News Summary
Charleston is grieving the loss of Dale Morris, a former chief resilience officer who died in a bicycle accident at the age of 64. Morris was instrumental in developing the city’s approach to climate resilience and flood control, notably through the Water Plan and the Dutch Dialogues project. Despite leaving his official role, he remained a passionate advocate for flood preparedness. The city will honor his legacy with open houses to discuss ongoing efforts to mitigate flooding and improve resilience. Morris’s commitment to Charleston’s future will be remembered and cherished.
Charleston Mourns the Loss of a Resilience Advocate
CHARLESTON – The vibrant city of Charleston is enveloped in grief following the tragic passing of Dale Morris, the former chief resilience officer. Morris died on April 7, 2025, as a result of a bicycle accident on Johns Island that left him with a severe injury. He fought bravely on life support after suffering a broken neck but sadly succumbed to his injuries.
At 64 years old, Morris was not just known for his warm personality but also for his impressive resume. He previously worked as a senior economist for the Netherlands’ embassy in Washington, D.C., and he brought that wealth of experience to Charleston when he joined the city in 2019. His appointment as the chief resilience officer in 2021 was a milestone, as it was a position specifically created for him by former Mayor John Tecklenburg.
Leading the Charge for Climate Resilience
Morris had a major impact on Charleston’s approach to climate resilience and flood control. He was the driving force behind the development of Charleston’s Water Plan, a forward-thinking strategy that addresses the pressing challenges of rising sea levels and flooding over the next 25 years. Understanding the urgent need for action, he consistently called for measures to manage flood risks effectively to ensure that Charleston remains a sustainable place to live.
One of his most notable contributions was his involvement in the Dutch Dialogues project in 2019. This initiative focused on applying Dutch techniques to tackle urban flooding, underscoring his commitment to innovative solutions. Even after his resignation in June 2024 due to differences with the current Mayor, William Cogswell, he continued to be a passionate advocate for resilience strategies, working closely with city officials and the community.
A Legacy of Service
Despite not holding his official title any longer, Morris kept an amicable relationship with the city and dedicated himself to promoting the importance of flood preparedness. His dedication didn’t go unnoticed; local leaders and community figures have expressed their heartfelt sorrow over the loss of an individual who devoted so much energy to improving Charleston’s future.
To honor Morris’s legacy and the work he passionately championed, the city plans to hold five open houses throughout May. These events aim to update residents on the ongoing efforts to mitigate flooding and to discuss the various components of the Water Plan and Basin Flood Action Program. The first forum on Charleston’s Water Plan is set to take place at the Charleston County Main Library from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. on an upcoming Tuesday.
Looking Forward
As Charleston grapples with the challenges posed by climate change, many community leaders have expressed profound sadness over Morris’s passing while also recognizing the urgent need to continue his mission. Morris’s emphasis on resilience and adaptation has left a lasting impression on the city, and his ideas about living with water will serve as a guiding light in Charleston’s planning and response to climate challenges moving forward.
As Charleston faces the realities of climate change, the loss of Dale Morris is felt deeply across the city. His unwavering commitment, vibrant spirit, and innovative thinking made a significant impact, and while he may be gone, his legacy will undoubtedly continue to shape the trajectory of this remarkable city.
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Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: Dale Morris Dead
- Mother Jones: Charleston’s Historic Black Community
- SC Daily Gazette: Flood Response Funding
- Live 5 News: Charleston Open Houses on Flood Solutions
- ABC News 4: Dale Morris Steps Down
- Wikipedia: Climate Change in the United States
- Google Search: Flood Management Strategies
- Google Scholar: Flood Resilience Planning
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Flood
- Google News: Flooding Charleston
