A New Guidebook to Strengthen Local Infrastructure Resilience
A new resource from ASCE promotes strategies to strengthen state and local infrastructure resilience. Co-published by Microsoft, Bentley, and Duke University, the report, Built to Endure: A Smart Guide for US Cities to Build Resilient Infrastructure That Lasts, offers guidance on facilitating resilience-based approaches improving how infrastructure is protected from extreme weather and natural hazards. With a focus on small and medium-sized communities, the guidebook showcases practical application of digital tools, local governance, and people-first practices through eight case studies. Built to Endure also includes a separate section to help communities get started on developing systems that work.
Engaging on a key recommendation of ASCE’s 2025 Report Card for America’s Infrastructure, Built to Endure points to the need for increased resiliency in infrastructure design and implementation. The report stresses that while investments increase in infrastructure, climate risks are also growing and stressing the built environment. In turn, resources applied to resilient infrastructure ensures further costs can be avoided from disaster-related damage.
How Technology and Data Support Smarter Infrastructure Decisions
The report calls for renewed attention in resiliency both to project specific as well as system-wide infrastructure. Additionally, data and technology such as geospatial applications and digital twins informs decision-making and improves coordination between stakeholders. These involve five “capability layers” accessible to communities of all sizes.
Three Core Principles for Building Resilient Systems
For practical guidance to communities, Built to Endure provides instruction based on three core principles
- strategic resilience planning
- policy and regulatory effectiveness and
- community and decision-maker empowerment.
Case studies illustrate the scope and adoption of these actions.
Real-World Case Studies from Across the U.S.
In Kentucky for instance, digital twins were effective in modeling flooding scenarios to support mitigation and rebuilding. On policy, Salt Lake City adopted the latest codes and standards in design and construction of its new water reclamation facility; in turn, the facility can operate through earthquakes and other threats. And in North Carolina, the state is supporting a statewide flood resiliency plan to better support zoning, capital improvements, and community engagement.
Tools and Resources to Help Communities Get Started
The report concludes with easily accessible tools, data, and technical assistance to aid municipalities in their respective resiliency work.
Built to Endure Spotlighted at SXSW 2026
This week, Built to Endure was featured at the 2026 South by Southwest Conference in Austin, TX. For the session, “Floods to Fortitude: Infrastructure Resilience,” ASCE’s Chief Resilience Officer Jennifer Goupil was joined by Bentley’s Dan Zucker to showcase the report. Built to Endure is available here.