We provide original research on planning for sea level rise (SLR) in the southeastern United States. Our analysis of 85 coastal counties finds that most are in the early stages of planning for SLR, having recognized it as a general threat to their coastal communities. However, relatively few evidence comprehensive analysis of risk across their portfolio of infrastructure assets and service areas. We find that risk exposure, financial resources, and population size increase the likelihood of nominally planning for SLR but that counties with higher shares of liberal voters tend to plan more comprehensively. Our results align with previous research on barriers to addressing climate change and provide new insights for SLR adaptation.

Andrew J. Grandage, PhD is an Assistant Professor at Western Carolina University. His research interests focus on public administration, specifically the nexus of performance management, budgeting, and project management. Recent publications include work on project management in U.S. state governments and capital planning at the local level.

Robert E. Hines, PhD is an Assistant Professor at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. He researches public budgeting at the state and local level. He is especially interested in how policymakers and governments manage the uncertainty underlying the long-term threat of sea level rise.

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