*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.
Published: March 1, 2024
The town of Sunset Beach, N.C., experiences repetitive flooding, coastal erosion, wind damage from hurricanes and rising sea levels. To manage these impacts, town officials and residents decided to install a living shoreline.
Last Updated: April 17, 2024
After assessing its ability to meet increased demand for water, the water utility in Tampa Bay diversified its water sources. Tampa Bay Water estimated its source water vulnerability, given projected changes in precipitation levels and saltwater intrusion. Now, the utility delivers water using groundwater, surface water and desalinated water.
Last Updated: June 8, 2021
North Carolina Sea Grant, NC State University, NC Department of Transportation and NC Emergency Management collaborated with stakeholders in Smithfield, Goldsboro and Kinston to identify locations with frequent and severe flooding. They focused on the transportation network. Researchers modeled proposed solutions to identify the most effective path forward.
Published: March 1, 2024
Streambank erosion along the Swannanoa River in Black Mountain, N.C. was threating town facilities, degrading water quality and contributing to flash flooding. The Town addressed the issue by stabilizing the river’s eroded banks, lowering the bank slopes and creating a more natural bank, as well as repairing the stream bed.
Published: March 1, 2024
Counties, municipalities and water authorities came together to establish the Triangle Water Supply Partnership. The group helps manage water supplies across six counties in North Carolina. They develop and regularly update models and plans to determine how to meet each member's long-term water supply needs within the region’s sustainable capacity.