San Mateo County Sustainable Streets Master Plan

Project Description

Considered the most at-risk county in the state to the impacts of sea level rise, but also a range of climate hazards, including more frequent and intense precipitation punctuated by periodic and prolonged drought, San Mateo County is taking steps to prepare for the future and ensure climate resilient watersheds. The San Mateo Countywide Sustainable Streets Master Plan, created by City/County Association of Governments of San Mateo County with funding from the Caltrans Climate Adaptation Planning Grant Program, takes bold action towards integrating climate adaptation with active transportation projects for greater community and watershed-scale resilience. The Plan is a conscious effort to provide safety and protection for pedestrians and cyclists, help increase resilience against the effects of climate change, and beautify neighborhoods. The Plan identifies and prioritizes hundreds of high leverage sustainable street opportunities throughout the county designed to improve street conditions for walkability, cycling, urban greening, climate resiliency and water quality.

The green stormwater infrastructure elements of the identified sustainable streets projects would allow water to sink into the ground instead of draining away to the ocean or Bay. Stormwater curb extensions, “green bulb-outs”, green gutters, pervious paving, stormwater planters, street trees (among other green infrastructure types) can also directly enhance pedestrian and bicycle mobility and safety, contribute to traffic calming, add urban green space and wildlife habitat, enhance neighborhood livability, help deepen residents’ sense of connection with the natural environment, and control localized flooding and heat island effects. The socioeconomic effects – including improved water quality, added green space and community health  –  of the dozens of projects already completed across the county generate benefits estimated at over $130 million annually.