Year: 2015
Project(s):
Relevance
Municipalities in coastal areas face unique planning challenges related to coastal erosion, flooding and the threat of hurricanes. City land use planners and floodplain managers may lack the resources, tools, and knowledge to address the issues in a comprehensive manner.
Response
MASGC, with its diverse team of coastal scientists and outreach specialists, is uniquely positioned to bring the latest coastal science and policy to local government officials. In 2015, MASGC partnered with the Mississippi Chapter of the American Planning Association to organize a climate workshop series, which provided continuing education for planners and floodplain managers on coastal sustainability and local resiliency. MASGC also continued to provide technical assistance and support to Mississippi’s Coastal Hazards Outreach Strategy Team (CHOST).
Results
Fifty individuals received professional development training and continuing education credits through the 2015 climate workshop series. MASGC has also facilitated numerous CHOST events and activities, including the annual mall outreach event and a February 2016 workshop co-sponsored by the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency and MASGC to provide an introduction to FEMA’s Community Rating System program.
Recap
MASGC serves as a valuable outlet for continuing education by addressing diverse coastal disciplines through planning workshops, while also directly facilitating community engagement by rendering aid to professional support groups such as CHOST. (2015)