Coastal Cities Rethink Their Storm Defenses

Planners are trading concrete seawalls for restored wetlands as storm seasons intensify along the Atlantic coast.
Newly restored marshland at the edge of the harbor district. Photo by Elena Ruiz
Newly restored marshland at the edge of the harbor district. Photo by Elena Ruiz

After three consecutive record storm seasons, city planners along the Atlantic seaboard are abandoning the seawall-first playbook.

"We spent forty years building higher," said one engineer. "Now we're building wider."

The New Approach

Living shorelines, restored marshland, and elevated infrastructure now account for the majority of new mitigation spending.

Marsh restoration across 1,200 acres Elevate…