SBA Invites Public Input on Climate Adaptation Plan

Santa Barbara Airport (SBA) is advancing its comprehensive Climate Adaptation Plan to address the impacts of future sea level rise and increased flooding caused by climate change. This initiative aims to safeguard the Airport’s infrastructure, operations, and surrounding habitats while preparing for evolving environmental challenges.

SBA is currently in the first phase of this process, which includes the Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment. This assessment analyzes flood and sea level rise hazards and assesses potential vulnerabilities. A draft of this document is now available for public review. SBA is encouraging the public to share their feedback about this document between December 11, 2024 and January 16, 2025.  Comments can be submitted via email between December 11, 2024, and January 16, 2025.

This plan will be developed in three phases:

• Phase I: Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment (Current Phase)
  Quantitative analyses and mapping will assess risks to SBA’s infrastructure, operations, and the Goleta Slough habitat. 

• Phase II: Climate Adaptation Plan Development
  SBA will identify and evaluate flood protection strategies, balancing nature-based solutions with traditional infrastructure. 

• Phase III: Airport Coastal Land Use Plan Update
  SBA will update its Coastal Land Use Plan by 2026 to incorporate adaptation policies, aligning with the latest state and local guidance on sea level rise and resource protection.

Community members are invited to attend the following public events to learn more and share feedback:

Open House
Tuesday, January 7, 2025
6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. 
Direct Relief Conference Room
6100 Wallace Becknell Road, Santa Barbara, CA 93117