Call for Proposals: Planning for the Future of Our Coasts
By: Brad Williamson, Government Affairs and Communications Manager
Nearly 40 percent of Americans live in coastal counties, drawn by the economic vitality, recreational opportunities, and quality of life that our shorelines provide. Yet as coastal populations continue to grow, these same resources face mounting pressures from overdevelopment, aging infrastructure, pollution, sea level rise, and increasingly frequent and severe storms. Coastal management professionals are tasked with balancing the needs of communities, economies, and ecosystems – ensuring that development and resilience strategies work in harmony with the natural processes that shape our coasts.
Proposals in the Coastal Management & Planning track should address efforts to thoughtfully manage the relationship between people and place through effective planning, policy, and the integration of both natural and built infrastructure. Because every region, state, municipality, and shoreline presents unique challenges and opportunities, there is no single solution. This track provides a forum to share innovative approaches, tested best practices, and most importantly – lessons learned from implementation.
As climate change continues to exacerbate existing threats and introduces new uncertainties for coastal communities, coastal managers must be able to adapt techniques to stay ahead of the changing environment. Rising seas, stronger storms, coastal flooding, saltwater intrusion, and shifting shorelines demand adaptive, forward-looking planning that prioritizes resilience and long-term sustainability. Solutions that once worked may no longer be effective, requiring us to find new approaches to the today’s problems, informed by knowledge of the past and an understanding of probable future scenarios.
Encouragingly, the solutions are evolving alongside the challenges. Living shorelines—constructed with sustainable, locally available materials—have successfully restored and stabilized areas ranging from a few meters to several kilometers. These nature-based approaches require careful planning and design to replicate natural processes while delivering ecological and protective benefits. Additional strategies, such as marsh and dune restoration, floodplain reconnection, oyster and reef habitat creation, green stormwater infrastructure, and managed retreat are demonstrating how natural systems can enhance resilience while improving habitat, water quality, and community well-being.
At the 2026 Coastal & Estuarine Summit, coastal management professionals from the local, state, Tribal, and federal levels will come together to share practical experience, applied research, and on-the-ground implementation strategies. By submitting a proposal, you can contribute your expertise, highlight successes and challenges, and collaborate with peers working to build more resilient, sustainable coastal communities.
Join Us in Shaping the Future of Planning & Coastal Management
We invite you to help lead the national conversation at the 2026 RAE Coastal & Estuarine Summit. We are seeking proposals for sessions on topics such as:
- Coastal ecological restoration
- Balancing coastal uses with ecological restoration
- Coastal green infrastructure
- Planning for & adapting to sea level rise
- Hybrid approaches to shoreline management
- Beneficial re-use of dredged material
- And more!
Submit your proposal here: https://estuaries.org/2026-summit-call-for-proposals/
We are also seeking sponsors who want to highlight their leadership in Coastal Planning and Management —whether you’re looking to reach new customers, showcase innovations, or hire top talent. For sponsorship information, contact LSpeidell@estuaries.org.
Registration for the 2026 RAE Coastal & Estuarine Summit opens April 13.
