City of Monterey Sea Level Rise Vulnerability Assessment, Adaptation Plan, and Economic Analysis

The City of Monterey (“City”) is seeking proposals from qualified firms or individuals to carry out the City of Monterey Sea Level Rise Vulnerability Assessment, Adaptation Plan, and Economic Analysis Project (Project). In 2025, the City was awarded a Coastal Commission LCP Local Assistance Grant to carry out this Project. The City is a charter city located in the County of Monterey. The City’s coastal zone is situated along the scenic California coastline and is renowned for its rich marine biodiversity, unique beaches, and stunning ocean views. This area is home to a variety of coastal ecosystems and special marine habitats. Additionally, this coastal area is a hub for marine research, conservation initiatives, and recreational activities, attracting visitors from all over the world. Visitors from inland areas of California also utilize the City's coastal zone for recreation and as an escape from extreme heat waves in inland regions of the state. However, the City’s coastal zone faces increasing threats from sea level rise and coastal hazards due to climate change. These challenges have the potential to negatively impact the City's coastal resources, habitats, public access, recreational spaces, and coastal assets, which are essential for the local economy, as well as for the local communities and visitors.

The City of Monterey (City) is currently in the final stages of preparing its Local Coastal Program (LCP) for certification. By the early 2000’s, Coastal Land Use Plans (LUPs) were certified by the Coastal Commission for four coastal planning areas – Cannery Row, Monterey Harbor (i.e. wharfs), Del Monte Beach, and Skyline. The LUP for the fifth coastal planning area - Laguna Grande – remains uncertified and an Implementation Plan (IP) for the LUPs was never prepared. The City is currently preparing an updated comprehensive LCP (LUP and IP), and anticipates completion of the document for Coastal Commission review in 2025.

The goal for this Project is to create a roadmap for the City to allocate resources to the right projects and programs at the appropriate time based on observed conditions and to navigate the challenges posed by sea level rise and climate change. The project will address issues of statewide significance that would maximize public benefits across the City's coastal zone by identifying strategies and solutions designed to mitigate the impacts of sea level rise and climate change. In addition to supporting the preparation of the comprehensive LCP and future adaptation measures, the Project will focus on addressing sea level rise impacts, preserving and enhancing coastal habitat, protecting coastal-dependent development and resources, as well as providing and enhancing lower-cost visitor and recreational opportunities while ensuring public access for all. The Project objectives will align with the Coastal Act goals of protecting coastal resources without creating new environmental burdens or exacerbating existing ones related to environmental justice.

The Project will be informed by community priorities based on community engagement that will be designed to involve environmental justice communities, prioritizing historically marginalized groups and ensuring that they are actively involved in the planning and decision-making processes during the entire project duration. Community engagement will empower historically marginalized groups and allow them to advocate for adaptation strategies that protect the City’s coastal habitats and coastal resources while ensuring equitable access to the City’s coastal zone.