Bay Area Climate Resilient Coastal Communities

The Need

The San Francisco Bay Area, spanning nine counties, 100 cities, over 7 million people, and representing almost a third of California’s economy, is likely to be one of the hardest hit regions by sea level rise (SLR) in North America. Climate impacts will disproportionately impact disadvantaged communities, increasing the vulnerability of these already at-risk populations that often lack the adaptive capacity to plan for, withstand, and respond to climate impacts.

In order for adaptation measures to be equitable, place-based, and create long-lasting impact, it is critical that plans are made with community leadership. Regional initiatives have been forming across Bay Area counties to respond to climate change and align and advance actions to protect coastal communities and the natural and built environment from rising seas. Though these initiatives intend to be inclusive and participatory, many counties, cities, and community-based organizations (CBOs) and leaders are left out of these processes because they lack the human and financial resources to engage.

Our Solution

Coastal Quest is working with partners to shift the center of gravity in the Bay Area, testing scalable models that allow community voices and leadership to drive climate resilience. Through grant writing, technical assistance, and small grant programs, our Bay Area Climate Resilient Coastal Communities Initiative works with counties, cities, and communities to get money on the ground to communities and governments. We want to help them reach their climate goals, strengthening regionwide efforts to support and ensure inclusive, equitable sea level rise planning and adaptation solutions for people and nature.