Overview

In May of 2020, a Michigan dam collapsed after a heavy rainfall. The resulting flood forced thousands to flee their homes and will cost upwards of $175 million dollars. Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer called it “an event unlike anything we’ve ever seen in 500 years”. Michigan is having to seek federal funding to try and support and rebuild the community.

More and more communities will be faced with unprecedented challenges due to the increase of extreme weather events and ageing grey infrastructure. After the economic losses of COVID19, any extreme weather event resulting in damage will further hinder a city’s health, wealth and prosperity.

Green infrastructure is a low-cost and effective solution that can reduce the burden on our ageing storm infrastructure and reduce floods while also providing a host of public and private benefits. New technology can help monitor and support a city’s tracking and response to flooding before it becomes a crisis. Both avenues support community resilience, create much-needed jobs and are part of a COVID19 recovery plan.

GRHC’s virtual symposium will explore innovative technologies, creative design strategies and new policy measures that will help create more liveable cities, support economic growth through job creation and improve resilience.