September 11, 2026
By Allison Whitsitt, Director of Emergency Management and Audrey Fincannon, Area Manager, ROW, WSB
Flooding continues to impact communities across the country, causing repeated property damage, straining local resources, and increasing recovery costs. For cities and counties facing recurring flood events, voluntary buyout programs can provide a long-term solution that reduces risk while improving community resilience. These programs allow property owners in high-risk flood areas to relocate to safer locations, helping communities protect residents, reduce future flood losses, and support long term planning efforts.
While buyout programs are often misunderstood, they are designed to benefit both property owners and communities. Participating property owners receive fair market value for their property and, in some cases, additional relocation assistance through available funding programs. Once acquired, properties are removed from the floodplain and converted into permanent open space, creating opportunities for parks, trails, green space, and other community amenities that are less vulnerable to future flooding. This approach not only reduces future flood damage but also creates lasting value for the community.
One of the greatest challenges communities face is finding the funding and staff capacity needed to move a buyout program forward. Significant grant funding is available through federal and state programs, but navigating eligibility requirements, application processes, matching fund requirements, and compliance obligations can be overwhelming. Many communities simply do not have the time or resources to manage these efforts internally, resulting in valuable funding being left on the table. Developing a strategy before the next flood event can help communities position themselves to secure funding and advance projects when opportunities arise.
WSB helps communities navigate these complexities from start to finish. We begin by evaluating flood risks, identifying available funding sources, and developing a strategy that aligns with community goals and priorities. From there, our multidisciplinary team supports grant applications, community engagement, property acquisition and relocation services, engineering analysis, and program implementation. By bringing these services together under one team, we help reduce the burden on community staff, simplify complex requirements, and keep projects moving forward from planning through completion.
Floodplain buyouts are about more than reducing flood risk. They are an opportunity to protect residents, lower long term costs, and create meaningful community assets for future generations. WSB partners with cities and counties to evaluate options, secure funding, and implement practical solutions that transform flood prone areas into safer, more resilient spaces. Whether a community is exploring buyouts for the first time or planning its next flood mitigation initiative, WSB provides the expertise and support needed to move from planning to successful implementation. Contact WSB to learn how to develop a buyout program that reduces risk, secures funding, and strengthens your community’s resilience.
