Shoreline Adaptation Blueprints

Resilient Coast Santa Cruz 2.0 Project

The Resilient Coast Santa Cruz 2.0 Initiative is developing Shoreline Adaptation Management Plans, including a set of projects to prepare the coast for the next 20-30 years. This project, funded by the Ocean Protection Council, focuses on West Cliff, Main/Cowell Beaches, and East Cliff/Seabright. 

Engage with this Project

  1. Learn about the proposed strategy and provide feedback.
  2. Review Community Conversation #1 Materials linked below.
  3. Listen to a recent podcast on the project.
  4. Watch the following short videos on each subarea's existing and future conditions and adaptation options and tradeoffs:

Workshop Information and Survey Now Available

Explore this interactive Story Map to learn all about the City’s proposed mid-term adaptation strategy, review all the materials from the recent Community Conversations, and share your questions and feedback on each part. 

View the Story Map and Provide Feedback

Proyecto de Adaptación y Gestión de la Línea de Costa

Ver el Story Map

Upcoming Events

Participate in this project and share your ideas about the Santa Cruz coast by attending a workshop or focus group. 

Focus Groups

Focus groups will be held in August and September 2026. If you are part of one of the following groups and would like to participate, please express interest using the links below. Please note that if the City receives more than 15 registrations, staff will randomly choose 15 people to participate in the workshop.

September 2026

  • West Cliff Neighbors (Sept. 17 from 12-1 p.m.) REGISTER
  • Coastal Recreation/ Surfers (Sept. 17 from 4:30-5:30 p.m.) REGISTER
  • Seabright Neighbors and Businesses (Sept. 17 from 6-7 p.m.) REGISTER
  • Main/Cowell Businesses (Sept. 21 from 12-1 p.m.) REGISTER

August 2026

  • Black Communities, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) community members (Held Aug. 17, in partnership with Black Surf Santa Cruz)
  • Beach Flats and Lower Ocean neighbors (in Spanish – Held Aug. 21, in partnership with Ventures)
  • Homeless Garden Project Trainees Focus Group (Held Augt 19, in partnership with Homeless Garden Project) 

Past Events

The City has conducted two rounds of community events. In November 2025, three Community Conversation Open Houses were held to introduce the project and gather feedback from community members on existing and future coastal conditions. In August 2026, two Community Conversations were held to share information on current and planned projects and gather feedback on a proposed 30-year strategy.

Community Conversation #1 Open House Materials (November 2025)

See below for materials from Open Houses held on November 5, 6, and 13th. Please let us know if you have any feedback or questions on any of the Open House materials through this Feedback Form.

Community Conversation #2 Workshop Materials (August 2026)

Advisory Committee Meeting #1 (October 30, 2025)

Advisory Committee Meeting #2 (February 24, 2026)

Advisory Committee Meeting #3 (April 30, 2026)

Advisory Committee Meeting #4 (June 29, 2026)

Project Information

Project Goals

  • Combine past studies and current science for a shared understanding of coastal risks.
  • Involve the Community in shaping solutions and coordinate with local to federal partners.
  • Identify funding sources and policies to move from planning to action.
  • Deliver Shoreline Adaptation Blueprints with prioritized projects.
  • Recommend coastal policies to integrate into a future amendment to the Local Coastal Program Beaches and Bluffs Chapter.

Project Deliverables

Data Summary Technical Brief Factsheet

This factsheet summarizes the Data Summary Technical Brief, which inventories prior coastal planning work, documents compliance with SB 272 and Ocean Protection Council sea level rise (OPC) criteria, and describes current and future conditions for sea level rise, flooding, erosion, and groundwater impacts.

Existing and Future Conditions Maps

These maps show existing areas of flooding and erosion and future flooding and erosion with three scenarios of sea level rise. 

Project Workplan Highlights

  • Project Management – Led by the City Manager’s Office and supported by the City’s internal Coastal Team and technical/engagement consultants. Checkpoints with City Council at 4 key project milestones.
  • Information Gathering – Collect all past data, identify and address gaps, and share a clear summary with the community for input.
  • Community Engagement – Conduct area specific community conversations, focus groups, and surveys, including under-represented groups and tribal consultation.
  • Adaptation Pathways – Refine strategies for how and when these 3 coastal areas adapt, supported by engaging visuals, story maps, and clear decision points.
  • Financial Planning – Analyze funding options such as climate resilience districts, green bonds, and insurance pilots to support long-term investment.
  • Blueprint Development – Produce three accessible, graphically rich blueprints that outline adaptation projects, policies, and funding strategies.

Project Timeline

  • Fall 2025 – Early 2026: Engagement with residents, focus groups, and advisory committee; begin refining adaptation pathways and presenting interactive visual tools.
  • Spring 2026: Develop and share draft strategies, decision pathways and projects for each coastal area; gather feedback from community polling.
  • Fall 2026: Complete financial analysis and funding strategies to support priority projects.
  • Winter 2027: Draft and finalize the three Shoreline Adaptation Blueprints, with public review and Council adoption by December 2026.
  • Spring 2027: Develop and share draft strategies, decision pathways and projects for each coastal area; gather feedback from community polling.

 

Contact Information

If you have any questions, contact hpapendick@santacruzca.gov.

Sign up for the project mailing list by adding your email and subscribing to Climate and Resiliency updates under the Projects and Special Topics category here. 

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