Resilient Project
A community-centered resilience initiative supporting recovery and long-term adaptation in Pine Island and Matlacha.
The Pine Island and Matlacha Resilience Project is a community-centered initiative supporting post-disaster recovery and long-term climate adaptation in Southwest Florida. The project focuses on the communities of Pine Island and Matlacha, supporting recovery after Hurricane Ian while building a foundation for long-term resilience.
When Hurricane Ian made landfall in September 2022, these communities experienced severe storm surge, widespread housing and infrastructure damage, economic disruption, and resident displacement, placing them among the hardest-hit areas in the region.
Through a combination of community engagement, field-based assessments, and GIS-driven analysis, the project works to understand local needs and translate them into actionable design and planning strategies. In collaboration with residents, local organizations, and Lee County, the project supports key initiatives such as resilience hubs design strategy, infrastructure improvements, and long-term adaptation strategies for housing, mobility, and community services.
Project Goals
Support Long-term Recovery and Climate Adaptation
Advance community-led resilience planning
Prepare for future storms, flooding and climate risks
Support resilient design for public spaces, housing, and infrastructure
Build local capacity through partnership and engagement
From Research to Strategy:
Explore the Project Outcomes
Regional Assessment & Resilience Study
A regional study for Pine Island and Matlacha that examines key vulnerabilities using community insights and spatial analysis, informing priority areas and resilience hub strategies for long-term adaptation.
PINE ISLAND ROAD: Urban Resilience Strategy
A design-focused strategy for the Pine Island Road corridor that explores flood-adaptive scenarios, public space improvements, and long-term spatial planning solutions to support resilience and community connectivity.