterfront Park in the Georgetown neighborhood of Washington, D.C. The Francis Scott Key Bridge, which connects Georgetown to Rosslyn, Va., is in the background. The Whitehurst Freeway can be seen on the far right. (Source: Elvert Barnes Photography)

Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments identified smart growth strategies for more resilient communities

Last Updated: April 10, 2024
 

The Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments worked with EPA to develop climate adaptation policy options for its local jurisdictions to consider. The project sought to help local communities prepare for climate change impacts while bringing other environmental, economic and social benefits.


Success Story Details

View of Snake River Canyon from the Perrine Memorial Bridge in Twin Falls, Idaho. (Source: chadh)

Moving forward together: Building tribal resiliency and partnerships

Last Updated: April 24, 2024
 

The four member tribes of the Upper Snake River Tribes Foundation collaborated on a climate change vulnerability assessment. The results include locally relevant climate change vulnerability rankings for 16 habitats, plants and animals. The project also produced a series of handouts summarizing climate change vulnerability in the area’s watershed.


Success Story Details

An aerial photo of the head scarp of a landslide and the large landslide track in western North Carolina. (Source: NC Geological Survey)

NC Geological Survey and the National Weather Service host a landslide workshop

Published: March 1, 2024
 

The NC Geological Survey and a local branch of the National Weather Service hosted a workshop for state agencies and universities to foster interagency cooperation on landslides. The event helped establish a network that coordinates local landslide predictions, public communications and response efforts.


Success Story Details

Community members attend a workshop on the New Bern Resiliency and Hazard Mitigation Plan. (Source: City of New Bern)

New Bern integrates resilience into hazard mitigation plan

Published: March 1, 2024
 

After New Bern sustained almost $100 million in flooding damages from Hurricane Florence, the City integrated resilience into its Hazard Mitigation Plan. The plan highlights climate vulnerabilities and recommends helpful strategies for building a path towards resilience. Since the plan’s release, New Bern has already begun the design phase of two resilience projects.


Success Story Details

Spring views of the Jack Smith Creek Stormwater Wetlands. (Source: Avery Smith)

New Bern project grows natural stormwater resilience while improving native ecosystems

Published: March 1, 2024
 

The City of New Bern constructed and protected wetlands on a 51-acre site to improve the quality of stormwater runoff and reduce flooding. New Bern used a conservation easement to complete the project. The wetlands capture and treat runoff from over 1,000 acres of commercial and residential land.


Success Story Details