
Islais Creek Adaptation Strategy
The Islais Creek Adaptation will develop a long-range vision for the Islais Creek shoreline that protects transportation infrastructure, enhances shoreline access and habitat, and nurtures community resiliency in adjoining neighborhoods. It will also identify implementable near- and mid-term investments that will build towards that long-term vision.
Download the Guiding Principles and Goals for the Islais Creek Adaptation Strategy, which were finalized in April 2020, after several public workshops and web-based surveys.
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.
The two-year planning project will begin in early 2019 and will conclude at the end of the 2020.
Resources
- Islais Creek Adaptation Strategy Overview Handout
- Waterfront Resilience Program (Port of SF microsite)
Press and Media
- Is It Finally Time to Daylight Islais Creek? (The Frisc, December 19, 2019)
- Race against time (SF Chronicle, September 17, 2019)
- San Francisco’s Islais Creek Adaptation Strategy Kicks off to Protect Public and Private Assets Materials from Community Meetings (The Registry, April 25 2019)
Sea Level Rise Adaptation
Learn MoreSea Level Rise / Waterfront - Bay Area Resilient by Design
Learn MoreUpcoming Events
January 30, 2020: Islais Creek / Bayview Resilience Community Meeting #2
Schedule and Event Materials
Meeting | Details | Event Materials (will be posted after completed event) |
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Community Meeting #1: Thursday, March 14, 2019 Bayview Opera House 4705 Third Street San Francisco, Ca 94124 |
Project Introduction Mapping Assets |
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Community Meeting #1.5: Thursday, September 19, 2019 Southeast Community Facility 1800 Oakdale Avenue San Francisco, Ca 94124 |
Mapping Assets and Prioritizing Co-Benefits | 中文 | ESPAÑOL |
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Holiday Mixer Thursday, November 21, 2019 Radio Africa Kitchen 4800 3rd Street, San Francisco CA 94124 |
Mapping Assets and Prioritizing Co-Benefits | 中文 | ESPAÑOL |
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Islais Creek / Bayview Resilience Walking Tour #1 Saturday, January 11, 2020 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM Meet at 1698 Indiana Street |
Explore the Creek and Witness the King Tides |
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Meeting #2 |
Public Feedback on Adaptation Vision, Goals, Priorities and Trade-offs |
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Islais Creek / Bayview Resilience Walking Tour #2 Date and Time to be Announced Meet at 1698 Indiana Street |
Explore the Creek and Witness the King Tides | |
Meeting #3 August 2020 – specific Date and Time to be Announced |
Public Feedback on District-Scale Design Alternatives | |
Meeting #4 Fall 2020 |
Adaptation Design | |
Youth Engagement Spring 2019, Spring 2020, Fall 2020 |
Work with Malcolm X Elementary Students | |
Community Ambassador Working Groups Spring 2020 – Winter 2021 |
SF Planning
Robin Abad-Ocubillo
Senior Planner/Urban Designer
robin.abad@sfgov.org
415.575.9123
Partner Agencies
Supporting Agencies
- U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
- Bay Area Rapid Transit
- SF County Transportation Agency
- SFPUC
- SF Public Works
- Office of Resilience and Capital Planning
Project Funding
Caltrans Transportation Planning Grant Program with funding from Senate Bill 1.