Project Background

Colma Creek’s History

Colma Creek flows through Daly City, Colma, and South San Francisco into the San Francisco Bay. Historically, Colma Creek supported an extensive system of wetlands that were crucial habitats for many native species of plants and animals. Development slowly built up around the Creek into the first half of the 20th century and by the 1960s–70s much of the wetlands had been filled and concrete channel walls and bridges were constructed around Colma Creek to help manage flooding for surrounding areas and to make more space for development.

Colma Creek Today 

Aging flood infrastructure built in the last century is in need of major upgrades to protect against more intense storms and sea level rise driven by climate impacts. Colma Creek no longer supports thriving habitats, and is mainly concrete and pavement. The creek shoreline is also often used as an illegal dumping ground. 

Community-Led Vision

Previous studies have explored opportunities and potential solutions for the Colma Creek area. The Colma Creek Resilience Projects will build on these local plans and studies to realize solutions to sea level rise and flooding challenges while increasing connections for the public and natural systems. This includes incorporating feedback from the public that was previously heard during projects including Resilient By Design (2018), the Colma Creek Adaptation Plan (2020), South San Francisco General Plan (2022), and the Lindenville Specific Plan (2023).

Previously heard community priorities include:

• New parks and open space, spaces to gather 
• Increased access and recreation along Colma Creek
• New bike and pedestrian paths
• Preserving legacy of industrial uses and current business operations 
• Transformation of Colma Creek to increase ecology and connection to the Bay

Project Overview 

The Lower Colma Creek Resilience Projects are being planned to reduce sea level rise and flooding risks, improve public safety, and expand opportunities for open space along Colma Creek from San Mateo Avenue to Utah Avenue in South San Francisco. This section of the Creek was identified as a high priority area due to the condition of the infrastructure and opportunities informed by previous plans and studies. Currently this process is expected to result in multiple projects that may be phased for expedient implementation.

This project will:

• Manage flood risk and build adaptability to sea level rise through resilient infrastructure along Colma Creek.
• Protect and enhance native species habitat to improve ecological functions and resilience to the changing climate.
• Connect Colma Creek to the surrounding community through expanded public access and enhanced safety.
• Leverage investments to transform Colma Creek into a regional amenity that supports community vitality and sustainable economic development.

Project Timeline

The project is currently in a stage of demonstrating the feasibility of alternatives for improving flood management and meeting project objectives based on both public input received previously and infrastructure needs. The project team will engage the public for further input and feedback as alternatives are developed.

Project Funding

The current phase of this project is funded through contributions from members of the Colma Creek Flood Zone (South San Francisco, Colma, Daly City, San Bruno, and Pacifica). Projects developed are expected to result in multiple benefits eligible for funding from diverse sources.

Opportunities for Feedback

OneShoreline is committed to transparent, meaningful engagement through the Colma Creek Citizens Advisory Committee (CCCAC), regular partner meetings, and community events. OneShoreline convenes CCCAC meetings on a quarterly basis which are open to members of the public. See here for more information.

Sign up for the project mailing list to receive updates about future engagement opportunities. 

Questions?

Have a question or feedback? Email projects@oneshoreline.org