Submit common-sense feedback letter for regional climate adaptation planning - YES

Bear with me—this is a wonky one.

Corte Madera has been a leader in planning for the effects of climate change. In fact, we were the first city in Marin to adopt a Climate Adaptation Plan and have invested significant time and money into planning to protect local homes and businesses from sea level rise. Over the years, we’ve invested over $540K to understand our risks and develop solutions.

Now, regional agencies are catching up, with the Bay Conservation & Development Commission requiring cities to adopt similar plans to ours. While we support regional coordination, it’s unclear whether this new regional mandate will give Corte Madera credit for the work we’ve already done—or if we’ll have to start from scratch to meet their evolving requirements.

I voted to have the Town Manager send a letter to the Bay Conservation & Development Commission requesting that Corte Madera’s previous work be recognized and honored, and that funding be provided for any additional work they’re requiring.

This public comment letter urges BCDC to:

• Recognize previous work on climate adaptation, hazard mitigation, and vulnerability assessments.

• Clarify the process for integrating existing plans into new requirements.

• Provide a clear scope of work with estimated costs, so cities understand what’s required.

• Identify funding sources to help cities comply. Corte Madera has already made a major financial commitment—future mandates should come with support.

• Be realistic about agency coordination. The guidelines require collaboration with transit and utility agencies, but many of these agencies may not have the capacity to engage with every city by the 2034 deadline.

  
  

By submitting this letter, the Town aims to ensure that our previous investments in climate adaptation aren’t wasted, and that future requirements come with the necessary funding and guidance.