Application of a Risk-based Asset Management Framework: What Could Go Wrong?

CDM Smith was contracted by the City of Des Moines, Iowa to prepare a citywide stormwater master plan (SMP). The SMP was developed to provide a systematic, prioritized, and proactive framework for addressing the City’s stormwater management challenges. The SMP has consisted of two phases, including a needs assessment (Phase 1) and program planning (Phase 2). Phase 1 included a program audit, review of best practices, and identification of new practices to enhance the City’s stormwater management program, including development of a risk-based asset management framework. During Phase 2, processes identified during Phase 1 were applied to characterize the existing stormwater system and identify capital improvement projects. Overall, the SMP informs future strategies by providing actionable recommendations and processes to manage assets more efficiently. Continued evaluation of level of service objectives, public engagement, and process refinement bring life to the SMP, allowing for future adaptation.