Economy × Inland Flooding
Inland flooding is the result of moderate precipitation over several days, intense precipitation over a short period, or melting snowpack (U.S. Climate Resilience Toolkit, 2017). In short, more precipitation and/or freshwater enters a community than the community’s stormwater systems and natural systems (such as wetlands and rivers) can handle. Inland flooding is more common in areas adjacent to rivers or other bodies of water, in low-lying areas, and in developed areas where water is less able to drain effectively.
Many Massachusetts communities were built up along the banks of a river, and therefore may have historic downtowns, commercial and business districts, and main streets, that are particularly vulnerable to flooding. Many communities also have aging stormwater infrastructure that may backup, overflow, and cause flooding with more intense precipitation events.
Inability to access the businesses in that
commercial district – like a dentist’s office and grocery store – will have
ramifications for people’s health and wellbeing. Those who rely on those
businesses for work will face lost income, which has greater impacts for those
facing financial insecurity. Transportation and business closures, as well as
temporary and permanent damage to buildings and neighborhoods can have
significant impacts on people’s livelihoods and the local economy.
Inland flooding is the result of moderate precipitation over several days, intense precipitation over a short period, or melting snowpack (U.S. Climate Resilience Toolkit, 2017). In short, more precipitation and/or freshwater enters a community than the community’s stormwater systems and natural systems (such as wetlands and rivers) can handle. Inland flooding is more common in areas adjacent to rivers or other bodies of water, in low-lying areas, and in developed areas where water is less able to drain effectively.
Many Massachusetts communities were built up along the banks of a river, and therefore may have historic downtowns, commercial and business districts, and main streets, that are particularly vulnerable to flooding. Many communities also have aging stormwater infrastructure that may backup, overflow, and cause flooding with more intense precipitation events.
Inability to access the businesses in that
commercial district – like a dentist’s office and grocery store – will have
ramifications for people’s health and wellbeing. Those who rely on those
businesses for work will face lost income, which has greater impacts for those
facing financial insecurity. Transportation and business closures, as well as
temporary and permanent damage to buildings and neighborhoods can have
significant impacts on people’s livelihoods and the local economy.
Questions to Answer
The questions and guided explorations below are designed to assist you with thinking about how inland flooding may impact the economy in your community. Use the Economy x Inland Flooding worksheet to assist you when answering these questions.
The questions and guided explorations below are designed to assist you with thinking about how inland flooding may impact the economy in your community. Use the Economy x Inland Flooding worksheet to assist you when answering these questions.
When a
specific site floods—such as a small business or grocery store—there are
repercussions for community members that use the site, work at the site, or own
the property. Families may lose childcare, employees may lose wages, and business
or building owners may lose business or incur high costs of repair. These factors
can impact financial security and a sense of stability and wellbeing. When a
larger area of a community floods, such as main street or a commercial
district, these impacts multiply. Significant flooding can hurt the local
economy and tax base, and draw heavily on municipal budgets to repair, rebuild,
and adapt.
Guided Exploration:
This guided
exploration allows you to investigate which sites that are important to your
community’s economy may be affected by inland flooding. Some sites will be more vulnerable due to
their location, proximity to impermeable surfaces, the economic sector they’re
associated with, or the sites’ building infrastructure.
Open the GEAR Economy Map and select a municipality. The group of Land Use Data layers helps locate areas with agricultural, commercial, and industrial land uses. Turn on that information
and the Community Components layers to consider which sites
are important to your community’s economy and locations most critical for
protecting people’s health, safety, and financial security in your community.
Expand the Climate Hazard Data group and toggle on the Historic Flood Hazard Datasets subgroup to help identify where flooding has historically occurred in your community.
- Which of the above-identified sites are vulnerable to inland flooding?
- What are some of the impacts flooding could have on these sites?
- Are the impacts quickly resolved once flooding recedes or will they require a longer recovery period?
- How might flooding at these sites have broader or more long-term effects on local economic sectors or the economic health of your city or town?
There are many important economic sites that are not identified on this map. The following series of questions, therefore, rely on the expertise of your community members:
- How might flooding on these sites have broader or more long-term effects on local economic sectors or the economic health of your city or town?
- Are there essential businesses and services located in Flood Hazard areas or other places know to be at risk to flooding?
- Are there sites in your community which generate notable revenue, such as historic, cultural, sporting or performing arts sites frequented by members of the community and visitors?
- Are there major employers in your community? How are they affected by inland flooding?
- Did you identify which transportation corridors will be affected by inland flooding via the Infrastructure x Inland Flooding guide?
- What are the ramifications of the closures of these major corridors?
Read More About Related Impacts in the Massachusetts Climate Change Assessment:
- Damage to Tourist Attractions and Recreation Amenities A130 (top impact Berkshires & Hilltowns)
- Decrease in Agricultural Productivity page A139 (top impact Greater Connecticut River Valley, Central)
- Economic Losses from Commercial Structure Damage and Business Interruptions A123 (top impact Boston Harbor)
When a
specific site floods—such as a small business or grocery store—there are
repercussions for community members that use the site, work at the site, or own
the property. Families may lose childcare, employees may lose wages, and business
or building owners may lose business or incur high costs of repair. These factors
can impact financial security and a sense of stability and wellbeing. When a
larger area of a community floods, such as main street or a commercial
district, these impacts multiply. Significant flooding can hurt the local
economy and tax base, and draw heavily on municipal budgets to repair, rebuild,
and adapt.
Guided Exploration:
This guided
exploration allows you to investigate which sites that are important to your
community’s economy may be affected by inland flooding. Some sites will be more vulnerable due to
their location, proximity to impermeable surfaces, the economic sector they’re
associated with, or the sites’ building infrastructure.
Open the GEAR Economy Map and select a municipality. The group of Land Use Data layers helps locate areas with agricultural, commercial, and industrial land uses. Turn on that information
and the Community Components layers to consider which sites
are important to your community’s economy and locations most critical for
protecting people’s health, safety, and financial security in your community.
Expand the Climate Hazard Data group and toggle on the Historic Flood Hazard Datasets subgroup to help identify where flooding has historically occurred in your community.
- Which of the above-identified sites are vulnerable to inland flooding?
- What are some of the impacts flooding could have on these sites?
- Are the impacts quickly resolved once flooding recedes or will they require a longer recovery period?
- How might flooding at these sites have broader or more long-term effects on local economic sectors or the economic health of your city or town?
There are many important economic sites that are not identified on this map. The following series of questions, therefore, rely on the expertise of your community members:
- How might flooding on these sites have broader or more long-term effects on local economic sectors or the economic health of your city or town?
- Are there essential businesses and services located in Flood Hazard areas or other places know to be at risk to flooding?
- Are there sites in your community which generate notable revenue, such as historic, cultural, sporting or performing arts sites frequented by members of the community and visitors?
- Are there major employers in your community? How are they affected by inland flooding?
- Did you identify which transportation corridors will be affected by inland flooding via the Infrastructure x Inland Flooding guide?
- What are the ramifications of the closures of these major corridors?
Read More About Related Impacts in the Massachusetts Climate Change Assessment:
- Damage to Tourist Attractions and Recreation Amenities A130 (top impact Berkshires & Hilltowns)
- Decrease in Agricultural Productivity page A139 (top impact Greater Connecticut River Valley, Central)
- Economic Losses from Commercial Structure Damage and Business Interruptions A123 (top impact Boston Harbor)
Flooding in
a community will affect everyone who uses the areas that are flooded, such as
people who depend on transportation routes that cross through those areas, or
who work, live, own property, or rely on goods or services in those areas. Even
so, these impacts from flooding disproportionately affect some people more than
others.
Individuals
with limited income are disproportionately affected by marginal changes in
earned wages (MCCA, 2022, Volume II, p. 134).
When business closures or other constraints such as transportation
interruptions or loss of childcare prevent people from being able to work, these
individuals are more affected. They may already be directing nearly all of
their paychecks to the absolute essentials like housing, food, and medical
care, or even forgo some. Lost wages from flooding could make their financial
situation much worse. Likewise, community members who rely on public
assistance, shelters, food banks, or mutual aid networks will be significantly
affected if unable to access this support.
Additionally,
people who must work in-person will be more affected than those who can work
remotely, and studies show race and income play a factor in who can work remotely.
In May 2020, following the initial COVID-19 breakout, nearly 40 percent of
white workers telecommuted from home, compared to 25 percent of Black workers
and 23 percent of Hispanic workers. While 46 percent of workers from
high-income households worked from home, only 31 percent of middle-income
earners and 18 percent of low-income earners did the same (MCCA, 2022, Volume II, p. 135-136).
Guided Exploration:
Answer
the following questions with community members to understand how community
members’ livelihoods may be disproportionately affected by inland flooding. You can also open the GEAR Economy Map and explore the EJ and Other Priority Populations group to think about people who might be more vulnerable to inland flooding because of existing inequities.
- In the Guided Exploration above, you identified how inland flooding will affect some places of employment. Expand on that exploration with the following questions:
- Who works in places that will be affected by inland flooding?
- How will disruptions from flooding affect people’s ability to get to work?
- What types of support or assistance policies are in place (or could be in place) to reduce the impact of these disruptions?
- Which kinds of jobs are commonly held in your community (e.g., hospitality, healthcare, landscaping)?
- How will disruptions due to flooding affect the work these people do?
- How might EJ and Other Priority Populations face unique challenges created by flooding in your community?
- What types of support or assistance policies are in place (or could be in place) to reduce the impact of these disruptions for people with these lived experiences?
Read More About Related Impacts in the Massachusetts Climate Change Assessment:
- Reduced Ability to Work page 131 (top impact Statewide; Central; Eastern Inland; North & South Shores)
Flooding in
a community will affect everyone who uses the areas that are flooded, such as
people who depend on transportation routes that cross through those areas, or
who work, live, own property, or rely on goods or services in those areas. Even
so, these impacts from flooding disproportionately affect some people more than
others.
Individuals
with limited income are disproportionately affected by marginal changes in
earned wages (MCCA, 2022, Volume II, p. 134).
When business closures or other constraints such as transportation
interruptions or loss of childcare prevent people from being able to work, these
individuals are more affected. They may already be directing nearly all of
their paychecks to the absolute essentials like housing, food, and medical
care, or even forgo some. Lost wages from flooding could make their financial
situation much worse. Likewise, community members who rely on public
assistance, shelters, food banks, or mutual aid networks will be significantly
affected if unable to access this support.
Additionally,
people who must work in-person will be more affected than those who can work
remotely, and studies show race and income play a factor in who can work remotely.
In May 2020, following the initial COVID-19 breakout, nearly 40 percent of
white workers telecommuted from home, compared to 25 percent of Black workers
and 23 percent of Hispanic workers. While 46 percent of workers from
high-income households worked from home, only 31 percent of middle-income
earners and 18 percent of low-income earners did the same (MCCA, 2022, Volume II, p. 135-136).
Guided Exploration:
Answer
the following questions with community members to understand how community
members’ livelihoods may be disproportionately affected by inland flooding. You can also open the GEAR Economy Map and explore the EJ and Other Priority Populations group to think about people who might be more vulnerable to inland flooding because of existing inequities.
- In the Guided Exploration above, you identified how inland flooding will affect some places of employment. Expand on that exploration with the following questions:
- Who works in places that will be affected by inland flooding?
- How will disruptions from flooding affect people’s ability to get to work?
- What types of support or assistance policies are in place (or could be in place) to reduce the impact of these disruptions?
- Which kinds of jobs are commonly held in your community (e.g., hospitality, healthcare, landscaping)?
- How will disruptions due to flooding affect the work these people do?
- How might EJ and Other Priority Populations face unique challenges created by flooding in your community?
- What types of support or assistance policies are in place (or could be in place) to reduce the impact of these disruptions for people with these lived experiences?
Read More About Related Impacts in the Massachusetts Climate Change Assessment:
- Reduced Ability to Work page 131 (top impact Statewide; Central; Eastern Inland; North & South Shores)
Investigate GEAR Map Data Layers
Explore the Economy map to learn more about how inland flooding may impact the economy in your community. The list at the right provides an overview of the data layers included in the map, as well as a detailed description of each layer.
Explore the Economy map to learn more about how inland flooding may impact the economy in your community. The list at the right provides an overview of the data layers included in the map, as well as a detailed description of each layer.
The National Flood Hazard Layer (NFHL) dataset represents the current effective flood risk data for those parts of the country where maps have been modernized by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
The FEMA Q3 layer identifies areas that have historically been at risk of flooding - this data is from flood insurance rate paper maps (FRMs) where no NFHL data exists. The data should be used to identify areas of uncertainty and areas with possible flood risk.
Town and City Halls are primary municipal executive offices in Massachusetts. They can provide many essential social services and play essential roles in furthering resilience planning and resilience building actions for their communities.
This layer contains the locations of licensed
nursing homes, rest homes and assisted living residences in Massachusetts.
Those living and working in these facilities may be more vulnerable to climate
impacts like power outages and heat waves, which can further existing health
and mobility challenges that residents may have and staff persons need to
navigate.
Childcare Centers provide care and educational services for their clients, but can also provide essential resources and information. For example, parents and guardians may rely on services which provide their child with social and emotional wellness, meals, and child supervision during work hours. This layer displays information from MassGIS.
Schools attended by students from
pre-kindergarten through high school provide educational services for those
students, but also provide essential resources and information. For example,
caregivers may rely on services which provide their child with social and
emotional wellness, meals, and before- and after-school care. Schools often
have a strong understanding of food insecurity and other challenges among their
student body. They may also play a role in emergency response.
Institutions of higher education are centers of
research and innovation, many of which have a strong connection to nearby
communities. Colleges and universities may play an essential role in
disseminating information, and may also serve as major employers in the
community.
Libraries can provide many services for communities,
including free access to computers and the internet. People access and attend
important resources and events at libraries, including tutoring support,
college preparatory support, job training support, accessibility tools, and
cultural events. Libraries often play a role in emergency response, such as serving
as cooling centers during heatwaves.
This subset of the MassGIS 2016 Land Cover/Land Use data shows areas with commercial or mixed land use. Commercial areas may be able to provide resources, but if they are affected by a hazard, it may have economic impacts.
This subset of the MassGIS 2016 Land Cover/Land Use data shows areas with industrial land use. Climate impacts on these areas may have economic or ecological implications.
To promote and protect water-dependent industrial
uses, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts has established 10 Designated Port
Areas (DPAs). DPAs have features important for water-dependent industrial
uses—such as commercial fishing, shipping, and other vessel-related marine
commercial activities—and/or for manufacturing, processing, research, and
production activities that require marine transportation or access to large
volumes of water.
Impervious surfaces
influence surface land temperatures and flood storage capacity. Removing
impervious surfaces can prevent potentially deadly illnesses, lower energy
costs to cool buildings, and reduce flood risks, by providing cooling benefits
as well as preventing flooding.
Percent of population 25+ years old without high school diplomas or post-secondary degrees. This group can face limited employment prospects, higher unemployment rates, and lower earnings - which can lead to financial insecurity. Not completing high school or post-secondary education is also linked to a variety of factors that can negatively impact health. ACS 2017 - 2021.
Environmental justice (EJ) populations, i.e., block groups are defined in Chapter 8 of the Acts of 2021 and the 2021 EEA EJ Policy. EJ populations are those segments of the population that EEA has determined to be most at risk of being unaware of or unable to participate in environmental decision-making or to gain access to state environmental resources or are especially vulnerable. 2020 block groups, updated in Nov 2022.
Actions to Consider
Communities can take a number of steps to build resilience to the impacts of inland flooding on the local economy. Some actions may include:
Communities can take a number of steps to build resilience to the impacts of inland flooding on the local economy. Some actions may include:
Provide education and resources that help businesses prepare for climate change. Partner with local Chambers of Commerce, Downtown or Main Street organizations, and organizations connected to minority, women, or veteran-owned businesses (for example, Black Owned Brockton). Begin by educating businesses on local coastal flooding and other climate change projections and invite discussions on gaps in preparedness and resource needs. Identify and train one or more paid resilient business liaisons who can facilitate access to resources that close those gaps and provide education on pertinent topics like adapting work practices in hazardous conditions. Some metrics to track include number of businesses engaged, number taking advantage of grants and other resources, and those with adapted work practices. Identify opportunities to build long-term capacity to maintain resilient business liaisons.
See the MVP 2.0 "Green & Resilient Business Initiative" Seed Project one-pager for more details and ideas.
Work with impacted stakeholders to help them understand their current and future risk from flooding. Provide resources to assist property owners and businesses with physical improvements to better prepare for storm and flooding events. Flood resilient design may include landscaping improvements such as permeable paving surfaces, rain gardens, bioswales, and green infrastructure. Flood resilient construction may include elevating mechanical equipment, using water resistant building materials, and sealing the building's exterior to flood waters. Provide technical and financial assistance to develop and implement said improvements. Work with the business community to market your resilient business toolkits and provide training sessions.
Explore these tool kits from the city of Cambridge to learn more about economic resilience:
Explore MVP Projects
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Related Guides
Explore how coastal flooding will impact community members' ability to work.
Explore how coastal flooding will impact community members' ability to work.
Explore how inland flooding causes service disruptions and damage to various infrastructural systems, making it more difficult for people and goods to move around and for people to access essential utilities.
Explore how inland flooding causes service disruptions and damage to various infrastructural systems, making it more difficult for people and goods to move around and for people to access essential utilities.