Save the Date!
Join Redwood City’s Public Meeting on the
Redwood Shores Sea Level Rise Protection Project
Thursday, January 29
5:30 - 7:30 pm PST
Redwood Shores Branch Library, Redwood City
RSVP
Let’s make sure to keep our shoreline natural and resilient
Here's What’s Happening
The City has started planning the Redwood Shores Sea Level Rise Protection Project, a FEMA-funded levee upgrade.
The Redwood Shores levees currently protect critical infrastructure for Redwood City and San Mateo County. Approximately 11,500 people live in Redwood Shores, and tens of thousands more people rely on services, jobs, and recreational opportunities that reside here.
This project’s goals are
Select a preferred levee design alternative for renewed FEMA accreditation
Address future sea level rise and flooding risks
Use nature-based solutions where conditions allow
Enhance recreational amenities for the community
Why You Should Pay Attention Now
The City is excited to have received more than 300 responses to its online survey!
Because the FEMA grant expires in 2026, this project to design the levee is moving very fast, before the City develops its long-term sea level rise plan.
That long-term plan must follow the standards and guidelines set by the Bay Conservation and Development Commission in their new Regional Shoreline Adaptation Plan (RSAP), which requires cities to prioritize nature-based solutions, wherever possible, such as horizontal levees, wetlands, and habitat restoration.
The City says it intends to make this levee project RSAP-compliant, but because it’s happening first, decisions made now could constrain the City’s approach to long-term planning and forestall more resilient sea level rise strategies. If this FEMA project only includes a hard flood barrier close to the shoreline, it could leave no room for nature-based solutions or a phased approach to sea level rise adaptation, forestalling more cost effective and resilient sea level rise strategies.
Now is the time to speak to make sure this project supports a resilient, nature-based future for our Redwood Shores.
How You Can Help
The City is planning a community event on January 29 to show options that they are considering. Please save the date and join us at the meeting on January 29 to learn about the City’s plans and offer valuable community feedback.