Sea Level Rise

The City Council and Planning Commission hosted a panel of experts representing national, state, and local perspectives on sea level rise adaptation on Tuesday, March 28, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. The meeting was held in the City Council Chambers and it was broadcasted on public access tv, the City’s YouTube channel, and zoom. Please find the agenda at http://arcataca.iqm2.com/Citizens/default.aspx and choose the City Council under the “Meeting Group” dropdown box. 

The recording of the session can be viewed here.

Sea Level Rise Presentation Opens in new window


Sea Level Rise Awareness

Sea level rise affects everyone in the City of Arcata!  While significant effects may be seen 50 to 100 years from now, the City Council is considering now the policies they will put in place.  These policies directly affect:

  • Infrastructure - Roads, Electrical Stations, Wastewater Treatment, Water
  • Commercial and Industrial Properties
  • Residential Properties
  • Agricultural Land and Facilities
  • Recreation and Natural Habitat Areas

We encourage all citizens to become informed and to weigh in on the discussion.  Below you will find a draft of Sea Level Rise policies, and slideshow of maps that show what our tidelands looked like in 1870, a FEMA floodplain map, adaptation measures, and two maps showing the proposed protection zone.  Click on any of the maps for a PDF.

Sign Up for eNotify!

  • Go to our website's main page and click on the gear icon next to the search box
  • Select Notifications from the drop-down menu
  • Enter your email address and/or sign up for text messages, and click on Sea Level Rise Notifications
  • You'll receive a confirmation email - once you confirm, you'll be ready to go
  • You'll receive a confirmation email - once you confirm, you'll be ready to go

You can also find information on the City Calendar, and by press release.sign up


10-07-17 Sea Level Rise Awareness Events - Pastels on the Plaza, Guided Trail Walk, Information and Feedback Session

David Loya Discusses SLR Strategies
David Loya Answers Questions
Citizens and City Staff on Trail Walk - Viewing Current & Future SLR Impacts
At Pastels on the Plaza
Mark Andre and Doby Class Discussing Sea Level Rise on Trail Walk
David Loya Provides SLR Information