Solution Build a master-planned community above code using elevation, nature-based water management, hardened critical facilities, and distributed renewable energy so homes retain power, water, and access during hurricanes and flooding. Key challenge High and rising hurricane/flood exposure in Florida, with increasing insurance costs and already limited flood insurance uptake, requiring properties to be more resilient to remain viable and reduce losses. Context Hurricane Ian (September 2022) struck southwest Florida with ~150mph winds, ~17 inches of rain in 24 hours and storm surge up to ~18ft, causing over $112bn in damage, at least 150 deaths, and power outages affecting more than four million people. Babcock Ranch, an 18,000-acre development in the storm’s path just north of Fort Myers, experienced minimal damage and maintained power, internet and clean water; it also served as an emergency shelter for nearby communities. Florida’s flat terrain makes it highly flood-prone, only 18% of homes have flood insurance, insurance costs were projected to rise by 40% in 2023, and population growth and development are expected to increase exposure over the next 50 years. Solution in practice The developer built the town above code and at additional cost, with multiple integrated design features: elevating the development to about 30ft above sea level; using lakes as dual-purpose retaining ponds; designing streets to absorb excess rainfall; reinforcing the community hall as a storm shelter; powering the community via an 870-acre solar farm; and preserving natural flow ways and wetlands to retain and route floodwaters to the Caloosahatchee River. Planning incorporated 1940s maps to identify historic water flow paths and avoid obstructing them. During Hurricane Ian, the community reportedly avoided loss of power, internet and clean water, and experienced minimal physical damage compared with surrounding areas. Impact / outcome Kept power, internet and clean water with minimal damage during Hurricane Ian (2022) and served as a shelter. Next steps Developers around the world are already looking to Babcock Ranch as inspiration for building their own resilience-led communities. Use Babcock Ranch's performance during Hurricane Ian as evidence to accelerate building code reform and insurance recognition in Florida and other hurricane-exposed states. A recognized gap is how to address affordability concerns for weatherproofing existing homes and low-income communities. Babcock Ranch's model has so far served higher-income buyers, and scaling resilient community design to mid-market and affordable housing requires public subsidy, inclusionary zoning, and recognition mechanisms that reward resilience investment regardless of property value. Organizations involved Authoring: Babcock Ranch Implementation partners Property value chain stakeholders; Local Governments; Infrastructure Owners & Operators