Islais Creek Adaptation Strategy

The Islais Creek Adaptation Strategy is a two-year community planning process in the Islais Creek area that will develop actionable strategies that address sea level rise and coastal flood risk through a robust public engagement process. Building on the Resilient by Design proposal and other city and regional efforts, the SMAS will develop a long-range vision for the Islais Creek shoreline, asset-specific solutions for public infrastructure, and a prioritized funding and implementation strategy that increases the resilience of the community and provides improved transportation networks and new open space.

Background

A changing climate will have profound impacts on San Francisco’s communities and its shoreline. To minimize climate impacts, we need to simultaneously reduce greenhouse gas emissions while preparing for future climate impacts such as sea level rise and coastal flooding.

Sea levels are anticipated to rise 6-10 feet by 2100 and over the next several decades, coastal flood events are projected to increase in frequency and extent. Addressing this climate risk requires urgent action now and will ultimately help to build a more resilient city.

Sea level rise poses a threat to San Francisco’s neighborhoods and communities, critical shoreline infrastructure and the transportation system. One approach to building community resiliency is to begin the process of identifying vulnerabilities and developing robust strategies that address climate-related risks and vulnerabilities.

These changes will continue to increase flood risk and impact. The Port, SF Planning Department, and MTA are partnering with agencies at the federal and levels to study risks and needed improvements. Proactive planning will help ensure the safety of citizens and prevent serious damage to vulnerable waterfront communities and city infrastructure over the long term.

Other Resilience Efforts Underway at Islais Creek

The Islais Creek Adaptation Strategy is one of three projects addressing climate hazards (flooding, seismic risk) in the area. Below are details on the two other projects (see the Timeline tab for more information about phasing). 

Army Corps Flood Study

The United States Army Corps of Engineers and Port of San Francisco have partnered to study flood risk along San Francisco’s eastern shoreline. The study area is within the Port’s jurisdiction, from Fisherman’s Wharf in the north to Heron’s Head Park in the south.

The three year Study will identify challenges and recommend solutions to reduce current and future flood risk and will produce alternatives that will incorporate input from USACE, Port, stakeholder, resource agencies and the public for consideration for Federal investment and implementation.

Southern Waterfront Assessment

The Port is leading an effort in the southern part of the Port’s jurisdiction to assess the vulnerabilities, identify the opportunities and develop near, mid- and long-term adaptation strategies for the area. The purpose of the assessment is to fill any gaps in the Port, City and community understanding of the risks and opportunities. The Assessment will draw from, and integrate with, a number of existing efforts, including Islais Creek Adaptation Srategy, the Seawall Program, the USACE/ Port of San Francisco Flood Protection Study, the Citywide Sea Level Rise work.