Multi-Objective Assessment of Flood Adaptation Options in Los Angeles County

Los Angeles County, home to 10 million people and a $712 billion annual economy, faces flood risks 20 times greater than suggested by federally defined floodplains, and Black, Hispanic, and disadvantaged populations are disproportionately exposed to these risks. There is a need for transformative flood infrastructure that simultaneously reduces flood risk, captures more stormwater, restores impaired ecosystems, builds climate resilience across the region, and advances equity.

This project will simulate three flood adaptation approaches:

1. Raising levees

2. Widening rivers with habitat restoration

3. Capturing additional stormwater with more green infrastructure and parks

Researchers will then analyze the costs and benefits of each to provide actionable information to regional government.

The project is led by Dr. Brett Sanders at the University of California, Irvine, in collaboration with Dr. Katharine Mach at the University of Miami, and is funded through the NOAA Effects of Sea Level Rise (ESLR) Program. Read more about the project via NOAA and media coverage from LAist.