Balancing Nature and Community in Urban Waterway Design by David Skuodas - RRNW Symposium 2026

Описание: 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.

Dave Skuodas has spent most of his 25-year career on the design, construction, and maintenance of urban waterway infrastructure, initially as an engineering consultant and then for the past 15 years leading projects at the Mile High Flood District. Dave’s passion for teaching and storytelling led to his current role as the Education and Outreach Director at the District. Dave is also the author of the book, The Effective Client: Why Being a Good Client is Smart Business in the A/E/C Industries and is the co-host of a podcast called Middle Aged Wisdom with his wife, Nancy.

#RRNW #riverrestoration #urbandesign #riverrestorationnw #RRNW2026 #floodrisk #naturebasedsolutions #resilience

0:00 Introduction
2:00 Balancing Nature and Community in Urban Waterway Design