The American Shore and Beach Preservation Association (ASBPA) hosted the 100th Anniversary National Coastal Summit in Washington, D.C., at the end of March, bringing together advocates, agencies, and experts to celebrate and reflect on 100 years of coastal advocacy.
A unique part of the 2026 Coastal Summit was the “Voices from the Coast” event, which honored the intent of ASBPA’s founders and documented the commitment from coastal communities to preserving our nation’s beaches and shores. To commemorate ASBPA’s 100th anniversary, two congressional resolutions were introduced during the Summit. On the Senate floor, Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) introduced S. Res. 659, Celebrating the 100th anniversary of the American Shore and Beach Preservation Association with co-sponsor Senator Bill Cassidy (R-LA). In the House, Representative David Rouzer (R-NC-7) introduced H.Res. 1134, Celebrating the 100th anniversary of the American Shore and Beach Preservation Association with co-sponsors Representatives John Rutherford (R-FL-12), Dave Min (D-CA-47), Frank Pallone (D-NJ-6), Greg Murphy (R-NC-3), and Kevin Mullin (D-CA-15).
Executive Director, Nicole Elko, opened the event reflecting, “As J. Spencer Smith, ASBPA’s first president, stated at ASBPA’s first meeting, ‘We have gathered here for a great purpose.’ Today, ASBPA’s mission remains much the same as it was in 1926: to foster national collaboration that helps communities navigate the complex coastal challenges of the next century.” Attendees then heard from Kara Allen, ASBPA’s 2026 Congressional Staffer, and Rep. Lois Frankel, ASBPA’s 2026 Coastal Advocate on their experiences working to navigate coastal challenges.
