ResilientCoasts Initiative

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

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.

Table of Contents

CZM Role

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 has hired a Chief Coastal Resilience Officer to oversee CZM work in this area and the development of the new Massachusetts ResilientCoasts Plan. This plan—which 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—will establish Coastal Resilience Districts based on climate impacts, review resilience options to proactively identify approaches that work statewide and within districts, explore financing mechanisms to find creative and sustainable ways to pay for projects, and review regulations to ensure effective long-term implementation.

Community Engagement

Community engagement is central to ResilientCoasts, with a variety of formats for stakeholder participation spaced throughout the project timeline. Two formal groups have been formed to provide input: 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. Input gathered from public meetings, public surveys, regional meetings, and focus groups will be used to help shape the Massachusetts ResilientCoasts Plan, which will guide policy and management actions to improve health and safety, protect and enhance natural and cultural resources, prepare our infrastructure for climate change, strengthen our coastal economy, advance equity and environmental justice, and support the capacity of coastal communities.

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 is also informing indicators, which will be used to evaluate progress towards 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.

Also see the Current and Upcoming Opportunities for providing input for ResilientCoasts.

Current and Upcoming Opportunities

The two virtual ResilientCoasts Public Meetings held in October provided an update on the ResilientCoasts Plan, presented draft Coastal Resilience Districts for public feedback, and included an opportunity to give input on the project's approach. See Community Engagement above for links to videos of the public meetings in English, Spanish, Portuguese, Mandarin, Cantonese, Haitian Creole, Cape Verdean Creole, and Vietnamese.

Draft Coastal Resilience Districts were released following the public meeting on October 21, 2024.

CZM also held office hours for all stakeholders to discuss questions or concerns related to the ResilientCoasts plan.

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

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