In recent years, public works agencies have faced an unprecedented growth of homeless encampments near flood damage reduction systems. This poses a risk both to those living in these encampments and to neighboring communities dependent on those systems for flood protection.
To address this complex issue, NAFSMA has put together this page to share resources and best practices from across the nation.
In 2022 NAFSMA documented three communities approaches on this issue in two videos, a short version that provides a high level summary and longer format version that provides more detail. Thank you to Valley Water in Santa Clara, California, the City of Elk Grove, California, and Clark County Regional Flood Control District in Las Vegas, Nevada for sharing your stories and strategies. We would also like to thank Brett Vail from Escaped from LA Films for his time, commitment and care in making these videos.
Short Version ~ 3 mintues
More detailed Video ~ 12 minutes
Resources
NAFSMA has convened two webinars on this issue. The videos below break down the webinars into specific topics. A presentation from FEMA’s High Water Mark Group on engagement with transient communities is also linked.
October 2022-Scott Shapiro from Downey Brand provides an update on legal cases around public works agencies and encampments.
October 2022-Mark Strudley from Pajaro Regional Flood Management Agency discusses court decision to allow removal of an encampment for operations and maintenance.
March 2023-FEMA High Water Meeting with Riverside County Flood Control presenting on engagement strategy for the transient population during a levee rehabilitation project.
April 2021-Discussion on innovative ways that public agencies are addressing impacts through legislative strategies, reimbursements to encampments for cleanup efforts and state mitigation credits for cleanup efforts.
Public Works Agency Resources
October 2022-Helene Schneider from US Interagency Council on Homelessness discusses resources for addressing encampments.
October 2022-Darren Suen from Central Valley Flood Protection Board provides a local perspective on the issue.
April 2021-The Martin v. City of Boise Case in the 9th Circuit Court has shaped how public agencies engage with encampments on public land. Scott Shapiro from Downey Brand discusses the decision with Samuel Eckman, Attorney at Gibson Dunn who represented City of Boise for their Supreme Court Appeal.
April 2021 - Discussion on Las Vegas Police Departments coordination program with non-profits and houseless support services and Clark County, NV Regional Flood Control District structural fixes and capital planning. Panel on the role of the federal government and potential resources in supporting public agencies on this issue.
Slide Decks from Presentations
Agencies and Non-Profits that provide resources
Trauma Informed Care for Land & Water Stewards provides training and tools to better engage with unhoused people in the outdoors.
US Interagency Council on Homelessness has resource page for Addressing Encampments. This page includes case studies on on how to increase permanent housing, coordinated outreach, and action plans.