By Emma Corbitt, Resilience Planner
Ten years ago, the Dutch Dialogues came to Norfolk to help Hampton Roads develop new solutions for how we live with water. Over the course of five days in June of 2015, a team of local staff from Hampton and Norfolk, regional organizations, and Dutch and American experts participated in an intense design charrette to develop strategies for the Newmarket Creek watershed in Hampton and the Ohio Creek watershed in Norfolk. These strategies have since been incorporated into completed projects in both cities. Last week, leaders and stakeholders from across Hampton Roads gathered again to celebrate the progress the region has made to become more resilient to coastal hazards over the past ten years and to help chart the path forward for the next decade.
Throughout the conference, leaders in resilience from localities, regional organizations, state agencies, academia, and the private sector shared successes, exchanged ideas and outlined bold visions for the future. Participants engaged in interactive tabletop sessions focused on exploring innovative funding models, strategies to strengthen industry partnerships, opportunities for transformative adaptation, and approaches to achieving effective regional collaboration.
Day two featured a hands-on design charette, where professionals from Waggonner & Ball, along with city staff, engineers, and students from Hampton University developed fresh design iterations for key areas in Newport News and Hampton. The collaborative energy reflected the original spirit of the Dutch Dialogues, bringing together experts across disciplines to create actionable, resilient solutions for our coastal communities.
The conference concluded with closing reflections centered on hope and passing the torch to the next generation of resilience professionals. Speakers emphasized mentorship, knowledge sharing, and the importance of empowering emerging leaders to continue advancing the region’s innovative, community-driven approach to living with water. As the region reflects on ten years of progress, the Dutch Dialogues continues to shape how Hampton Roads adapts, collaborates, and thrives at sea level.