Kelly McCaffrey was brought aboard WDFW in 2022 to put in motion the recommendation, through the Puget Sound Action Agenda’s Implementation Strategy, to develop a Shoreline Revolving Loan Fund to accompany the work of Shore Friendly.  The purpose in standing up such a program is to sustainably finance project implementation of Shore Friendly techniques and armor-removal along privately owned shorelines, including eligibility for elevating or moving homes slightly back from shore, followed by restoration waterward.  The application starts with shorelines, but is ideally replicable in other resiliency efforts, through partnership and collaboration.  

Kelly comes to WDFW following a coordination role between the 12 Conservation Districts of Puget Sound, commission and grant evaluation roles, and prior experience working in the water rights market with private landowners in eastern WA to improve instream flow.  She has an MPA from UW Evans School, a BS from Colorado State University, working her way through CDFA trainings, and always welcomes a good article, book, webinar, connection, or chat that touches on conservation finance and incentive-based program design.