City of Miami Beach
Adaptation Action Area Implementation
City of Miami Beach:
Surrounded by Water
• Miami Beach is a low-lying,
porous barrier island with
approximately 70 miles of
shoreline
• Average elevation of 4.4 feet
NAVD 1988
• Dense, urban environment
• How do we best plan and adapt
to the impacts of Sea Level
Rise?
A NOT SO SUNNY DAY
AT THE BEACH
CHALLENGE: High Groundwater
NORTH
NORTH
Miami Beach Current Response
1. Mayor & Commission
Leadership
2. Adaptation Planning
1. Infrastructure
Improvements
2. Built Environment
3. Enhancing Natural
Features
3. Long-Term Adaptation
Planning
Fostering Partnerships
• Southeast Florida Regional Climate Change Compact
• Academic: FIU & UM
• Engineering Expertise
• AECOM – Peer review for SWMMP
• Bechtel – Financing seawall upgrade
• International Collaboration
• Dutch Dialogues Seminar 2013
• Municipal Engineering Foundation Victoria, Australia
Thank you
Elizabeth Wheaton
Assistant Building Director
Environment & Sustainability Division
elizabethwheaton@miamibeachfl.gov
305-673-7000 x6121
Margarita Wells
Environment and Sustainability Specialist
Environment & Sustainability Division
margaritawells@miamibeachfl.gov
305-673-7000 x6928