Program on the Environment

Washington’s coastal communities face a myriad of risks including earthquakes, tsunamis, and increasingly prevalent climate-related hazards such as flooding, drought, and sea level rise. However, many counties lack the resources to plan for these disasters effectively. Further, the impacts of these events are often unequally distributed amongst a handful of vulnerable populations. My research with Washington Sea Grant (WSG) and the Washington State Emergency Management Division (EMD) sought to address these disparities by identifying best practices for integrating social vulnerability and assessing capacity gaps in emergency management. This was accomplished through a three-part methodology including a literature review, quantitative document analysis, and a series of qualitative interviews with local and state planners. The research was further enhanced by on the ground feedback and perspectives gained while shadowing the interagency Coastal Hazards Organizational Resilience Team (COHORT) during site visits, meeting, and conferences. Findings revealed that Hazard Mitigation Plans (HMPs) varied significantly across jurisdictions based on capacity, size, and demographics. There was no standardized approach to incorporating social vulnerability, nor consistency in tools or engagement techniques. Broader trends highlighted the need for a more active state role in disaster mitigation, stronger policy-level coordination, and a shift toward more integrated emergency management. As federal funding remains uncertain, effective resource allocation is critical. Integrating social vulnerability into hazard mitigation planning enables jurisdictions to prioritize communities at highest risk, reducing loss of life, streamlining government spending, and ultimately strengthening coastal resilience.