Resilient Communities and Economies

Delaware Sea Grant

Developing active partnerships to help coastal communities prosper for generations to come

Delaware's coastal landscape and economy have changed over time, compelling coastal communities to adapt while preserving their maritime heritage. Delaware Sea Grant is partnering with individual communities, state agencies, and researchers to identify paths forward for these communities, develop new practices that marry tradition and change, and enable communities to thrive.

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

Coastal Resilience Design Studio

Recognizing towns and cities throughout coastal Delaware often know they have resilience challenges but lack the resources to address them, Delaware Sea Grant funds the CRDS in its efforts to leverage student and faculty expertise to come up with ways towns can strengthen their infrastructure and communities.

Learn more about CRDS

Other projects

Reimagine Laurel

With funding and expertise from Delaware Sea Grant and the University of Delaware, the town of Laurel has launched the "Reimagine Laurel" campaign, established a Downtown Development District, and created the Laurel Ramble, a mixed-use redevelopment project around Broad Creek. Learn more

Working Waterfronts

Delaware's waterfront communities have suffered economically as the fishing and seafood industries have declined from their historical highs. The Working Waterfronts Initiative, coordinated by the University of Delaware Sustainable Coastal Communities Initiative, is working to identify strategic initiatives around the new tourism and recreation economies within Delaware that can help revitalize waterfront communities while maintaining their maritime heritage. Learn more

Municipal planning

Managing the growth of small communities is critical to protecting both community traditions and the environment as the population in Kent and Sussex Counties expands. Delaware Sea Grant and the University of Delaware's Sustainable Coastal Communities Initiative are working with communities to establish forward-looking development plans that can serve as blueprints for the future.

Bridgeville-Greenwood Master Plan

The towns of Bridgeville and Greenwood were challenged by an aging wastewater treatment plant and limits on agriculture pollution of the Nanticoke River. Collaborative efforts led to the development of a development plan for the two communities that identifies areas of potential growth that will not further impact water quality. Learn more

Disaster preparedness and climate change: Helping communities thrive in the face of a changing coastal environment

Delaware Sea Grant partners with communities and stakeholders to identify natural risks, promote adaptation strategies that develop resilience, and encourage the sharing of knowledge and experience across the coast. Learn more

Delaware’s Urban Coastal Communities: City of Wilmington

As the urban center of Delaware, Wilmington is home to more than 70,000 people. The city sits on the banks of the Delaware Bay, Brandywine, and Christina Rivers. Learn more

Offshore Wind

Looking to learn more about offshore wind as it relates to Delaware communities? Visit our page detailing up-to-date and accurate information, including discussions on future projects, research, and impacts to ocean views, recreational and commercial fishing industries, and coastal and marine species. Learn more