How this Mexican municipality is strengthening climate resilience through stormwater infrastructure

ICLEI Member Juárez, Nuevo León, Mexico, is improving its capacity to respond to intense rainfall through investments in stormwater infrastructure, preventive maintenance, and technical planning. The strategy aims to reduce flood risks, protect communities, maintain mobility, and strengthen local climate resilience.

Investing in infrastructure for better stormwater management

During 2026, the municipal government of Juárez began construction of stormwater infrastructure in the Pedregal de Santa Mónica neighborhood, addressing long-standing runoff and flooding challenges that have affected mobility and the safety of local residents.

The project includes a high-capacity rainwater collection system, concrete paving, protective road elements, and retaining walls designed to properly channel runoff. These measures are intended to improve road infrastructure, improve stormwater management, and reduce potential damage caused by heavy rainfall.

The project was planned and designed based on technical studies and risk assessments that considered the specific geographic conditions of the area. This approach highlights the importance of incorporating local risk information into infrastructure planning and investment decisions.

Preventive maintenance as part of resilience planning

Before construction began, the municipal government carried out cleaning and desilting activities in the area as part of its broader strategy to reinforce the local stormwater system. These preventive works resulted in the removal of more than 350 cubic meters of accumulated materials and waste, as well as vegetation and other debris that had reduced the system’s capacity to convey water during rainfall.

Preventive maintenance is an important component of the municipality’s approach, complementing infrastructure improvements by helping maintain the functionality of existing drainage and stormwater systems.

By combining maintenance with new infrastructure, Juárez is taking an integrated approach to managing runoff, reducing potential blockages, and limiting risks to communities during periods of intense rainfall.

Protecting mobility and community safety

Beyond reducing flood risks, the stormwater infrastructure project is intended to protect connectivity between neighborhoods by protecting roads against the effects of heavy rainfall.

More resilient road infrastructure can help limit pavement damage and maintain the movement of people and vehicles during the rainy season. This contributes to safer mobility while supporting the continued functioning of communities during weather-related events.

The municipality has also highlighted the role of residents in maintaining the effectiveness of stormwater infrastructure. Proper use and care of drainage systems can help ensure that infrastructure investments continue to function effectively over time.

Responsible waste disposal is another important element of this effort, as accumulated waste can obstruct drainage systems and reduce their capacity during heavy rainfall. Public participation therefore complements infrastructure and maintenance measures by helping prevent avoidable disruptions.

Improving resilience through prevention and planning

Juárez’s experience illustrates how local governments can strengthen climate resilience by combining preventive infrastructure, regular maintenance, technical planning, and collaboration between government and communities.

As intense rainfall and other weather-related events continue to pose challenges for urban areas, preventive investment can play an important role in reducing risks and protecting essential infrastructure. Designing projects around local geographic conditions and identified risks allows municipalities to direct resources toward infrastructure needs before extreme weather events occur.

For local governments seeking to build up their capacity to respond to climate-related challenges, the experience of this ICLEI Member demonstrates the value of connecting infrastructure investment with risk assessment, preventive maintenance, and community participation.

By investing in stormwater management and resilient road infrastructure, Juárez is working to protect residents, preserve urban connectivity, and better withstand intense rainfall while advancing toward a more resilient and sustainable urban future.