Resilience Beyond Individual Efforts

In coastal communities like ours, resilience is about more than just individual measures. Protecting neighborhoods from storm surge, overtopping, and wave velocity requires a layered approach. At the Micro Neighborhood Alliance (MNA), we call this strategy “belt and suspenders.” It’s a practical philosophy that combines multiple solutions to ensure no single measure bears the full weight of protection.

Flooding from severe storms is a complex challenge. Waves don’t stop at seawalls, and overtopping water doesn’t neatly flow back to the sea. Without thoughtful planning, attempts to protect one property can inadvertently cause problems for others, redirecting water or accelerating erosion. The belt and suspenders approach addresses this reality by using complementary solutions that slow water, absorb energy, and protect the community as a whole.

Hard Infrastructure as the First Line of Defense

Hard infrastructure, such as seawalls and revetments, is often the first layer of protection. These structures absorb the brunt of wave energy, shielding homes and reducing erosion. Elevated buildings are another critical measure, keeping structures above flood levels to minimize damage from rising waters. However, while hard infrastructure deflects water, it does little to slow it down. For comprehensive protection, these measures need to be paired with natural solutions.

Nature as a Partner in Protection

Soft solutions enhance hard infrastructure by working with nature to slow water and reduce its velocity. Salt-tolerant grasses, marsh plants, and other vegetation stabilize shorelines while absorbing stormwater. Beach nourishment adds sand to eroded areas, creating a natural buffer against waves. Even landscaping choices, such as hedges and shrubs, can disperse water and reduce the speed at which it moves across properties. Together, these solutions create a balanced system that strengthens community resilience.

Collaboration is Key

Implementing these measures requires more than technical expertise—it demands collaboration. Coastal resilience is a shared responsibility. Neighbors working together to design and implement layered protections benefit not only their own properties but also the entire community. Coordinated drainage plans and complementary measures, such as a seawall on one property and marsh plantings on another, demonstrate how collaboration strengthens outcomes. MNA plays a critical role in facilitating these efforts, helping neighbors align their approaches and avoid unintended consequences.

Empowering Action Through MNA

The Micro Neighborhood Alliance is committed to guiding residents through resilience planning. We provide workshops, consultations, and resources to help residents make informed decisions about flood mitigation. Our advocacy for neighborhood-scale solutions ensures that resilience strategies are evaluated and implemented with the broader community in mind. The belt and suspenders approach is not about overengineering—it’s about thoughtful, site-specific planning. Floodwaters don’t stop at property lines, and neither should our solutions. By embracing this multi-layered strategy, we can protect our homes, strengthen neighborhoods, and build a more resilient future.