Learning from disasters: Colorado’s extreme floods of 2013

This study of Colorado’s 2013 floods aims to help communities learn how to improve recovery decisions that decrease their vulnerability to a wide variety of hazards and prepare for future disasters that may strike. It explores policy planning, lessons, and changes made in the aftermath of the 2013 floods in the seven affected communities (Boulder, Lyons, Longmont, Estes Park, Loveland, Evans and Greeley).

These communities were selected from the three hardest-hit Colorado counties, based on FEMA data. They were chosen because they vary based on the type and extent of damage they incurred from the floods, as well as by population size and capacity of the local government. This research therefore generates findings and lessons for various types of communities.