Like many of you, Redwood City is concerned with the long-term impacts of climate change, including sea level rise and its potential effect on our community. No matter what its underlying causes, potential sea level rise (estimated by some at one-to-two feet by 2050) must be addressed in a coordinated strategy with local and regional governments, other involved agencies, the business community, and the public.

The Bay Conservation and Development Commission (BCDC) is a California State Commission formed by the legislature in 1965, whose mission is the protection, enhancement, and responsible use of the San Francisco Bay, and the preparation of a plan for the long-term use of the Bay – the San Francisco Bay Plan (Bay Plan). BCDC’s objectives are accomplished through its authority and efforts in the areas of Planning, Dredging and Sediment Management, Permits, and Enforcement. You can learn more about BCDC at www.bcdc.ca.gov

Over the last couple of years, BCDC has been developing proposed amendments to the Bay Plan to address sea level rise. Redwood City, along with other cities and stakeholder groups such as the Bay Planning Coalition, the Bay Area Council, and others feel that the proposed amendments are burdened with a number of issues of great concern.

In summary, there is concern with:

1. The unnecessary rush by BCDC to approve the amended Bay Plan/new regulations
2. Vague language, undefined prohibitions and mandates, unclear authority for application, and ambiguous standards
3. A lack of incorporation of comments by groups such as the Bay Planning Coalition, the Bay Area Council, and others, into the draft policies
4. Apparent over-reaching of BCDC authority, in the draft policies, and related potential legislative expansion of BCDC authority and its impacts on local control over local development
5. Lack of input from local government and the public
6. Lack of a balanced approach between the State regulatory environment, local control, and economic development.

These issues prompted Redwood City and other stakeholders to urge BCDC to slow down the process of approving those amendments, extend the public comment hearing and outreach period, and fully take into consideration the issues raised by local government. Fortunately, BCDC has consented to this request.

The timeframe for BCDC to take action on the proposed amendments to the Bay Plan is unclear, but they have said that they will be holding a number of special meetings and public workshops over the next few months, and everyone is encouraged to participate in this dialog.

As a stakeholder in this issue, Redwood City will continue to be involved and vigilant of the process, offer substantial input, and keep our community informed, especially about upcoming opportunities for the community to be involved and make comment.

— Jeff Ira,, Mayor, Redwood City