Local government perspectives on housing buyouts in New York after Hurricane Sandy

Abstract

Understanding government experience with hazard buyouts can enhance future efforts. We conducted a study of state and local government perspectives about buyouts after Hurricane Sandy in the New York area, including three jurisdictions that participated in buyouts and two that did not. Respondents differentiated outcomes for buyout participants, which they saw as financially beneficial, and outcomes for residents remaining, including limited open space and risk reduction benefits. The perceived benefits and drawbacks of buyouts were dependent on site and local government characteristics. Buyouts were seen as most appropriate as a last resort, in response to financial losses for homeowners. Increasing partnerships and opportunities for crossjurisdictional learning, expanding time frames for buyout participation, and revisiting buyout costs and benefits over time could enhance buyout programmes.

Citation

Mockrin, Miranda H.; Johnson, Michelle L. 2025. Local government perspectives on housing buyouts in New York after Hurricane Sandy. Environmental Hazards. 24(1): 45-64. https://doi.org/10.1080/17477891.2024.2343385.