The city of Manhattan Beach has earned a  2021 Leadership and Innovation Award in Climate Adaptation from the Institute for Local Government for its Climate Ready Manhattan Beach Program.
Supported in part by a grant from the California Coastal Commission, the city launched the Climate Ready MB program in 2020 as part of a broader Environmental Sustainability Work Plan. In securing both policy and fiscal commitment from City Council, as well as state funding from the California Climate Investments fund, the city has implemented comprehensive climate vulnerability studies and plans, while taking action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Climate Ready MB includes creating a Climate Action and Adaptation Plan; completing a sea level rise and climate vulnerability assessment; and updating the city’s Local Coastal Program-Land Use Plan, Local Hazard Mitigation Plan and General Plan. The city's climate hazard analyses include a cutting-edge Multi-Hazard Confluence Modeling on Stormwater Infrastructure Vulnerability Assessment, a Groundwater and Sea Level Rise Vulnerability Analysis and a novel approach to public engagement including virtual reality sea level rise visualizations.

“The Institute for Local Government applauds the comprehensive nature of the Climate Ready MB Program,” said Erica L. Manuel, CEO and executive director of the Institute for Local Government, in a statement. “The award committee was impressed by the commitment of the staff and City Council, the diverse partnerships formed, and the innovative community engagement approaches implemented throughout the program.”

The Leadership and Innovation in Climate Adaptation is an award in the Institute for Local Government’s Beacon Program established to provide recognition for California local agencies that are working to build more vibrant and sustainable communities.

For more information on the Climate Ready MB Program, visit www.manhattanbeach.gov/climatereadymb.