Durham Strategic Plan Dashboard
Prosperity
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Initiative: 5.22 Conduct community resiliency planning
Thriving & Vibrant Environment
Description
A healthy, resilient community is prepared to weather the irreversible impacts of climate change - and continue to thrive. We know that these impacts do not affect everyone in the City in the same way. Communities of low wealth and communities of color that are often the most vulnerable to climate impacts are also the least able to bounce back when disaster strikes. This initiative will conduct community resilience planning that will cocreate solutions. Solutions may include nature-based initiatives, such as planting more trees in urban heat islands, clean energy initiatives, such as installing solar and storage in Neighborhood Resilience Hubs, and coordinating services, education and outreach to help residents prepare and cope with climate-related and other emergencies.
Key Measures & Data Analysis
Climate vulnerability refers to the degree to which the environment, infrastructure, communities, and individuals of an area are at risk of being affected by climate change. A study in 2023 by the Environmental Defense Fund and Texas A&M University produced the U.S. Climate Vulnerability Index, a tool that quantifies the climate vulnerability of specific areas. This index combines environmental, social, economic, and infrastructure effects on neighborhood-level stability.
Based on this index, 20% of Durham County residents are among the most vulnerable to climate change in the nation.
Climate Vulnerability in Durham County
Why is it important?
Durham residents are already feeling the impacts of climate change: extreme heat, flooding, more frequent and severe storms, and worsening air pollution. An equitable, sustainable and collaborative Community Resilience Plan will ensure that our residents are better prepared to cope with climate impacts before, during and after an emergency.
What have we been doing?
We have been working on the following activities in support of this initiative:
- researching and working to pilot resilience hubs in at-risk neighborhoods. Resilience hubs provide a place for the community to go for support during extreme weather events and provide a gathering and educational space the rest of the time.
- working with Central Pines Regional Council (CPRC) to develop budget estimates for creating a Community Resilience Plan
- applying for grants to support pilot implementations of resilience hubs and to expand urban forestry
What's next?
We are requesting funding for FY2026 to construct a Community Resilience Plan. Should we secure funding, we will work to complete this plan by the end of FY2026.
City Website Home Page: Durham, NC | Official Website (durhamnc.gov)
Budget Website Page: Budget & Management Services Department | Durham, NC (durhamnc.gov)
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