Assessing Green Infrastructure’s Impact on Flood Disaster Resilience: An Economic Perspective on Community Recovery from Tropical Storm Imelda

Abstract

This study examines the impact of green infrastructure (GI) on the recovery and resilience of local businesses in flood-prone areas. As flood events become increasingly frequent in coastal regions of the United States, the importance of GI for flood mitigation has gained recognition. However, there is a research gap regarding the dynamic capabilities of GI in aiding recovery and quantifying socio-economic benefits. The study focuses on the effects of GI on business visitation conditions during and after Tropical Storm Imelda, which caused significant damage in Beaumont and Port Arthur, Texas. SafeGraph data, capturing anonymous mobility data on daily foot traffic, is utilized to analyze visitation patterns in inundated areas. The accessibility and quality of GI are examined in relation to the recovery and post-recovery status of businesses. Results indicate that the presence of GI significantly enhances the recovery and post-recovery status of business foot traffic. Specifically, larger GI areas with more complex shapes demonstrate greater effectiveness in improving post-recovery conditions for surrounding businesses. These findings highlight the role of GI in promoting economic resilience and inform recovery policies and urban planning decisions. By bridging the research gap between GI's flood mitigation capabilities and its ability to support business recovery, this study contributes valuable insights to the field. It emphasizes the importance of integrating GI into recovery strategies and urban planning initiatives to enhance the overall resilience of flood-affected communities. With a better understanding of GI's performance in urban economic resilience, cities can make informed decisions to enhance their flood resilience and sustainability.