A major transportation corridor in the city of Carlsbad, South Carlsbad Boulevard is highly vulnerable to flooding and erosion as a result of climate change. But thanks to a $498,075 grant from California Climate Investments through the Climate Ready Grant Program, the city was awarded in 2019, Carlsbad is creating a plan to protect a portion of the boulevard that is particularly vulnerable to sea‑level rise, frequent coastal flooding, and cliff erosion.
South Carlsbad Boulevard runs parallel to local state park beaches and is a major transportation corridor, providing access for locals and commuters alike. However, the corridor is categorized as high‑risk in the Carlsbad Sea Level Rise Vulnerability Assessment. By creating a plan to enhance the habitat around this vulnerable stretch of coastal infrastructure, future restoration efforts will facilitate greenhouse gas emissions reductions and support multi‑modal transit options.
To carry out this planning project, the city of Carlsbad is partnering with a broad coalition of scientists, local resource managers, decision‑makers, and regulators. For example, Scripps Institution of Oceanography is working with the project team to analyze how wave‑driven storms, run‑off, and cliff slope and composition affect the stability and erosion of the Carlsbad cliffs within the project scope. The project team is also prioritizing outreach and is holding listening sessions with various stakeholders to understand their opinions on complex issues like parking and coastal access. Community feedback and engagement are being collected and considered, especially in regards to the design of access points and gathering spaces.
Mike Grim, a senior programs manager with the city of Carlsbad, is excited to see the plan implemented and appreciates the collaborative nature of this planning effort: “The city of Carlsbad is grateful to the California Air Resources Board and California Coastal Conservancy for their funding of this vital climate adaptation project. Carlsbad Boulevard is critical infrastructure, both as a north‑south transportation corridor and as access to the undeveloped coastline for recreational and aesthetic enjoyment. By partnering with Scripps Institution of Oceanography, as well as important stakeholders, the roadway alignment, community vision spaces, and habitat restoration components will be based upon the best available science and align with local and statewide policies. This collaborative and comprehensive effort allows the city to be well‑positioned for a successful and resilient capital improvement project.”