Adapting to Rising Tides > Accelerating Implementation of Local and Regional Resilience to Climate Change

Accelerating Implementation of Local and Regional Resilience to Climate Change

Improving the Bay Area's system of governance, finance and planning to better implement multi-benefit solutions to address the impacts of the changing climate on our most vulnerable frontline communities, transportation, and natural systems.

A Caltrans crew surveys the flooded westbound lanes of Highway 37, after flooding occured from a levee break. Photo by Craig Miller/KQED

Working in partnership with the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC), California State Coastal Conservancy, and Bay Area Regional Collaborative (BARC), BCDC is part of the project management team that was awarded an SB1 Grant to help accelerate climate adaptation planning for the 9-county San Francisco Bay Area.

The project team has identified two sites to advance adaptation strategies, these include:

  • Highway 37 Corridor
  • Colma Creek near the San Francisco International Airport (SFO).

Both of these projects were part of the Resilient By Design (RbD) challenge that took place in 2018, and the two sites identified are working with the original Resilient By Design consultant teams to continue building upon existing approaches and planning for adaptation strategies in these areas that may provide multiple benefit outcomes.

The Resilient By Design Challenge included a project called "Resilient South City," which focused on strengthening local resilience to sea level rise and climate change near Colma Creek. Photo by RbD

The Resilient By Design Challenge included a project called “Resilient South City,” which focused on strengthening local resilience to sea level rise and climate change near Colma Creek. Photo by RbD

The goal of this initiative is to advance adaptation planning for projects that strengthen the resilience of transportation assets, natural and urbanized areas, and vulnerable community members. The selected projects will work with diverse stakeholders, with intentional focus on vulnerable, frontline communities to ensure a transparent and equitable process and include consideration of existing conditions that make communities more vulnerable. This work will also help improve upon and leverage current financing and implementation mechanisms as well as governance strategies to ensure the planning projects are successful.

Project Status

This project was initiated in 2018 and is currently ongoing. BCDC staff members are part of the project management team working with project site consultants. The project is expected to be completed by June 2019.

Project Partners

The Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC), California State Coastal Conservancy (SCC), the San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission (BCDC) ART Program, and the Bay Area Regional Collaborative (BARC) were awarded a Caltrans SB1 Adaptation Planning Grant in 2018. The ART Program’s focus is to serve on the project management team for both sites and support adaptation planning.

For more information:

  • Todd Hallenbeck
  • Todd.Hallenbeck@bcdc.ca.gov
  • 415-352-3667