We are excited to partner with the National Society of Black Engineers – Gateway Chapter for a discussion on regional flooding challenges, including stormwater and flash flooding, exploring how municipalities, communities, engineers and designers are addressing and preparing for local environmental impacts from climate change.
Between polar vortex winter storms paralyzing midwestern cities to four raging wildfires in Los Angeles wiping out entire neighborhoods, we are immersed in cataclysmic weather events that are more intense, frequent and damaging due to climate change. Like all intensifying weather and natural disaster events across the globe, the specific threats depend on location and context – and magnify the impact of existing risks in a particular place based on climate, topography, historic and current development trends, and more.
Here in the St. Louis metro region, our location along the Mississippi River and at the confluence of several large rivers places us at particular risk to flooding. Climate change promises to take advantage of existing vulnerabilities in the system and exacerbate impacts to our cities, communities, livelihoods and homes. In an effort to strengthen local resilience against such risks, regional entities and organizations are coming together with local municipalities and communities to develop strategies to mitigate damage and protect communities, while improving the resilience of the region as a whole.
Join us for a timely discussion on regional flooding challenges – including stormwater and flash flooding – exploring how municipalities, communities, engineers and designers are addressing and preparing for local environmental impacts from climate change. We’ll hear about regional planning and mitigation efforts, then learn about two local communities – Cahokia Heights (IL) and Brentwood (MO) – examining the history of flooding and community impact, and the mitigation strategies being pursued and implemented.
Speakers
ADMISSION
This event is free to attend, but please register!
Matt Jones is a Project Manager with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, St. Louis District. His experience in the Army Corps has mainly focused on flood risk management projects and the Corps Planning phase of work. He currently serves at the Program Manager for the St. Louis District’s Silver Jackets, Planning Assistance to States, and Floodplain Management Services Programs in addition to the Continuing Authorities Program (CAP) Program. He served as the District’s Environmental Justice Coordinator and also as the Flood Risk Management Coordinator.
Eric has worked in municipal recreation for the past twenty-three years, spending the last ten years as the Director of Parks & Recreation/Assistant City Administrator at the City of Brentwood. In his tenure at Brentwood, the department has taken over responsibilities of park maintenance and the city’s urban forest, which was previously supervised by the Public Works Department. Eric was named the City’s Assistant City Administrator in 2022. As a member of the City’s Brentwood Bound Administration Project Team, Eric has focused on the park and greenspace development as well as assisting with the procurement and management grants related to Brentwood Bound. Eric enjoys spending time with his family, playing and watching soccer, hiking and biking.
Elise Ibendahl is the Jacobs Global Principal for Flood Modeling and Planning. With over 27 years of experience in engineering and hydraulic modeling, she leads the development of effective strategies and solutions to mitigate the impact of floods on communities and infrastructure. She utilizes advanced modeling techniques, data analysis, and collaborations with multidisciplinary teams to create comprehensive flood studies and mitigation plans, particularly in urban environments. Elise’s passion for protecting communities and her commitment to sustainable development make her a leading contributor in addressing the challenges posed by floods and ensuring resilient and safe environments. She is a champion of innovation for flood modeling technologies, and throughout her career she has performed the roles of project manager and/or subject matter expert for over 90 projects related to flood risk management for Federal, State, and Local entities. She has contributed to projects throughout the United States and globally in over 15 countries.
CONSENT TO USE OF PHOTOGRAPHIC IMAGES
This event will be recorded and shared on our website. Registration/attendance at, or participation in Missouri Gateway Green Building Council programs and activities constitutes an agreement by the registrants to allow the organization to use and distribute (both now and in the future) the attendee’s image, in photographs, video, and electronic reproductions of such events and activities.
AIA CES PROVIDER STATEMENT
Missouri Gateway Green Building Council is a registered provider of AIA-approved continuing education under Provider Number R341. All registered AIA CES Providers must comply with the AIA Standards for Continuing Education Programs. Any questions or concerns about this provider or this learning program may be sent to AIA CES (cessupport@aia.org or (800) AIA 3837, Option 3). This learning program is registered with AIA CES for continuing professional education. As such, it does not include content that may be deemed or construed to be an approval or endorsement by the AIA of any material of construction or any method or manner of handling, using, distributing, or dealing in any material or product. AIA continuing education credit has been reviewed and approved by AIA CES. Learners must complete the entire learning program to receive continuing education credit. AIA continuing education Learning Units earned upon completion of this course will be reported to AIA CES for AIA members. Certificates of Completion for both AIA members and non-AIA members are available upon request.