Over 130 concerned citizens of area code 94965 crowded into the Spinnaker Restaurant this past Saturday to explore projected flooding and sea level rise (SLR) impacts across our community. The goals of the gathering were to understand our vulnerability to SLR, to introduce adaptation tools and strategies, and to allow for public input to the process.
Water rising along our 2.5 miles of shoreline will affect a wide range of our physical assets, policy decisions and programs, including infrastructure, housing, circulation/transportation, available land uses, and economic growth.
A series of exhibits ringed the room, showing various SLR scenarios and allowing for people to comment via post−it notes. A large map, stretching from Whaler’s Cove in Old Town to Commodore Marina in unincorporated Mill Valley, allowed everyone to get a close−up view of areas most likely to be affected by SLR, and to add their suggestions and observations. Several adaptation professionals and local leaders mingled with the attendees, answering questions while enjoying coffee and pastries.
Floating Times readers are invited to participate in a city survey to add further input.
This event was an initial step in what the city plans as a robust community engagement process. The process will include pop−up events, focus group meetings, an online survey and community−wide workshops continuing through 2025. For more information, visit the project website.