NoRo Flood Fight, LCC (NoRoFF) is a grassroots civic community action group dedicated to tackling the persistent and growing challenge of residential flooding in North Royalton, Ohio (“NoRo”). Our mission is to protect our community’s homes, livelihoods, and quality of life by fostering resilience, amplifying resident voices, and driving systemic change. We aim to achieve this through a multifaceted approach that combines awareness, advocacy, storytelling, collaboration, and proactive flood risk management.
NoRo Flood Fight, LCC. (North Royalton Flood Fight) is a registered non-profit member-managed LCC with the state of Ohio and will conduct itself under the IRS rules for a 501(c)(4). Additionally, an Operating Agreement has been executed and is available for review through Ohio’s Business Search portal.
Core Objectives of NoRoFF
Raise Awareness of Flood Risks and Zones
Educate North Royalton residents about current flood zones, using accessible tools like maps, online resources (e.g., norofloodfight.com), and community events.
Highlight how climate change and local landscape factors (e.g., urbanization, drainage issues) increase flood vulnerability, drawing from regional data like Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District (NEORSD) studies.
Empower citizens with knowledge to identify flood-prone areas, monitor local conditions (e.g., blocked drains), and prepare personal flood plans.
Advocate for the city’s Storm Water Committee update their, allegedly dated storm study and water volume impact data and adopt new forecast models that allow City Planners to consider current storm water conditions in NoRo as well as provide the city planners with the ability to look 50 years into the future as to future needs of citizens, so they can a successful long-term approach to planning and new development.
Advocate Against Development That Worsens Flooding
Oppose or seek amendments to developments—like the proposed 29-lot cluster housing at 9360 Albion Road (Ordinance 25-27)—that threaten to extend or intensify flood zones without robust mitigation plans.
Push for stricter zoning and land-use policies that prioritize flood resilience, such as preserving natural floodplains and limiting impervious surfaces.
Lobby decision-makers (e.g., City Council, Planning Commission) to require comprehensive, updated hydrological studies and public input before approving projects.
Amplify Stories of Flood-Impacted Residents
Share powerful narratives from North Royalton citizens whose properties have been damaged, lands rendered unusable, or lives disrupted by past floods (e.g., the July 5, 2019, storm that dumped 6 inches of rain).
Document these experiences through testimonials, photos, and videos to build empathy, galvanize support, and pressure authorities for action.
Create a “Flood Memory Archive” on our website to preserve these stories as a call to action and a historical record.
Foster Citizen Support and Empowerment
Build a network of volunteers to serve as flood wardens, monitoring hotspots (e.g., Oakridge Estates, Pamela Drive) and assisting vulnerable residents (e.g., elderly, disabled) during flood events.
Offer workshops on flood-proofing homes (e.g., elevating utilities, installing flood vents) and navigating insurance or aid programs, inspired by groups like the Intact Centre on Climate Adaptation.
Encourage community-wide participation in flood preparedness, such as creating neighborhood flood plans and emergency kits.
Collaborate with the City for Mitigation Strategies
Partner with North Royalton officials to develop and adopt practical flood mitigation strategies, such as enhanced stormwater infrastructure, wetland restoration, or sediment management (e.g., NEORSD’s debris removal efforts).
Advocate for a Local Flood Risk Management Strategy aligned with national models (e.g., FEMA’s Flood Mitigation Assistance Program), tailored to NoRo’s unique watershed needs.
Secure funding for resilience projects through local stormwater fees, state grants, or federal programs like FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Assistance.
Engage Relevant Agencies for Risk Reduction
Work with key Risk Management Authorities (RMAs) like NEORSD, Cuyahoga County, and the Ohio EPA to address systemic drainage and sewer issues.
Build relationships with federal agencies (e.g., FEMA, Army Corps of Engineers) to access technical expertise, flood modeling, and funding for large-scale solutions.
Collaborate with environmental groups to explore nature-based solutions, such as floodplain restoration or rain gardens, enhancing both flood control and ecological health.
Broader Impact Goals
Unified Community Voice: Serve as a central hub for residents to voice concerns, ensuring their collective influence outweighs individual complaints when engaging decision-makers.
Resilient Future: Reduce flood frequency and severity, protecting property values and improving quality of life for current and future generations.
Model for Others: Establish NoRo Flood Fight as a replicable framework for other flood-prone communities in Ohio and beyond, sharing best practices and lessons learned.
Strategies for Success
Public Engagement: Host regular meetings, flood fairs, and workshops to keep the community informed, involved, and prepared, drawing from Project Groundwater Northumbria’s approach.
Communication Channels: Leverage social media (Facebook, X), email newsletters, and door-to-door outreach to spread awareness and mobilize support, as seen with groups like The Flood Hub.
Partnerships: Engage local businesses, schools, and landowners to broaden our coalition, mirroring the stakeholder inclusion of flood action groups in Norfolk, UK.
Data-Driven Advocacy: Use public records (e.g., NEORSD reports, city flood complaints) and resident-submitted evidence to build a compelling case for change.
