Relocation and Resilience: Exploring Co-Benefits in Aberdeen, WA

Thesis (Master's)--University of Washington, 2016-06

The field of planning typically focuses on preparing for the expected, but does not pay enough attention to uncertain and extreme events that have the potential to reconfigure communities. I focus this thesis on Aberdeen, WA, where a tsunami triggered by a Cascadia Subduction Zone Earthquake could cause the permanent displacement of thousands of residents. I present a relocation concept as a resilience strategy. This concept includes short-term development opportunities on a site that can also adapt for temporary relief and permanent resettlement in the event of a tsunami. Although there are not many relocation precedents, I comparatively study Taholah, WA and La Push, WA; two indigenous communities on the Washington coast that have plans to relocate entirely. I argue that relocation is more than just a long-term disaster preparedness strategy, but rather should include near-term opportunities and reflect community values and needs.