Investigating Grassroots Strategies for Sea Level Rise Adaptation: A Review of Island County’s Sea Level Rise Strategy Study

Abstract

In 2019 Island County enlisted Washington Sea Grant and UW Urban Planning students to identify and recommend best management practices for sea-level rise adaptation measures for property owners and neighborhoods. This thesis discusses, evaluates, and builds upon the development of the Island County Sea Level Rise Study. The study used qualitative methods to examine available strategies and made recommendations for three at-risk coastal districts on Whidbey and Camano Island: historic beach, bluff and canal communities. This thesis argues that property owners cannot face future sea level rise without local collective action and support from the federal government. Policies, regulations, strategies, and initiatives from other jurisdictions are discussed as potential models for creating a more robust and comprehensive set of responses.