Community-Based Technical Assistance and Advocacy

USL has provided tailored technical assistance and modeling support for local communities to assess and communicate flood risks—helping them make the case for equitable investments.

In Yonkers, flood modeling for the Saw Mill River watershed informed the city’s first Climate Action Plan and supported a feasibility study for green infrastructure investments. USL worked directly with Groundwork Hudson Valley and municipal staff to translate technical results into accessible maps and reports used in public meetings and grant applications.

In Milwaukee, the Flood Health Vulnerability Assessment (FHVA)—a collaborative effort with Groundwork Milwaukee and local health professionals—mapped intersections of flood risk with contaminated industrial sites and vulnerable populations. The analysis revealed that floodwaters in certain neighborhoods may be exposing residents to toxic runoff from brownfields, prompting further investigation by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and support for new community-led mitigation plans.