Sea Level Rise

Marin County has more than 110 miles of bay and ocean shoreline, making it one of the California communities most vulnerable to the impacts of sea level rise (SLR). Marin's bayside shoreline includes more than 30 special districts, eight incorporated shoreline cities and towns. In contrast to the bayside, Marin's Pacific coastline is entirely unincorporated and is subject to a distinct regulatory framework under the California Coastal Act and the California Coastal Commission. 

Preparing for sea level rise is a long-term effort that requires coordination with cities, towns, special districts, Tribal governments, community organizations, regional partners, and regulatory agencies. The Office of the County Executive's Climate Office supports this countywide effort by convening partners, support regional planning efforts, and strengthens coordination across jurisdictional boundaries. In doing so, the County helps align planning and implementation efforts while respecting the authority and decision-making responsibilities of individual jurisdictions.

In 2024, the County of Marin commissioned the Countywide Sea Level Rise Adaptation Organizational Structure and Decision-making Process Study to evaluate how local governments, special districts, community organizations, and regional partners in Marin could work together more effectively to prepare for sea level rise. Click here to learn more about this study. 

Beginning in January 2026 and continuing forward, the Office of the County Executive’s Climate Office, in partnership with Coastal Quest and the Marin Community Foundation, is advancing the following planning efforts:

• Led Climate Bond Prop 4 Funding Webinar for Marin agencies. 
• Held 19, 1:1 climate bond coaching session to Marin cities, towns, County and nonprofits for Prop 4 eligible projects.
• Administered in-depth technical assistance program for 3 Marin projects to prepare completed Prop 4 applications. 
• Marin Community Foundation funded SLR small grants pilot program.
• Additional Technical Assistance for Prop 4 Climate Bond applications.
• California Forward (CAFWD) and Resilient Cities Catalyst Climate Resilience District Incubator, in partnership with city of San Rafael. 
• Directory of Marin climate-related efforts: First-of-its-kind resource to list climate organizations, collaborative efforts, adaptation plans in a public directory.
• Insurance for Good incubator: Brings together local leaders, insurance experts, and community stakeholders to workshop innovative insurance solutions.