The Sea Level Wise Adaptation Strategy, published in March 2020, outlines a proactive, long-term approach to enable the City of Virginia Beach to adapt to these changing environmental conditions.

What's in the Adaptation Strategy?

• Getting Sea Level Wise: The flooding risks posed by rising sea levels and changing rainfall patterns demand City-wide action to protect vulnerable neighborhoods and industries. Over the past several years, the Sea Level Wise program has engaged technical experts, community participants, and regional partners to advance adaptation efforts.
• Understanding Flood Risks: Sea level rise is occurring at an accelerated rate, increasing the frequency, severity, and extent of many different flooding event types. This is causing wide-ranging impacts on our infrastructure, economy, and community.
• Adaptation Framework: The multi-layered Adaptation Framework presents a holistic method for addressing flood risks, with high-level strategic objectives to guide adaptation efforts across the entire city. The four layers work together to provide comprehensive flood protection; each layer presents a specific approach to flood risk management that complements the others.
• Watershed Strategies: The City's four major watersheds (Oceanfront, Elizabeth River, Lynnhaven and Southern Rivers) present natural boundaries for taking a more precise look at flood-related challenges and opportunities. Each Watershed Strategy lays out the specific flood drivers and risk types distinct to that watershed and identifies specific projects and areas for action.
• The Path Forward: Reducing flood risks and planning for a vibrant future is an ongoing, iterative process, requiring sustained actions from the City and its partners. In order to further Sea Level Wise efforts, the City is focusing on integrating findings into complementary processes and frameworks, funding and implementing adaptation projects, and continuing internal planning efforts.