Advancing Racial Justice in Federal Flood Infrastructure Projects - Spring

Advisor: Eileen McGinnis

Team Members: Anna Leslie Beeman, Jennifer Bock, Emily Becker, Cecilia Magos, Maya Navabi, Colleen Neely, Alyssa Ramirez, Celeste Zumwalt

Flood infrastructure policies in the United States have historically prioritized economic efficiency over social equity, resulting in disproportionate flood exposure and recovery challenges for Black communities. Analysis of federal flood infrastructure planning revealed that cost-benefit analysis methods used by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers prioritize property values rather than social vulnerability, leading to underinvestment in low-income and historically marginalized communities. Outdated floodplain maps and incomplete risk assessments further exacerbate disparities by underestimating flood risk in vulnerable areas, limiting access to federal funding for mitigation projects. These systemic factors contribute to inequitable flood protection outcomes and increase long-term climate vulnerability.

Structural and procedural barriers within federal planning processes make it difficult for disadvantaged communities to secure funding for flood protection projects. Requirements for local cost-sharing disproportionately disadvantage low-wealth communities, while complex federal approval processes limit meaningful community participation. Recent policy changes incorporating social vulnerability criteria and expanding federal funding support represent important progress but remain insufficient to address entrenched inequities. Strengthening equity criteria in project evaluation, improving flood risk data accuracy, and increasing federal funding support for underserved communities would improve infrastructure investment outcomes. Expanding the use of nature-based solutions and increasing community engagement in planning processes would also enhance climate resilience while addressing systemic inequities in flood protection.

Learn more about the MPA-ESP Capstone projects.