Several important factors influencing the evolution of the mid-Atlantic coast in response to sea-level rise were identified. Among these are: a) the geologic framework, b) physical processes, c) the sediment budget, and d) human activity. The committee agreed that the sediment budget is a critical determinant of how a specific shoreline setting will respond to changes in sea-level, but the response is dependent upon the interactions with the other three variables. At the same time, it was agreed that it is not possible to quantify with high confidence the sediment budget over time periods as long as a century and its precise role in influencing shoreline changes. Another factor is the human impact on coasts. A variety of erosion control practices and alterations of the coast have been undertaken over the last century along much of the mid-Atlantic region, particularly during the latter half of the 20^th century. In many cases, shoreline engineering structures such as seawalls, revetments, groins and jetties have significantly altered sediment transport processes, often exacerbating erosion on a local to regional scale. At the same time, beach nourishment has been used on many beaches to temporarily mitigate erosion and provide storm protection by adding to the sediment budget. It is uncertain whether or how these engineering measures might impede the ability of natural processes to respond to future sea-level rise. It is also uncertain whether ongoing and planned coastal engineering projects, such as beach nourishment, will be continued into the future due to economic constraints and potentially limited supplies of suitable sand resources. Because of these uncertainties, the committee focused on assessing the vulnerability of the coastal system as it exists today.