Norfolk possesses remarkable natural and man-made assets: 144 miles of coastline, 125 active and engaged civic leagues, the world’s largest naval station, and the status of most multi-modal city in Virginia. Norfolk’s attractions include the cobblestone streets of the award-winning Freemason neighborhood.
But, having been nearly destroyed during the American Revolution, burned down during the Civil War, and flooded repeatedly over the century, Norfolk also knows a thing or two about resilience.
In this city anchored by the Navy, and taking a whole-community approach focused on hazard mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery, Norfolk has learned to “live with the water” as a coastal city. However, rising sea levels and recurrent flooding remain a major threat. The two largest concerns are local transportation and energy security. Norfolk estimates that thousands of residents could be stranded if a major hurricane hits the region, because the state’s evacuation plan is inadequate. Energy security and redundancy remain a challenge, as power outages present safety and health hazards.
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