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Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management (CZM)

ResilientCoasts Initiative

Find details on this effort led by the Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management (CZM).

The goal of the ResilientCoasts initiative is to develop a comprehensive, state-wide strategy for coastal resilience in the Commonwealth. In collaboration with the state’s coastal communities and other stakeholders, ResilientCoasts will pursue a multipronged approach to identify regulatory, policy, and funding mechanisms to develop focused long-term solutions.

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Draft Plan

On May 15, 2025, the Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management (CZM) released the ResilientCoasts Draft Plan for public review and comment. The comment period closed June 12, and a final plan is expected to be released in summer 2025 and will be posted on this web page. This plan provides a comprehensive statewide framework for coastal resilience in Massachusetts over the next 50 years, outlining guidance and strategies that address near- and long-term vulnerability to coastal hazards like sea level rise, storm surge, and erosion.

Draft Plan Executive Summary

English (PDF, 8 MB); 8 ½ x 11 printer-friendly version (PDF, 8 MB)
Español (PDF, 8 MB)
Português (PDF, 8 MB)
简体中文 (PDF, 8 MB)
Tiếng Việt (PDF, 8 MB)
Kreyòl ayisyen (PDF, 8 MB)

Full Draft Plan

ResilientCoasts Draft Plan (PDF, 99 MB); 8 ½ x 11 printer-friendly version (PDF, 99 MB)
Appendix I - Coastal Resilience District Delineation Technical Documentation (PDF, 2 MB)
Appendix II - Near-Term Adaptation Areas Technical Documentation (PDF, 2 MB)
Appendix III - Near-Term Adaptation Areas by Coastal Resilience District (PDF, 34 MB); 8 ½ x 11 printer-friendly version (PDF, 34 MB)
Appendix IV - Salt Marsh Loss and Migration Technical Documentation (PDF, 2 MB)
Appendix V - Public Beach Vulnerability Technical Documentation (PDF, 2 MB)

If you would like to request translation of the draft in another language, please contact Tyler Soleau at tyler.soleau@mass.gov.

CZM Role in ResilientCoasts

On November 28, 2023, the Healey-Driscoll Administration announced the launch of the ResilientCoasts initiative (see the Press Release and video of the announcement event).

CZM is charged with leading the initiative and hired a Chief Coastal Resilience Officer to oversee CZM efforts and the development of the ResilientCoasts Plan. This plan was identified as a priority action within the state’s ResilientMass Plan for ensuring the state is prepared to withstand, rapidly recover from, adapt to, and mitigate natural hazard events.

Community Engagement

Community engagement is central to ResilientCoasts, with a variety of formats for stakeholder participation spaced throughout the project timeline. Input gathered from formal groups, surveys, public meetings, and other engagement opportunities have shaped the ResilientCoasts Plan.

Formal Groups

Two formal groups have been formed to provide input for development of the ResilientCoasts Plan: 1) an external task force with representation from communities, businesses, scientists, community-based organizations, and environmental advocates, and 2) an internal working group of representatives from state agencies and offices.

Surveys

CZM conducted a public survey in February 2024 to receive feedback on goals of the ResilientCoasts Plan to help shape how local and state action can support coastal community resilience to sea level rise, coastal storms, flooding, and erosion. Feedback was also used to develop indicators, which will be used to evaluate progress toward ResilientCoasts goals.

CZM conducted a second survey in October 2024 to receive feedback on the draft Coastal Resilience Districts and opportunities and challenges for coastal resilience statewide.

Public Meetings

January 29 and 31, 2024 - CZM hosted these meetings to present the preliminary goals of the ResilientCoasts Plan and to solicit feedback.

ResilientCoasts Public Meeting Video (edited together from the January 29 and 31 meetings)
ResilientCoasts PowerPoint Presentation for the January 29 and 31 Public Meetings (PDF, 3 MB)

October 21 and 25, 2024 - CZM hosted these meetings to provide an update on the plan, present the draft Coastal Resilience Districts for public feedback, and receive input on the project’s approach.

CZM also held office hours in November and December 2024 for all stakeholders to discuss questions or concerns related to the ResilientCoasts Plan.

March 3 and 4, 2025 - CZM hosted these meetings to provide an update on the plan, present Near-term Adaptation Areas, and solicit input on coastwide strategies.

May 21, 2025 - After the ResilientCoasts Draft Plan was released for public comment on May 15, 2025, CZM held a virtual information session to provide an overview of draft plan content, timeline for public review and feedback, next steps, and an opportunity for Q&A.

CZM also hosted these in-person engagement opportunities to discuss the ResilientCoasts Draft Plan:

May 29 in New Bedford
June 6 in Salem
June 4 in Plymouth

Questions? Please contact Deanna Moran at deanna.moran@mass.gov.

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