Cities across the US are reducing risky floodplain development, but Louisiana and Florida remain outliers

New research shows that most U.S. towns have reduced or eliminated floodplain construction through local practices like zoning changes, though some states still build extensively in risky areas.

Jake Bittle reports for Grist.

In short:

• The U.S. has built fewer homes in floodplains since 2001 than previously thought, with most construction concentrated in Louisiana and Florida.
• Simple local measures like zoning adjustments have effectively curbed floodplain development in many states, notably New Jersey.
• Outdated FEMA flood maps limit regulation effectiveness, leaving some flood-prone areas under-protected.

Key quote:

“We are building a lot in floodplains, but it’s not as bad as you think. Avoiding development in floodplains is doable, and we can do even more of it.”

— Miyuki Hino, professor of urban planning at UNC Chapel Hill

Why this matters:

As climate risks increase, reducing floodplain development can prevent costly flood damage. However, accurate maps and tailored local interventions are essential for addressing remaining gaps.