*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
Coastal erosion repeatedly damaged bike paths and parking lots near Ventura, Calif. Potential solutions for erosion management generated conflict among different local user groups. After more than a decade of effort to build consensus, a coastal retreat strategy identified ways to remove build infrastructure from natural beach erosion processes.
Last Updated: March 27, 2024
Rhode Island is working to increase equitable access to nature across the state through a suite of urban forest planning tools, policy initiatives and financing mechanisms.
Last Updated: February 1, 2024
Salt Lake City’s sustainability plan sets goals to improve air quality, protect community health and reduce particulate matter and ozone pollution — both of which are likely to increase because of climate change. The plan identified strategies, many of which are transportation-focused, to reduce current and future air pollution.
Last Updated: April 17, 2024
San Francisco collaborated with partners to evaluate, assess and clean up a former boatyard on a coastal brownfield. The City purchased the property to remediate the brownfield and convert it into a park. The project creates greenspace in a community with environmental justice concerns. The design accommodates sea level rise.
Last Updated: December 19, 2023
New Hampshire’s regional Rockingham Planning Commission developed tools to help communities prioritize resources to respond to sea level rise. They used mapping data to create visual, numerical and presentation-based products. These products supported the adaptation planning process and helped area communities identify at-risk assets.