Wind Resilience in Louisiana: A Social Equity Approach to Enhanced Building Code Practices

Louisiana has endured significant economic losses from tropical cyclones and severe storms, disproportionately impacting disadvantaged communities and highlighting gaps in addressing wind resilience. This paper introduces a novel framework that integrates wind risk assessment with enhanced code practices and social equity considerations to guide resilience planning. While initial results are available for expected annual structure damage (EASD) and expected annual dollar damage (EADD) metrics, ongoing analysis is required to fully assess enhanced code practices and social equity impacts. This perspective paper outlines the potential benefits of integrating social equity into future resilience strategies to support vulnerable populations. The findings will support decision-makers with evidence needed to reduce wind risk, improve community resilience, and strengthen financial and social conditions in vulnerable areas.