Advocacy

Issue Brief: Waterfront Community Revitalization and Resiliency Act

THE ISSUE

The American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) supports legislation that improves and protects coastal communities through nature-based infrastructure.

Background

U.S. coastal communities are home to 129 million people or almost 40 percent of the nation's total population. The abundant economic, recreational, and cultural opportunities offered by these natural landscapes are the reason for the popularity and success of coastal communities.

Currently, many coastal communities must address extreme weather and storm surges that cause flooding, sea-level rise, shoreline erosion, and other climate and ecosystem challenges that place these communities at greater risk. However, many coastal communities lack the resources to implement innovate strategies, including nature-based solutions, which can improve community resilience in a fiscally responsible manner.

Landscape architects are uniquely qualified to assist coastal communities and their ecosystems. Using site planning and design, as well as community engagement techniques, the profession plays a critical role in helping coastal communities achieve and maintain success. Landscape architects incorporate nature-based infrastructure—living shorelines, green roofs, tree canopies, rain gardens, bioswales, retention basins, permeable and pervious pavements, and more—as highly effective, cost-efficient tools to help coastal communities address extreme weather, water and stormwater management and other critical issues. These techniques also save communities in costs related to property damage, human and biodiversity health, and more.

Bill Summary

On July 26, 2024, Senator Tammy Baldwin (WI) introduced S. 4800, the Waterfront Community Revitalization and Resiliency Act. This legislation would improve coastal communities. Specifically, the measure would:
  • Invest in infrastructure to improve coastal communities' economy, ecosystem, and resilience;
  • Establish a network to share best practices and promote community engagement;
  • Create a grant program for the planning and designing of resilient coastal communities;
  • Integrate planning techniques that incorporate nature-based infrastructure; and
  • Create a public website with federal funding opportunities to enhance coastal communities.
Recent Action

On July 26, 2024, S. 4800 was introduced and referred to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

Sponsors
Senator Tammy Baldwin (WI) and cosponsors.

Resources      

Senator Tammy Baldwin (WI) Press Release: , July 26, 2024.

Waterfront Community Revitalization and Resilience Act bill summary

ASLA: Smart Policies for a Changing Climate—The Report and Recommendations of the ASLA Blue Ribbon Panel on Climate Change and Resilience. June 2018.

ASLA: Professional Practice—Resilient Design.

ASLA: ASLA Testifies Before Congress on Green Infrastructure. April 22, 2021.

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA): Office for Coastal Management—Economics and Demographics. July 8, 2024.

Naturally Resilient Communities: Using Nature to Address Flooding

Related ASLA Policies

Climate Change and Resilience

Water Quality and Conservation

Waterways

Wetlands

Coastal Zones

Open Space

Environmental Justice

Environmental Sustainability

Contact

Roxanne Blackwell, 
Esq., Hon. ASLA,
Director of Federal
Government Affairs
governmentaffairs@asla.org

Elizabeth Hebron,
Director of State
Government Affairs
governmentaffairs@asla.org

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