Incentive Structures for Community Participation in Managed Retreat Policies: A Norfolk Case Study

Abstract

Sea level rise (SLR) is a growing risk to infrastructure, economies, and public health across coastal cities. Norfolk, Virginia, has one of the highest rates of SLR on the U.S. East Coast, with routine flooding exacerbated by land subsidence and intensified storm surge. While the city has implemented some adaptive measures, these strategies do not fully address the long-term viability of all neighborhoods. Managed retreat may emerge as a necessary adaptation strategy as flooding worsens, but it raises equity and feasibility concerns. This study employs GIS analysis and survey development to assess Norfolk residents’ flooding experience, perspectives on relocation, and concerns and preferences regarding potential solutions. Findings will inform recommendations for more equitable, community-informed managed retreat planning in Norfolk and coastal communities nationwide.