Moving People Out of Flood Zones Is a Win-Win Strategy

As the threat of flooding increases, buyout programs to relocate homeowners are a better alternative to rebuilding—for cities and residents.

1 minute read

July 16, 2019, 12:00 PM PDT

By Camille Fink


Flooding

nevieklejigh94 / Flickr

John Schwartz reports on buyout programs that pay homeowners to move out of flood-prone areas. Cities can then level homes and turn the land into open space and green infrastructure to help mitigate future flooding impacts.

It is a more cost-effective strategy than rebuilding. "The costs of flooding continue to climb, but only 20 percent of the money that the Federal Emergency Management Agency distributes in disaster grants is earmarked for pre-disaster work, even though research shows that a dollar spent on mitigation before a disaster strikes results in at least six dollars in savings," writes Schwartz.

Over 20 years ago, Nashville started buying homes in hazardous areas, and the city's successful program is a model for planning ahead of flooding disasters. Many residents welcome the option to relocate, but cities executing buyout programs still face an uphill battle with long-term residents or when the financial benefits might not be substantial enough.

"Nicholas Pinter, the associate director of the center for watershed sciences at the University of California, Davis, said the challenges to 'overcoming social inertia' are so high because of 'the intense sense of place that people have,'" notes Schwartz.

Saturday, July 6, 2019 in The New York Times

View form second story inside Southdale Mall in Edina, Minnesota with escalators and model cars parked on downstairs floor.

The Mall Is Dead — Long Live the Mall

The American shopping mall may be closer to its original vision than ever.

March 21, 2024 - Governing

View of Austin, Texas skyline with river in foreground during morning golden hour.

The Paradox of American Housing

How the tension between housing as an asset and as an essential good keeps the supply inadequate and costs high.

March 26, 2024 - The Atlantic

Houston, Texas skyline.

Report: Las Vegas, Houston Top List of Least Affordable Cities

The report assesses the availability of affordable rental units for low-income households.

March 22, 2024 - Urban Edge

Aerial view of Anchorage, Alaska downtown with mountains in background at golden hour.

Anchorage Leaders Debate Zoning Reform Plan

Last year, the city produced the fewest new housing units in a decade.

March 28 - Anchorage Daily News

Young man in wheelchair crossing zebra crosswalk.

How to Protect Pedestrians With Disabilities

Public agencies don’t track traffic deaths and injuries involving disabled people, leaving a gap in data to guide safety interventions.

March 28 - Governing

Aerial view of mountain town of Steamboat Springs, Colorado in the winter with snow at dusk.

Colorado Town Fills Workforce Housing Need With ‘Dorm-Style’ Housing

Median rent in Steamboat Springs is $4,000 per month.

March 28 - CBS News

News from HUD User

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

Call for Speakers

Mpact Transit + Community

New Updates on PD&R Edge

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.