City of Santa Cruz Living Shorelines (City of Santa Cruz)

The City of Santa Cruz is advancing a living shorelines and nature-based solutions project for the Main Beach and San Lorenzo River mouth to reduce flood risk, prevent coastal erosion and beach loss, improve habitat, and provide safe access for both the public and emergency response. 

Building on an existing feasibility study, the project is moving through full design development, permitting, implementation, and long-term monitoring and maintenance planning. The work includes deep engagement with the frontline Beach Flats neighborhood and other stakeholders, integrating community input into design and construction, while aligning monitoring and adaptive decision processes with the City’s Coastal Change Monitoring Network.