Gaps and opportunities for collaborative flood governance:
Network-analytic insights from the US gulf coast
Abstract
Flooding poses a significant threat to infrastructure, ecosystems, and
communities, exacerbated by climate change and urbanization. Effective
flood governance requires coordinated action across sectors, yet current
approaches remain fragmented and fail to address critical
socio-environmental factors shaping collaboration. Despite increased
awareness, the complexity of flood governance—driven by diverse
stakeholders, varied risk perceptions, and uneven institutional
capacities—remains a challenge. This study addresses these gaps by
applying network analysis and Exponential Random Graph Models (ERGMs) to
examine relationships among flood governance actors in the Beaumont-Port
Arthur region. Our unique approach analyzes both the structural features
of governance networks and the role of shared perceptions of flood risk
drivers and impacts, offering insights into socio-environmental factors
shaping collaboration. The paper identifies the structural
characteristics of governance networks across flood preparation,
mitigation, response, and recovery phases, while evaluating how
perceptions of risk influence network ties. Our findings reveal
significant governance gaps in addressing socio-economic and ecological
impacts, with lower network connectivity in these areas. Conversely,
infrastructure considerations play a central role in fostering
partnerships, particularly in long-term planning efforts. Organizations
with aligned perceptions of key drivers, such as infrastructure and
precipitation risks, form more cohesive and responsive networks. These
results emphasize the need for inclusive, adaptive governance frameworks
that integrate diverse perspectives and strengthen local engagement.
This study provides valuable insights for policymakers, offering
pathways to enhance flood resilience by addressing the
socio-environmental dynamics shaping collaborative networks.