Flood mitigation and environmental equity concerns in local hazard mitigation and land use plans in Tampa, Florida

The strengths and weaknesses of existing local planning documents or Plans, developed by various governmental agencies within a single city, in addressing flood hazards and their uneven impacts remain largely underexplored in the United States. This study evaluated how local governments addressed flood hazards in their Plans and environmental equity (EE) to ensure risk reduction for socially vulnerable populations. An evaluation protocol was developed, incorporating several themes and indicators within three key components: fact base, mitigation goals and objectives, and mitigation policies. This protocol was further expanded with equity keywords to thoroughly investigate the topic across five distinct plans of the City of Tampa, Florida. Ten key informant interviews were also conducted to supplement quantitative data and findings. Findings indicated much room for improving flood mitigation in local Plans. More specifically, the "Vulnerability assessment" theme within the fact base component and "Incentive-based tool/taxing tool" and "Awareness building" themes within the mitigation policies component could be improved. Findings also suggested less prioritization of equity issues in existing land use and hazard (flood) mitigation planning provisions. Interviews further uncovered key barriers to advancing both flood mitigation and equity concerns, while also highlighting promising practices that could strengthen future local planning. By identifying these gaps and opportunities, the study offers actionable insights to enhance the integration of equity into hazard mitigation strategies and support the development of more inclusive and effective local plans.