Focusing on Low-Middle Income Communities

Summary

This solution understands that in developing resiliency programs, Low and Middle income community members often face the most abrupt risks in the event of a storm or natural disaster. This increased vulnerability is a product of both geographic and socioeconomic exposure. In the case of Shelby County, TN, those from lower income brackets live in locations that are easier to afford--the same locations that are closest to watersheds that flood during a storm. The resiliency program that Shelby Country is developing places high priority on addressing the needs of these groups. Throughout the planning process these stakeholders were given an active voice in discussions. The three watershed zones chosen for formal resiliency projects within Shelby County all are comprised of significant populations of Low-Middle income residents.