The Issue
The New York and New Jersey region’s waterfront has changed dramatically over the past generation. Once dominated by the maritime industry, they now host a mix of residential, industrial, and commercial development, public and private open space, and various recreational uses. But this evolution has occurred alongside growing risks and challenges:
- Climate risks, like rising sea levels, intensifying storms, extreme rainfall, and extreme heat are putting coastal and inland communities at risk.
- Historically disinvested communities continue to bear the brunt of environmental and climate injustices.
- Climate disasters are increasing in frequency and cost. In 2024, the U.S. experienced 27 different billion-dollar climate events, totaling $183 billion in damages.
- Outdated waterfront permitting systems hinder the speed and scale at which resilience infrastructure can be built.
- Inequitable public access cuts off several communities and neighborhoods from their local waterfronts.
These challenges demand coordinated, inclusive, and forward-thinking solutions.
The Solution
Waterfront Alliance leads policy and advocacy efforts to shape a waterfront that is resilient, accessible, and just. We work with elected officials, community leaders, and our Alliance and Rise to Resilience Coalition partners to:
- Promote climate resilience and adaptation legislation, planning, and funding.
- Preserve and revitalize the working waterfront.
- Expand waterborne transportation, particularly in transit deserts.
- Improve public access to waterways for recreation and education.
Environmental Justice is embedded throughout our work not as a separate priority, but as the lens through which every policy and program is developed.
Explore our full 2026 Waterfront and Resilience Platform.
We also produce reports, host webinars, issue public statements, provide testimony, and convene our annual Waterfront Conference to drive policy change and build momentum for a resilient future. View our full events schedule.
