Oswego to Host Launch Event for Local Government Network for NY’s Great Lakes Coastal Communities

OSWEGO – Oswego, New York; September 9, 2026. New York Sea Grant has announced the launch of SHORE, a local government network developed to provide practical and technical support to New York’s Great Lakes region municipalities facing flooding, shoreline change, and water resource challenges. New York Sea Grant will hold three day-long regional SHORE launch events:
. October 20, 2026, in Oswego, New York;
. October 27, 2026, in Hamburg, New York; and
. November 4, 2026, in Greece, New York.
For locations, cost (lunch is included), and other details, a registration link is now open at nyseagrant.org/shorelaunch; for assistance, contact New York Sea Grant at 315-312-3042.

Among those anticipated to attend the events are municipal officials and staff, board members, and county staff including, but not limited to, code enforcement, planning, emergency management, and highway and public works personnel.

“Local leaders shouldn’t have to ‘start from scratch’ every time a coastal challenge arises. SHORE will help communities to tap into the experience, expertise, and resources that already exist across New York’s Great Lakes region,” said New York Sea Grant Coastal Community Development Specialist Mary Austerman.

The SHORE launch events will:
. introduce the network and explore how connections among communities, agencies, and resource providers can help local governments navigate coastal complex issues and achieve resilience goals

. speakers will highlight timely state and regional initiatives and emerging issues relevant to Great Lakes local governments

. “Lightning Talks” will provide communities and partners an opportunity to share projects, successes, lessons learned, innovative approaches, and challenges they are working to address

. facilitated discussions will build on the day’s conversations, allowing participants to exchange experiences, perspectives, and resources, and to make connections that can support their work beyond the event.

New York Sea Grant provides this assistance with partial support from the New York State Environmental Protection Fund, in partnership with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s Great Lakes Program.

New York Sea Grant is a cooperative program of Cornell University and the State University of New York. Its statewide network integrates research, education, and extension services focused on coastal community economic vitality, environmental sustainability, and citizen awareness and understanding about New York’s Great Lakes and marine resources. New York Sea Grant is one of 34 university-based programs under the National Sea Grant College Program of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, nyseagrant.org. # # #