Murdick, Amy

Presented at WEFTEC 2023.

Titles from this speaker

Prioritizing Equity in Policy and Infrastructure Investment in Boulder, Colorado

Abstract

Policy, zoning, and infrastructure investment decisions have created racial inequities that are still felt today. With infrastructure lifespans typically ranging to 100 years, inequities caused by infrastructure investments last for generations. Furthermore, investments in white and affluent communities far outpace the investments seen in segregated communities. Typical methods use a “losses avoided” approach to calculate project benefits that frequently results in benefit-cost ratios that favor projects in affluent areas as opposed to addressing ability to recover and life safety. With community input, the City of Boulder developed a multi-criteria decision analysis to incorporate numerous criteria, including racial equity. This paper examines the methods used to reach community members from underrepresented communities. The results of this engagement influenced how equity was incorporated into prioritizing flood projects. The model, along with metrics used to quantify equity, are presented to demonstrate how this process allows the utility to do the greatest good, first

The Comprehensive Flood and Stormwater Master Plan provides the policy framework for implementing programs and projects in the City of Boulder's Stormwater and Flood Management Utility. The most recent update to the Master Plan was informed by community input, lessons learned from the 2013 flood, Boulder's Racial Equity Plan, increasing evidence of climate change, and other considerations to protect people, property, and ecosystems in a way that builds community and infrastructure resilience.

SpeakerMurdick, Amy

Presentation time

16:35:00

16:50:00

Session time

15:30:00

17:00:00

SessionEquitable Service Delivery Approaches and Community Bridging

Session locationRoom S502 - Level 5

TopicDiversity, Equity & Inclusion, Intermediate Level, Public Communication and Outreach, Research and Innovation, Utility Management and Leadership

Author(s)

Murdick, Amy

Author(s)A. Murdick 1; B. Coleman 2 ; V. Scharnhorst 3; A. Murdick 1; B. Coleman 2; D. Christian 4;

Author affiliation(s)City and County of Denver, CO 1; City of Boulder, CO 2 ; Tetra Tech 3; City and County of Denver, CO 1; City of Boulder, CO 2; Tetra Tech 4;

SourceProceedings of the Water Environment Federation

Document typeConference Paper

PublisherWater Environment Federation

Print publication date Oct 2023

DOI10.2175/193864718825159026

Volume / Issue

Content sourceWEFTEC

Word count11