The raised beds are a good chance to also work on your soil so that at least the soil in the beds drains better. Clay is the worst soil to be either too wet or too dry, at least my clay is that way. Soil improvement helps mitigate the problem - both with organic matter amendments as well as aeration material like perlite or coarse sand.
Dark soil and compost also contain humates, and there is research to indicate that humates affect the internal water regulation of the plant in drought conditions. I haven't found any research to suggest that is true in flood conditions, but from my own observations, I think good soil helps when it is too wet, as well. I can have standing water between rows, even for pepper plants, and it not affect them. Humates are like magic in many respects.
Good luck with your garden.
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