There are some current Federal policies and programs that may encourage development. The effect of advertising campaigns to increase awareness and decrease vulnerability were discussed. The positive aspects of the anti-smoking initiatives and seat belt campaigns were mentioned. Discussants suggested there is a need for better data regarding the structures which are actually subject to coastal hazards. This data has never been captured.
Building codes appear to be adequate and do work.
However, enforcement of these codes is a problem. Increasing code enforcement would reduce vulnerability. The public needs to be educated and thus become a proponent for code enforcement. This could be done by showing the public that tax dollars will not have to be used to restore buildings to their pre-damaged condition, if they are constructed according to code in the first place.