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THE FOLLOWING ACCOUNTS of how four localities addressed their flood problems — and, in doing <br />so, met multiple community needs and goals — are truly "success stories." They are included to give <br />you a chance to hear about the situations that officials in other communities faced, what they did, <br />and how well it worked. Their experiences also reveal some of the local elements that appear to be <br />necessary for success. <br />Mayor Beverly Anderson of Darlington, Wisconsin, describes her community's flood mitigation <br />efforts, which included historic preservation, economic revitalization, and land use/reuse compatible <br />with the flood risk. Their objective was "to reflect a change in our River's image" through flood <br />mitigation. A mixture of projects was carried out with assistance and funding from several sources. <br />The importance of having a previously prepared flood mitigation plan is demonstrated. <br />Community Affairs Manager Ann Patton of Tulsa, Oklahoma, shares her community's journey from <br />"worst to best." From having the nation's worst flood record in the 1980s to having one of its best <br />programs for dealing with flood and stormwater at the present, Tulsa has a program characterized as <br />"born of great loss, hard lessons, and tremendous political courage." Lessons Tulsa "learned the hard <br />way" are shared for the benefit of others. <br />Former Union County, South Dakota, official John LaBrune recounts the pressures local elected <br />officials often face when confronted with attractive economic development proposals. Much of the land <br />in this instance was flood -prone. The experience is described as "a cooperative beginning in which flood - <br />plain management and economic development can survive and be beneficial to everyone involved." <br />Village Manager Peggy Glassford of Flossmoor, Illinois, reveals the path traveled by a committee <br />formed by governments under extreme pressure to "do something" about flooding. The group "began <br />by looking for a quick fix to the flood problem and found instead that the only effective solution is a <br />long, cooperative journey in multi -objective stormwater management," involving the entire Butterfield <br />Creek watershed. Their experience provides information that may be useful to others. <br />Success Stories 1 <br />