New Books Network Ken Conca, "After the Floods: The Search for Resilience in Ellicott City" (Oxford UP, 2024)
May 11, 2025
Ken Conca, a professor specializing in global environmental politics, discusses resilience in Ellicott City, which faced two severe floods in just over a year. He shares personal insights about the town's historical identity and the political tensions that emerged during recovery efforts. Conca examines the clash between preserving heritage and implementing sustainable solutions in flood-prone areas. He emphasizes the need for inclusive community dialogues surrounding water governance, urging that lessons from Ellicott City can inform similar challenges elsewhere.
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Personal Witness to Ellicott Floods
- Ken Conca lived near but not in the flood zone of Ellicott City while witnessing two devastating floods.
- His personal connection shaped his approach to documenting the town's struggle with resilience.
Historic Town Faces Flash Floods
- Ellicott City is historically rich but prone to flash flooding due to its river location and urbanized watershed.
- Recent floods were extreme events, highlighting vulnerability from both natural and developmental causes.
Complex Governance Shapes Response
- Ellicott City is not a formal jurisdiction; it's governed by Howard County, complicating flood response.
- Diverse stakeholders with competing interests created complex dynamics in shaping flood resilience strategies.