Background Report

The first task of the Coastal Commission LCP Local Assistance Grant has been completed. A Sea Level Rise Assessment Background Report has been prepared that compiles findings from a variety of sea level rise studies and other relevant analyses that have already been completed for the City and wider Monterey Bay area. The Background Report provides a synthesis of these existing studies with a summary of the types of hazards assessed, identified vulnerabilities, and proposed adaptation strategies. In addition, the report identifies current data gaps or information that needs to be updated to reflect newer science and best practices. This information will inform subsequent tasks so that work is not duplicated but rather integrated and expanded upon.

The City's consultant, GHD, has started the Vulnerability Assessment that will consider risks that the City, its assets, and its coastal resources are likely to encounter as the impacts of sea level rise and coastal hazards worsen over time. The assessment will divide the City coastline into transects/subareas based on similarities in land uses and coastal form to provide a clear framework for assessing localized impacts within each defined area. The assessment will address relevant gaps identified in the background report, will include assessment of impacts of sea level rise on historically marginalized communities, and will be consistent with the California Ocean Protection Council (OPC) 2024 State Sea Level Rise Guidance.

Community outreach is anticipated to start in early 2026.