Hazard-Resilient Smart Growth

Living near the water has historically been—and is expected to remain—desirable, yet this choice has inherent risks. Communities face the challenge of determining where and how to accommodate growth and redevelopment given the risks posed by coastal hazards. In tandem, smart growth and hazard mitigation strategies can help communities meet their quality of life, safety, economic, environmental, and transportation goals.

Resilience Resources

The following resources provide a starting point for learning more about hazard mitigation and implementation of hazard resilient coastal smart growth.

Hazard Mitigation Planning

Integrating Smart Growth and Hazard Mitigation into Community Planning

Disaster Recovery Planning

Planning Before a Disaster Occurs

Planning After a Disaster Occurs

Case Studies

This section provides peer-to-peer case studies demonstrating hazard resilient smart growth.

Community Resilience Planning On A Budget

Learn how the Lincoln County Regional Planning Commission worked with the Maine Geological Survey to increase municipal resilience using regional data, tools, and expertise

Fostering Tsunami-Resilient Communities Through Land Use Planning

Learn how one state agency is working with coastal municipalities to assess local land use planning strategies to increase resilience to tsunamis

Increasing Flood Risk Awareness Through A Real Estate Professional Training Program

Learn how a flood administrator expanded her program’s reach by training local real estate professionals on flood risks, flood maps, and flood insurance

Out Of Harm’s Way: Relocation Strategies To Reduce Flood Risk

Learn how Kinston, North Carolina used buyouts and relocations to permanently reduce its flood risk

Watershed Outreach Coordinators Help Municipalities Conduct Hazard Resilience Planning

Learn about the stakeholder engagement and visual approaches used to propel New Jersey towns into hazards resilience planning

Stakeholder Engagement Process Reaps Big Rewards For Climate Adaptation Project

Learn how stakeholders are using a collaborative planning process to assess their hazard risks, vulnerabilities, and mitigation opportunities

Louisiana Parish Creates A Model Subdivision Ordinance To Enhance Public Safety And Resilience To Coastal Storms And Flood Events

Discover the approach used to create a model ordinance for St. Tammany Parish that enhanced public safety and community resilience to flood hazards