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Climate hazards, including extreme weather and changing conditions like sea level rise or drought, can cause long-lasting damage to homes, businesses, infrastructure, and communities as a whole. Ripple effects on regional economies, including on housing prices and insurance costs, can further destabilize communities. As these hazards become more frequent and more intense, many may choose or be forced to relocate.

Some communities have embraced reputations as climate havens to try to attract these climate-displaced people, highlighting their relatively lower climate risk. But nowhere is truly safe from climate hazards, and high housing costs and a lack of opportunities for social connections can present challenges for both existing residents and incoming climate-displaced people.

Our new report, Housing for Havens: Smart growth strategies for climate resilience, helps equip decision makers and community leaders with the tools they need to prepare for inclusive and resilient growth. The report includes three recommendations for planning for smarter growth and recognizing the vulnerabilities communities may face along the way:

1. Prioritize pro-housing initiatives that connect housing, transportation, and amenities
2. Strengthen social infrastructure to support new and long-time community members
3. Recognize & prepare for climate hazards