The County Board issued a directive to explore funding mechanisms for climate resilience efforts following the passage of Senate Bill 852 (SB 852), which allowed for the establishment of Climate Resilience Districts (CRDs), a form of Enhanced Infrastructure Financing Districts (EIFDs), which enable the funding of climate-related projects through voter approval. 

Our report assessed the viability of CRDs as a strategic financing mechanism for climate resilience projects. Through research, analysis of publicly available data, and stakeholder interviews, we engaged with the City of Imperial Beach to identify potential pilot projects for a CRD. Imperial Beach’s role as a resilience zone for the County emphasizes the critical need for collective investment in infrastructure that promotes equitable growth and resilience.