NOAA CSC Training: Coastal Community Planning & Development

Many coastal resource managers involved in planning and development have a general idea of what better coastal growth decision making entails, but they desire a deeper understanding to implement the principles associated with alternative coastal development. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and state coastal resource management agencies have developed an introductory, two-day course that will actively engage participants in learning about alternatives to how and where growth will occur in their communities. It will provide them with the background, examples, and strategies to support alternative development efforts in coastal communities.

The two-day course will help participants to . . .

Understand current coastal development patterns and trends;
Understand the primary drivers (e.g., codes, regulations) that influence growth and development patterns;
Understand the social, environmental, and economic impacts and benefits of various development patterns;
Understand the principles of integrated and comprehensive growth strategies;
Assess the current state of growth and development in their communities;
Increase their ability to effectively communicate with stakeholders on this topic; and
Understand the purpose and process of creating a collective vision for how and where coastal communities grow.

Additional one-day modules will offer information about a related topic. Proposed topics include

1) water quality, 2) financing mechanisms, 3) hazards and community resiliency, and 4) conflict management and resolution. Anticipated completion date of these modules is late 2007.

Course Participants

This course is designed for those who would like to participate or are currently participating in planning and development activities in their communities and who need a basic knowledge of planning processes, as well as alternatives to conventional patterns of growth and development. This course is designed for those in the initial stages of planning alternative growth options for their communities. Participants may include elected officials, developers, business leaders, coastal resource managers, and other local decision makers.

Course Dates

This course is offered by the NOAA Coastal Services Center by request. Local hosts are responsible for workshop logistics, such as providing a facility, assuring participation of a minimum of 15 and maximum of 30 people, and arranging for food and beverages (if necessary). The Center will provide instructors and materials.

Registration Fee:

None.

Contact Information

For more information or to request training, contact Margaret VanderWilt at Margaret.VanderWilt@noaa.gov.