Body of News Release
Marin County, CA – As rising seas and coastal flooding continue to threaten communities along California's coast, the Marin County Board of Supervisors will consider the direction of the County's sea level rise strategy during its July 14 meeting.
The Board will receive the final recommendations from a $519,000, two-year AECOM study examining how Marin County, local cities, special districts, and regional partners can better coordinate planning and investments to prepare for sea level rise. Board members will consider accepting the final report and provide direction for the County's newly established Climate Office.
With more than 110 miles of bay and coastal shoreline, Marin faces increasing risks from sea level rise, king tides, storm surge, and coastal flooding. The study found that while Marin has a strong foundation for climate resilience; fragmented coordination, limited staffing at small cities and towns, federal and state regulatory complexity, and funding challenges continue to slow implementation.
Rather than creating a new governing agency to oversee sea level rise adaptation in Marin, the report recommends strengthening voluntary collaboration between the County and partner agencies through shared technical expertise, coordinated grant strategies, and regional partnerships.
"This report clarifies shared priorities across Marin," said Dr. Nadia Seeteram, Chief Climate Officer for the County of Marin. "The engagement work undertaken to inform it will guide future County-led coordination and convening efforts and improve our ability to secure funding for projects that protect our communities, infrastructure, and natural resources."
The recommendations build on the County's recent investment in its Climate Office as part of the Office of the County Executive Reorganization, and will help guide future adaptation planning across Marin. Marin faces approximately $17 billion in long-term sea level rise adaptation needs, underscoring the importance of regional collaboration and economies of scale in tackling complex projects. Communities identified as particularly vulnerable include Marin City, the Canal neighborhood, Santa Venetia, shoreline neighborhoods in Larkspur, and floating home communities in Sausalito.
The Board meeting begins at 9 AM Tuesday, July 14, in the Board Chamber at the Marin County Civic Center, 3501 Civic Center Drive, San Rafael. The meeting is open to the public and will also be livestreamed. To learn more about Marin County's sea level rise initiatives, view the study, and explore ongoing adaptation efforts, visit the County's Sea Level Rise webpage.
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For disability accommodations, please phone (415) 415-300-7640 (voice), CA Relay 711, or e-mail the Sustainability team at least five business days in advance of the event. The County will do its best to fulfill requests received with less than five business days’ notice. Copies of documents are available in alternative formats, upon request.