Balancing Nature, Community, and Risk in Urban Waterway Design
David Skuodas
Mile High Flood District
Lakewood, CO
How do we strike the right balance between natural systems, community, flood risk, and cost along waterways in an urban setting? The urban context presents a special challenge for even the most well-intentioned planners, designers, and decision makers, especially given the degree of hydromodification, dams, and diversions.
This presentation discusses the Mile High Flood District's evolving approach to nature-based urban waterway design – an approach they’ve been experimenting with for over 10 years. The presentation emphasizes a shift from solely focusing on flood protection through hydrology and hydraulics to more holistic, nature-based designs that incorporate geomorphology, vegetation, and multiple community values.
The presentation includes numerous project examples to illustrate the benefits and challenges of this integrated design philosophy, highlighting the long-term cost savings and increased community value of nature-based solutions while at the same time acknowledging the special role of context.
About David Skuodas
David Skuodas is an engineer, educator, and storyteller who has worked for the past 25 years to improve the way we design, construct, and manage urban waterways. His career began in the engineering and design trenches – most recently as Director of Design, Construction, and Maintenance at the Mile High Flood District in Denver, where he oversaw more than $100M in yearly infrastructure investments.
In his current role as Director of Education and Outreach, he leads the District’s efforts to inform and educate the public, policymakers, and practitioners on smarter waterway design, effective project delivery, and sound floodplain management. Prior to working at the District, Dave was an engineering consultant for nine years in Kansas, Nebraska, and Colorado. He has a civil engineering degree from the University of Florida and is the author of the book The Effective Client: Why Being a Good Client is Smart Business in the AEC Industry.