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CCPO and ICAR

Spring 2026 Virtual Seminar Series

MONDAY, 26 January 2026

3:30 p.m.

The first CCPO and Institute for Coastal Adaptation and Resilience (ICAR) seminar for the spring semester will be given by Dr. Wie Yusuf from the School of Public Service, 91��Ƭ�� (flyer attached).   Dr. Yusuf is a policy scholar who studies policy issues that emerge when governments, non-profit/non-governmental organizations, businesses, and civil society intersect. Dr. Yusuf’s research bridges research and practice to develop actionable recommendations for policy makers. Dr. Yusuf’s seminar will provide an overview of The Resilience Adaptation Feasibility Tool and how it is used to help coastal communities in Virginia build climate resilience.  

Dr. Eileen Hofmann will host Dr. Yusuf’s virtual seminar.  There will be an informal discussion with Dr. Yusuf prior to the seminar starting at 3pm. 

Please join via the seminar Zoom link above to talk with Dr. Yusuf and attend the seminar. 

Title: Advancing Equitable Coastal Resilience: Lessons from The RAFT

Abstract

Coastal communities across Virginia are vulnerable to climate impacts and chronic stressors that disproportionately affect vulnerable populations. The Resilience Adaptation Feasibility Tool (The RAFT) offers a proven, community‑driven framework for advancing community-driven, equitable resilience planning and implementation. This seminar introduces the development of The RAFT, sharing lessons from The RAFT’s multi‑university partnership that has supported localities of varying sizes, demographics, and capacities. Drawing from field experience and the forthcoming Field Guide for Community‑Based and Equity‑Focused Resilience Planning, the seminar highlights how holistic resilience assessments, inclusive engagement, small‑scale “early win” projects, and integration of equity into local planning processes can catalyze long‑term, community‑led adaptation efforts. The seminar will offer examples and guidance, rooted in real‑world applications, for how coastal communities can pursue on‑the‑ground resilience efforts while leveraging partnerships, data, and local knowledge to build a more just and resilient future.

Biography

Wie Yusuf is Professor in the School of Public Service at 91��Ƭ��. Her areas of expertise are in public finance, infrastructure planning, coastal community resilience, climate change and sea level rise, and public participation and stakeholder engagement. Her research broadly focuses on addressing policy and planning issues, such as transportation planning, environmental policy, and adaptation planning, from a multi-sectoral perspective. This approach considers the roles of actors and organizations from across the whole of the community, including government, businesses, nonprofits, faith-based and community organizations, and residents. In addition to academic research, she also develops resilience products for use by a general, non-technical audience including planners, businesses, and residents.

Previous seminars are available on CCPO/ICAR Seminar