As the climate crisis accelerates, state and local governments are rethinking outdated policies and building a regulatory foundation for climate resilience. This Forum will spotlight innovative approaches to updating regulations, many of which were originally written without climate change in mind, to support adaptation projects that address sea level rise, flooding, and extreme weather.

Through case studies from across the U.S., including New Jersey’s overhaul of land use policies, Cape Cod’s climate-focused regional plan, and the Vermont Flood Safety Act, we’ll explore how forward-looking jurisdictions are embedding climate adaptation into permitting, zoning, and design standards.

Speakers will discuss the process of developing enforceable frameworks, the importance of accommodating dynamic coastlines and shifting baselines, and the tools being used to navigate uncertainty.

Attendees will gain insight into how regulations are being reshaped as catalysts for resilient infrastructure, healthy ecosystems, and equitable community protection.

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Forum Speakers & Panelists

Shannon Hulst, CFM
Deputy Director, Cape Cod Cooperative Extension
Floodplain & CRS Specialist, Cape Cod Cooperative Extension & Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Sea Grant

Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette
Department of Environmental Protection
State of New Jersey

Heather McElroy
Natural Resources Program Manager
Cape Cod Commission

Lauren Oates
Director of External Affairs in Vermont
The Nature Conservancy

Moderated Panel Discussion

Forum Co-Chairs

Joseph Famely
Climate & Sustainability Team Lead
Woods Hole Group, Inc.

Kyle Johnson
Climate Resiliency Practice Lead (East Division)
Kleinfelder

Beth Lambert
Director, Division of Ecological Restoration
Department of Fish and Game, Commonwealth of Massachusetts