Building resilience in flood-prone communities requires trusted partnerships. Through a National Fish and Wildlife Foundation grant, Florida Extension collaborated with the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council to strengthen engagement for the Tampa Bay Coastal Master Plan (CMP). Together, they trained 26 Extension agents and community members to lead listening sessions, piloted in seven counties with 74 residents. Insights were shaped into workshops for 66 local leaders and municipal staff, boosting their confidence and capacity to engage with under-resourced communities. Many participants joined a Community Engagement Committee, which meets quarterly to guide outreach and strategy. This partnership-driven approach ensures diverse voices inform the CMP and future resilience planning.
