Webinar Recap: Floodplain Management and Resilience Resources for Disadvantaged Communities in New York State

Flooding impacts communities in different ways, but disadvantaged communities often face the greatest challenges. In our most recent webinar, Floodplain Management and Resilience Resources for Disadvantaged Communities in New York State, Brad Wenskoski, CFM reviewed new resources and programs designed to help disadvantaged communities meet FEMA standards and qualify for the Community Rating System (CRS) program across New York.

Brad shared information on New York's Climate Act, which acknowledges that climate change disproportionately affects certain communities, particularly Disadvantaged Communities (DACs). He explained that 45 indicators are used to identify that 35% of New York qualifies as DACs under the Climate Act. These indicators include both coastal and inland flooding risks, underscoring how these flood-prone regions face heightened risk and vulnerability from the combined effects of climate change and socio-economic challenges. Brad also shared how Potential Environmental Justice Areas (PEJAs), identified through U.S. Census data, spotlight areas that have experienced disproportionate negative impacts from environmental pollution. In flood-prone regions, the combined threats of climate change and socio-economic disparities intensify risk and vulnerability.

Brad and his team have developed valuable resources for floodplain managers and community leaders to better understand and support disadvantaged communities. Brad walked through some of these resources, including FEMA's National Risk Index and New York’s Environmental Justice GIS tools, which offer critical data for identifying and mitigating environmental risks. Brad also shared the NYSERDA's Disadvantaged Communities Criteria, Floodplain Management in New York Quick Guide, and After the Flood Guide, which help communities access resources tailored for high-risk areas.

The webinar highlighted the importance of leveraging data-driven tools and fostering collaboration to address environmental justice, enhance community resilience, and promote equitable floodplain management in New York's most vulnerable regions.

The webinar presentation can be downloaded here.

Our webinars are hosted periodically to foster knowledge-sharing within the floodplain management community. Sign up for our monthly newsletter to be notified about the next one!  Please reach out support@withforerunner.com or request a demo to learn more about Forerunner.