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DevelopME Lunch & Learn – Staying above Water: Navigating the Impacts of Flooding and Sea Level Rise on Real Estate Development

Dec 6, 2024 | Events

3 pictures of flooding, courtesy of SIMPSON GUMPERTZ & HEGER

January 15, 2025 – 11:30 am – 1:00 pm
Lunch: 11:30-12:00 pm
Program: 12:00-1:00 pm

In-Person – Pre-registration is required.

Location: 
McGoldrick Career & Student Success Center
35 Bedford Street, Portland, ME

About the Event:

Flooding is one of the nation’s most costly natural hazards, but—despite the risks—construction continues to increase in flood-prone areas. Sea level rise and increased precipitation associated with climate change increase the frequency and severity of coastal and riverine flooding. Even buildings far from the waterfront can be subject to local or urban flooding. Careful planning and design can help reduce the risk of flood damage and minimize the business interruption caused by flood events. In this lunch & learn, we will help attendees understand flood hazards and share options for improving building resistance to flood damage to enhance community resilience. We will summarize the various types of flood hazards, discuss strategies for designing flood damage-resistant buildings, and explore various approaches to flood mitigation.

Meet our Presenters:

Matthew Gilbertson | Senior Technical Manager, SIMPSON GUMPERTZ & HEGER

Matt Gilbertson has diverse experience designing, investigating, and rehabilitating building and non-building structures. He specializes in evaluating flood hazards and designing structures to mitigate flood risk. His projects include designing buildings subject to flooding, evaluating existing facilities for flood risk, designing flood mitigation measures, and consulting on regulatory flood requirements. Matt is a member of Flood Load and Future Conditions subcommittees for ASCE 7-28, “Minimum Design Loads and Associated Criteria for Buildings and Other Structures,” and the committee for ASCE 24-24, “Flood Resistant Design and Construction.”

Casey Stevenson | Project Director, SIMPSON GUMPERTZ & HEGER

Casey Stevenson has extensive experience in industrial building and non-building structures, rehabilitation of existing structures, construction engineering, and assessment of structures for flood hazards. He excels in managing complex technical projects and leading multi-disciplinary teams, always striving for collaborative solutions. He specializes in the design and behavior of steel and concrete structures, large equipment supports and foundations, and industrial facilities. His leadership fosters cooperation and design integration, leading to innovative outcomes that exceed client expectations. Committed to advancing the field, his expertise and dedication make him a trusted advisor for complex engineering challenges.

Moderating the program is MEREDA Board Member and co-chair of DevelopME, Gwen Hulit is a Mortgage Loan Officer with U.S. Bank, with lending capabilities in all 50 states. She originates residential mortgages on properties ranging from 1-4 units as primary residences, second homes, and investment properties. Gwen is the Co-Chair of MEREDA’s DevelopME committee and is active with the Olympia Snowe Women’s Leadership Institute. Gwen lives in her hometown of Falmouth with her husband and daughter.

Ticket Prices:
Member: $35 | Non-Member: $45
Prices increase by $10 after January 8.

Refund Policy: Your RSVP is requested by January 8. Payment is expected at the time of registration. No refunds will be granted to anyone who registers, but fails to attend or who cancels after January 8.

Register HERE!

EVENT PARKING:  Everyone that parks on the USM Campus in the Bedford Street Garage has to use the digital parking system. You can pre-register for your parking session or do it upon arrival. To avoid a parking citation, you must begin your digital parking session – and pay – within 10 minutes of parking.  You can also pre-schedule your session.  

Click Here to Download the Event Parking Instructions.

By purchasing these tickets, you confirm that you have read and understand the Event Parking information provided by the McGoldrick Career & Student Success Center above.

This event in Sponsored by Norway Savings Bank.

Coming Up Next Month

December

McGoldrick Center for Career & Student Success35 Bedford Street, Portland, ME

wed09dec8:30 am10:30 amMorning Menu - The County Is Calling: Municipal Development Opportunities for Growth in Aroostook County 8:30 am - 10:30 am McGoldrick Center for Career & Student Success, 35 Bedford Street, Portland, ME

Event Details

December 9, 2026 – 8:30 – 10:30 amBuffet Breakfast: 8:30-9:00 amProgram: 9:00-10:30 am Location:McGoldrick Career & Student Success Center35

Event Details

December 9, 2026 – 8:30 – 10:30 am
Buffet Breakfast: 8:30-9:00 am
Program: 9:00-10:30 am

Location:
McGoldrick Career & Student Success Center
35 Bedford Street, Portland, ME

About the Event:

Opportunity is calling in Aroostook County! Join Maine Redevelopment, Aroostook Partnership, and five Central Aroostook municipal leaders for an inside look at development-ready projects and investment opportunities in Northern Maine. Municipal leaders from Presque Isle, Caribou, Fort Fairfield, Limestone, and Van Buren will showcase specific projects, available sites, and opportunities for growth, including projects supported by federal funding. Discover how these communities are positioning themselves for new development and investment, and connect directly with local decision-makers who are ready to help move projects forward. Whether you’re a developer, investor, or industry partner, come explore the opportunities waiting for you in The County.

Confirmed Speakers: Jennifer Litteral, Maine Redevelopment, Kiersten Purington, Aroostook Partnership, Sonja Eyler, City of Presque Isle, Penny Thompson, City of Caribou, Aaron Huotari, Town of Fort Fairfield, Edward Pocock III, Town of Limestone, and Luke Dyer, Town of Van Buren. 

Refund Policy: Your RSVP is requested by December 2. Payment is expected at the time of registration. No refunds will be granted to anyone who registers, but fails to attend, or who cancels after December 2. 

Prices increase by $10 after December 2.

Thank you to our Breakfast Series Sponsor:

Norway Savings Bank Transparent Logo 2

Time

December 9, 2026 8:30 am - 10:30 am

Location

McGoldrick Center for Career & Student Success

35 Bedford Street, Portland, ME

Register Here

Price $45.00

How many tickets? -1 +

Total Price $45.00

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Parking

Everyone that parks on the USM Campus in the Bedford Street Garage has to use the digital parking system. You can pre-register for your parking session or do it upon arrival. Commit your license number to memory!  You’ll need it to complete your parking session.  To avoid a parking citation, you must begin your digital parking session – and pay – within 10 minutes of parking. 

Parking Instructions (PDF)

Click Here to Download the Event Parking Instructions.

Maine Real Estate Development Association
6 City Center 3rd Floor
Portland, ME 04101
info@mereda.org

Copyright (c) 2026 Maine Real Estate & Development Association | All rights reserved | Privacy Policy
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