In December 2023, Broome County was awarded a grant from the NYS Department of State Environmental Protection Fund Smart Growth Countywide Resiliency Planning Program to develop a Countywide Resiliency Plan (CRP). This plan will provide a land use tool for establishing a vision, short and long term goals, policies, programs and projects to enhance the County’s overall resiliency and develop ongoing adaptability to rapidly changing environmental conditions and forces.
The CRP will build upon existing documents, institutional knowledge, public participation, and, in some areas, provide new analyses. The purpose is to identify risks and vulnerabilities related to anticipated climatic changes associated with increase in frequency and severity of weather events and other identified hazards, inform the selection of prioritized resilience-based projects, evaluate the impacts of competing land use priorities, and ensure regional planning and investment decisions are shaped by community needs and priorities.
The CRP will also aim to prepare for changing hydrology. The plan will take a holistic approach to address the need for upgraded infrastructure with attention to an expanded floodplain, failing levees and climate change. The plan will also consider economic co-benefits to infrastructure improvements and look to incorporate recreational and alternative transportation to encourage community among residents
When complete, the Broome County Countywide Resiliency Plan will serve as another tool for our jurisdictions as they make the difficult decisions necessary to support resiliency measures. Having a CRP will help position Broome County as a favorable candidate for additional funding as the NYS Environmental Bond Act and other federal initiatives become available.
In the fall of 2024, the County published a Request for Proposals to solicit a consultant for the CRP. In November of 2024, the County selected Barton and Loguidice, D.P.C.
Resiliency Advisory Committee (RAC)
A Resiliency Advisory Committee (RAC) was formed to guide the plan's development and provide technical feedback and support. The RAC will meet regularly throughout plan development. Where warranted, RAC meetings will be topic focused and include relevant committee members in smaller groups.
Vision Statement
To achieve the plan’s resiliency goals, Broome County needs a cohesive vision for what resiliency looks like in the County. The following Vision Statement was created in partnership with the RAC, public and community- serving organizations, and the consultant team:
“We envision Broome County as a resilient network of connected communities where safety, sustainability, and quality of life are prioritized. By investing in our infrastructure, supporting diverse partnerships, and planning for both today and tomorrow, we will ensure a secure and thriving future for generations to come."
The public is invited to weigh in on this Vision Statement and to provide suggestions or alternatives for consideration here.
Community Outreach and Engagement Plan
The Community Outreach and Engagement Plan is intended to encourage community participation in the CRP process.
All community engagement opportunities will be publicized through a variety of appropriate means, including press releases, announcements, digital media, municipal website postings, etc.
The Community Outreach and Engagement Plan is available here. This document is a living document and will be amended periodically to align with the work being done for this plan.
Countywide Survey and Interactive Map
An important component of the outreach for this plan include reaching out to and learning from community members The consultant has created a survey which seeks input to help identify Broome County's key community concerns and priorities as they relate to resiliency. Responses will be used to inform future community outreach efforts and the Resiliency Plan’s final recommendations. Your feedback will help ensure the plan reflects community needs and provides resident-informed, place-based strategies for long-term resilience. The survey may be accessed here.
In addition to the survey, the consultant has created an accompanying interactive map. This interactive map will allow residents to physically identify problem areas and be more specific about the resiliency challenges being faced on a regular basis. The interactive mapper is located here: Broome County Resiliency Plan | Interactive Tools | B&L Community Forum (Logged in)
Broome County Countywide Resiliency Plan Socioeconomic Analysis
Based on a review of existing planning documents, reports, and studies, meetings with the resiliency advisory committee and community leaders as needed, the consultant has developed a county profile. This includes a narrative with maps and data relevant to important natural, cultural, economic and recreational resources within the county, and those of regional significance as appropriate. Municipal demographics, including vulnerable populations, and background are included in the analysis.
The Broome County Economic Analysis is available here.
