Advancing coastal resilience across Santa Barbara’s waterfront

City of Santa Barbara 30-Year Waterfront Adaptation Plan

In partnership with Bionic and Environmental Science Associates, we are working with the City of Santa Barbara to create a comprehensive 30‑Year Waterfront Adaptation Plan. It will provide practical solutions to address flooding and erosion from the ocean while enhancing what makes the waterfront special. Covering Leadbetter Beach, the Harbor, West Beach, and East Beach, this effort integrates technical modeling, analysis, planning, and community engagement to advance long‑term coastal resilience.

Our coastal engineering team is conducting a detailed vulnerability assessment using advanced coastal hazard models to evaluate sea level rise, storm surge, and shoreline change due to erosion. This analysis helps identify vulnerable assets and establish the technical basis for future adaptation strategies.

We are also developing and evaluating waterfront‑wide adaptation alternatives that can be implemented as conditions change over time. Strategies include protective measures, infrastructure modifications, changing land uses, nature‑based solutions, recreation enhancements, and multi‑benefit shoreline improvements. Waterfront-wide goals include having high-quality sandy beach experience with recreational facilities, reducing impacts from erosion and flooding, enhancing public access with a continuous path along the shoreline to walk and bike, and supporting revenue and financial viability. We are assessing each option for the effectiveness of meeting the goals, feasibility, regulatory complexity, and cost. Adaptation concepts for the Leadbetter bike and pedestrian path and Harbor commercial area will also advance into preliminary design due to current safety and operational needs.

Throughout the process, Stantec and Bionic are facilitating workshops, public meetings, and targeted outreach to reflect local priorities. A dedicated project website will share updates, offer engagement opportunities, and provide educational tools supporting the City’s broader Adaptation and Resilience Program.

Once complete, the plan will help the City to preserve and enhance their waterfront for decades to come.