I am writing in strong support of HJ20 and to thank Delegate Glass for introducing legislation that centers people — not just property — in Virginia’s response to sea level rise.
As flooding and rising waters increasingly threaten homes across the Commonwealth, too many low-income, elderly, Black, Indigenous, and rural families face the risk of losing generational land. For many, this land represents far more than a physical structure; it is a source of cultural identity, family history, stability, and the primary form of intergenerational wealth. When disaster strikes, families are often left with few options beyond unsafe conditions, debt, or buyouts that undervalue their property and sever long-standing community ties.
HJ20 is important because it recognizes that conversations about “managed retreat” must be rooted in justice, dignity, and informed choice. Without intentional planning, climate adaptation strategies can unintentionally repeat historic patterns of displacement that have already harmed vulnerable communities across Virginia. Studying equitable approaches now gives us the opportunity to do better.
I strongly support this bill’s focus on exploring best practices, cost-sharing models, and community-scale planning strategies that protect homeowners while reducing long-term disaster recovery costs for the state. Proactive investment in flood mitigation, nature-based solutions, and voluntary relocation options is not only more humane — it is fiscally responsible and essential to building long-term resilience.
HJ20 honors the elders who built these communities and acknowledges that true stewardship of the land must include protecting the people connected to it. I urge the General Assembly to advance this important resolution and ensure that Virginia’s climate response does not leave its most vulnerable residents behind.
I am writing in strong support of HJ20 and to thank Delegate Glass for introducing legislation that centers people — not just property — in Virginia’s response to sea level rise. As flooding and rising waters increasingly threaten homes across the Commonwealth, too many low-income, elderly, Black, Indigenous, and rural families face the risk of losing generational land. For many, this land represents far more than a physical structure; it is a source of cultural identity, family history, stability, and the primary form of intergenerational wealth. When disaster strikes, families are often left with few options beyond unsafe conditions, debt, or buyouts that undervalue their property and sever long-standing community ties. HJ20 is important because it recognizes that conversations about “managed retreat” must be rooted in justice, dignity, and informed choice. Without intentional planning, climate adaptation strategies can unintentionally repeat historic patterns of displacement that have already harmed vulnerable communities across Virginia. Studying equitable approaches now gives us the opportunity to do better. I strongly support this bill’s focus on exploring best practices, cost-sharing models, and community-scale planning strategies that protect homeowners while reducing long-term disaster recovery costs for the state. Proactive investment in flood mitigation, nature-based solutions, and voluntary relocation options is not only more humane — it is fiscally responsible and essential to building long-term resilience. HJ20 honors the elders who built these communities and acknowledges that true stewardship of the land must include protecting the people connected to it. I urge the General Assembly to advance this important resolution and ensure that Virginia’s climate response does not leave its most vulnerable residents behind.