Layla Hood

Education: Majoring in Park Management and Conservation
Mentor: Sarah Jackson, Ph.D.
Project: What Strategies can Local Governments and Communities implement to utilize Buyout Properties?

Every year flooding as a result of hurricanes heavily impact the counties of coastal North
Carolina. Buyouts and conversion of public land for community use address this problem and is utilized by local governments and community planners. The benefits of utilizing buyout property include catering to environmental needs and serving the community. However, there are also unintended consequences of buyouts such as loss of belonging and lack of management. This study examines the different strategies of management for buyout lands in eastern North Carolina. The purpose of this study is to better understand management strategies so that they can be efficiently utilized by communities. Data was collected through semi-structed interviews and was analyzed using an inductive thematic analysis. Sixteen interviews were conducted with town/city/county managers and planners, community members, non-profit leaders, and state government agencies. Four themes emerged from the set categories: sustainable property health, alternative community use, community centered public use, and connection driven by loss. These findings highlight the importance of community centered projects and environmental health in order to cultivate stronger communities. This study contributes to the ongoing hurricane mitigation research and conversations on outdoor community space.