Program Overview

The Town of Nantucket is initiating a comprehensive planning effort to address the long-term impacts of sea level rise, erosion, and coastal flooding through a Strategic Retreat and Relocation Program.

In certain high-risk areas of the island, structural, non-structural, and nature-based approaches to coastal adaptation may no longer be feasible, effective, or desirable over the long term. In these locations, strategic retreat refers to the planned, phased movement of buildings, infrastructure, or public facilities away from areas of severe coastal risk, allowing vulnerable land to transition over time to safer or more appropriate uses. Relocation may include moving structures, adjusting land use, or guiding future development away from high-risk areas. Together, these approaches provide a proactive pathway to reduce risk and safeguard Nantucket’s future.At the same time, Nantucket’s coastlines hold deep historic, cultural, and environmental significance. This program will carefully balance the need for forward-looking climate adaptation with the preservation of the island’s unique character, landscapes, and built heritage.

The Strategic Retreat and Relocation Program builds directly on the Town’s Coastal Resilience Plan (CRP), which outlines 40 community-informed recommendations to address coastal risk through 2070. This new effort will build upon those priorities while developing implementable actions that are equitable, legally viable, and supported by the community, Town staff, and partner agencies.

Retreat is not only a physical process, but also a social and cultural one. It requires sustained coordination, clear communication, and creative problem-solving. Through this program, the Town of Nantucket is committed to shaping a forward-looking approach that protects people, preserves historic character, and prepares the island for the climate challenges ahead.

Program Goals

The Nantucket Strategic Retreat and Relocation Program aims to effectively and strategically coordinate community awareness and engagement to advance the following program goals:

1. Develop an island-wide community supported, Strategic Retreat and Relocation Program that identifies public and private areas facing extreme coastal risk where structural, non-structural, and nature-based strategies may no longer be feasible, effective or desirable, and defines coordinated pathways for long-term adaptation.
2. Establish implementable, equitable, and legally viable actions that can be supported by community members, Town staff, elected officials, and partner agencies.
3. Honor Nantucket’s historic, cultural, and environmental character by shaping retreat and relocation strategies that respect the island’s unique landscapes, built heritage, and sense of place while planning proactively for future climate conditions, and fostering environmental leadership.
4. Build directly on the Coastal Resilience Plan (CRP) and other town plans and align with past risk assessments, priorities, and recommended timelines, ensuring coherence across existing Town policies, initiatives and regulatory frameworks.
5. Develop a robust, transparent community engagement and education strategy that informs and engages year-round and seasonal residents, property owners, and other stakeholders throughout the planning process.