About the project
Planning the Future of Ocean Beach
Ocean Beach is one of the gems of the San Francisco landscape, drawing more than 2 million visitors each year. It is an important piece of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, a wild landscape, an urban sea strand, a grand public open space.
Ocean Beach is also home to major elements of San Francisco’s wastewater and stormwater infrastructure.
The recent erosion events South of Sloat Boulevard and ongoing community efforts have created unprecedented momentum for a sustainable long-range plan. Drawing on the work of the Ocean Beach Vision Council and others, the plan will address the impact of rising seas, the physical and ecological processes shaping the beach, and improved integration with its natural, recreational, and urban contexts.
SPUR has been conducting interviews with local community members, advocates, and public agencies. We are convening a series of public workshops and other programming to get input from local stakeholders.
Funding
The Ocean Beach Master Plan is being made possible by grants from the State Coastal Conservancy, the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission, and the National Park Service.
Why SPUR?
SPUR is a public policy think tank focused on good planning and good government. While SPUR regularly convenes task forces and advocacy campaigns, it is unusual for it to conduct planning processes. SPUR is leading the Ocean Beach Master Plan process for several reasons:
Multiple jurisdictions, no single lead agency
A key challenge at Ocean Beach is the numerous overlapping jurisdictions and boundaries. A host of City, State, and Federal agencies have different roles and responsibilities. SPUR will serve as an outside entity, facilitating communication and coordination while keeping the long view in focus.
Agencies with a role at Ocean Beach include The National Park Service, City Department of Recreation and Parks, SF Public Utilities Commission, SF Department of Public Works, California Coastal Commission, State Lands Commission, US Army Corps of Engineers, and SFMTA.
History with the GGNRA
SPUR was instrumental in the creation the GGNRA forty years ago, and has remained involved in regional planning and open space protection, taking a leadership role in the preservation of the Presidio and the reconstruction of Doyle Drive, among other campaigns.
Sustainability and Climate Change Adaptation
In recent years, SPUR has been a leader in research on sustainable urbanism and climate change adaptation. The Ocean Beach Master Plan will address the uncertainties of climate change and sea level rise.
Long-term Advocacy for Implementation
A long term plan is only as effective as its implementation, and SPUR will be involved at Ocean Beach for the long haul, stewarding the Master Plan vision and advocating policy, legislation, and funding to support its implementation.
For more information write to oceanbeach@spur.org