Climate Adaptation Plan Draft Presentations

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

Members of the community are invited to attend two upcoming public meetings to learn more about the plan and share feedback. This plan will consider a range of flood protection, accommodation, and retreat strategies that retain a safe and functional airfield using both nature-based and traditional approaches.

Airport Commission
Wednesday, January 21, 2026
6:00 pm
Airport Administration Office (601 Firestone Rd)

Sustainability Committee
Thursday, February 5, 2026
9:30 am
City Hall, Room 15 (735 Anacapa St)

The Climate Adaptation Plan is being developed in three phases. SBA is currently in phase two of the process:

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

• Phase II: Climate Adaptation Plan Development (Current Phase)
  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 to incorporate adaptation policies, aligning with the latest state and local guidance on sea level rise and resource protection.

For more information, visit the Climate Adaptation Plan page. Additional questions and feedback can be sent to [email protected].