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ResilientCoasts Initiative

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

ResilientCoasts provides a comprehensive, statewide framework to strengthen and protect the Massachusetts coastline from the impacts of climate change. The initiative was launched in November 2023 (see the Press Release and video) in response to a priority action identified in the 2023 ResilientMass Plan. The ResilientCoasts Final Plan was completed in November 2025, following an 18-month-long planning and public engagement process. The ResilientCoasts Initiative is now focused on implementation of plan recommendations.

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Final Plan

On November 6, 2025, the Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management (CZM) released the ResilientCoasts Final Plan, which outlines guidance and strategies to address near- and long-term vulnerability to coastal hazards like sea level rise, storm surge, and erosion along the Massachusetts coastline over the next 50 years. For details, see the Press Release and the video of the announcement event. 

Final Plan Executive Summary

Cover of the ResilientCoasts Final Plan Executive Summary

Full Final Plan

Cover of ResilientCoasts Final Plan

Downloadable Data

See the Massachusetts Ocean Resource Information System (MORIS) web mapping application to view downloadable data on Coastal Resilience Districts and Near-Term Adaptation Areas.

COMING SOON - ResilientCoasts Map Viewer

Response to Comments

For information about the how comments on the draft plan were addressed, see ResilientCoasts Final Plan Response to Comments/Questions (PDF, 181 KB).

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

Draft Plan

On May 15, 2025, CZM released the ResilientCoasts Draft Plan for public review and comment through June 12. For a copy of the draft plan, see: ResilientCoasts Draft Plan (PDF, 99 MB) and the 8 ½ x 11 version (PDF, 99 MB).

Copies of the Draft Plan Executive Summary are available on request, along with copies of the appendices to the full draft plan. Email requests to czm@mass.gov.

CZM Role in ResilientCoasts

CZM is charged with leading the initiative and hired a Chief Coastal Resilience Officer to oversee the development of the ResilientCoasts Plan and CZM implementation efforts. Now that the final plan has been completed, next steps will include:

  • Investment in high-priority coastal resilience projects across Coastal Resilience Districts
  • Continued public engagement and outreach on supporting and accelerating coastal resilience efforts statewide
  • Capacity building across current and future coastal communities
  • Implementation of state-led strategies and actions

Please monitor this web page for updates and opportunities.

Community Engagement in Plan Development

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

Formal Groups

Two formal groups were formed to provide input for plan development: 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 plan goals 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 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.

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. Along with the PowerPoint presentation, meeting videos are available in:

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. Along with the PowerPoint presentation, meeting videos are available in:

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. Along with the PowerPoint presentation, meeting videos are available in:

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

The final plan was released on November 6, 2025.

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

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