Addressing climate resiliency and flood-risk reduction with a step-by-step approach in a framework for community engagement

Fairfax County Equitable Stormwater Management Engagement Framework

In July 2019, Fairfax County endured a severe thunderstorm that dropped up to 5.3 inches (135 millimetres) of rain in one hour, causing devastating flooding and over $15 million in damages. This event, along with recent climate studies, highlighted the urgent need for the Department of Public Works and Environmental Services (DPWES) to assess their flood risks and address climate resilience within the county. The DPWES engaged us to help.

Working with the DPWES Stormwater Planning Division, we developed a two-phase approach aimed at understanding the county’s needs and priorities related to flood risk and reduction efforts, while also establishing equity guidelines. Our team of environmentalists, planners, and designers helped create the Equitable Stormwater Management Engagement Framework, Phase 1. This framework combines a structured process with a step-by-step approach to community engagement—with a specific emphasis on gathering feedback from vulnerable populations and individuals at risk of flooding.

After completing the framework, our team launched an engagement pilot project as part of Phase 2. We focused on developing templates and tools that DPWES staff can use to implement the framework. With this customized and flexible approach, county project managers can tailor engagement methods to the needs of invested parties and each project, selecting the most suitable activities for each stage.

Through implementation of the framework DPWES has a path forward in establishing climate resiliency and enhancing equity for flood affected communities in Fairfax County.