Cape Fear Regional Resilience Portfolio
The Cape Fear Council of Governments region includes Brunswick, Columbus, New Hanover and Pender counties.
The Cape Fear Council of Governments is working with NCORR’s RISE Program to develop a portfolio of priority projects that strengthen regional resilience. This multi-phase effort includes a forward-looking vulnerability assessment, the identification of 5-10 high-priority projects and a list of the actions needed to implement each proposed project. A diverse stakeholder partnership is guiding the project to ensure that the scope of work reflects local priorities. The Cape Fear COG is offering project guidance, a local leader has been hired by the NC Rural Center to provide facilitation support and Tetra Tech is providing technical assistance.
Get Involved
Submit Feedback on Regional Climate Resilience Projects
The Regional Resilience Project Portfolio for the Cape Fear Region identifies priority projects and strategies that reduce the risks associated with extreme weather events and enhance regional resilience. The portfolio aims to produce shovel-ready actions with detailed implementation steps, including estimated costs, potential implementing partners, likely project completion challenges and more. Residents of the Cape Fear region are encouraged to review the draft portfolio of priority resilience projects and share feedback.
- Review the draft Resilience Portfolio.
- Submit comments and feedback via email by Monday, Dec. 5.
- Please be as specific with your comments as possible, indicating the page and paragraph numbers when feasible.
Public Workshop #2: Cape Fear Regional Resilience Portfolio Project
Sept. 13, 2022: 10–11 a.m. and 6–7 p.m.
Workshop attendees had a chance to give feedback on potential regional projects and strategies to build future community resilience in Brunswick, Columbus, New Hanover and Pender counties. Five to 10 prioritized strategies or projects will be included in the final Cape Fear Regional Resilience Portfolio, which will identify specific ways to help communities prepare for and recover from natural disasters and climate hazards.
Public Workshop #1: Understanding Vulnerability from the Local Perspective
April 7, 2022: 10–11 a.m. and 6–7 p.m.
During this workshop, community stakeholders learned about the Cape Fear Regional Resilience Portfolio Project and provided feedback on regional response and recovery strengths and weaknesses. Participants also had a chance to share personal experiences with disaster preparedness and recovery, and engage in small group discussions about climate hazards.
Review the Vulnerability Assessment
The Climate Change and Natural Hazards Vulnerability Assessment for the Cape Fear Region is a report describing past problems and future risks associated with extreme weather events such as hurricanes, flooding, extreme temperatures, droughts and wildfires. The report outlines the impacts of these climate hazards on housing, the environment and the economy.
If you would like to receive occasional news about the project, please subscribe to email updates.
- For more information about the state's RISE initiative in the Cape Fear COG region, contact NCORR Chief Resilience Officer Amanda Martin.
- For information about the program's local activities, contact RISE Cape Fear Region Facilitator Latoya Beatty.
- Technical Assistance Lead: JaLeesa Tate (Tetra Tech)
If you are interested in joining the Cape Fear Stakeholder Partnership, you may reach out to any of the regional contacts listed above.
Project Overview
Step 1. Vulnerability Assessment
The first phase of the project is the development of a vulnerability assessment. This analysis brings together science and local knowledge to paint a picture of hazards in the region and how they may change in the future.
Step 2. Propose and Prioritize Projects
The second phase of the project is the development of a portfolio of several projects that have regional benefits for resilience. Proposed projects could include construction projects, nature-based solutions, outreach and capacity building activities, or planning and policy developments. The regional benefit could come in many forms, such as reducing downstream flooding, offering a resource to multiple local governments, or crafting a pilot project with replicability in other places.
A critical component of developing the portfolio is finding achievable paths to implementation, including funding sources and capacity considerations. The region will have the opportunity to select a project for seed funding from the Duke Energy Foundation RISE Accelerator Grant Program.
Resource Documents
The RISE effort builds on analysis and planning conducted over the last several years. These resources include: