Managed Retreat in New York City

According to an article by Ilana Cohen, managed retreat has become a de facto part of life in certain areas of New York City.

"Though not all residents have been presented with equal choices in the matter, many on the city's waterfront have voluntarily participated in government-funded home buyout programs, abandoning their longtime residences to seek higher ground."

The home buyout option is available through the city's Build it Back program, "which seeks to support Sandy-impacted residents with their recovery needs by working with them directly to help repair, rebuild, and elevate their homes—or, when necessary, to relocate entirely."

Also according to the article, some local residents say the city's response to the flood risk has lacked a comprehensive plan, and others are choosing to stay, despite the dire reports of the expected impact of sea-level rise in coastal stretches of the city.