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Commencement Bay Restoration and Resilience Master Plan

Commencement Bay is a vital working waterfront and a treasured natural and cultural resource. However, habitat loss, pollution, and the impacts of climate change including rising sea levels, pose serious threats to salmon, orcas, local jobs, and public shoreline access.
Aerial photo of Commencement Bay in Tacoma.

Contact

Kristin Lynett
Sustainability Manager
(253) 592-4788
Klynett@tacoma.gov

Shaping the Future of Our Shoreline

In collaboration with Parks Tacoma, the Puyallup Tribe of Indians, the Port of Tacoma, Pierce County, and other regional partners, the City of Tacoma is developing the Commencement Bay Resilience & Restoration Master Plan (CBRRMP). This plan will work to build resilience for our shoreline for years to come.

How Will the Plan Work?

  • Guide strategies to adapt to sea level rise and improve water quality.
  • Coordinate partners and community around a shared vision and clear priorities for the Bay’s future.
  • Set the foundation for future projects that restore habitats for salmon, orcas, and people.
  • Identify opportunities to balance shoreline restoration with port, industrial, and recreational uses.
  • Provide a roadmap for site-specific investments and long-term stewardship.

This is an Arial view of Mt. Rainier, Port of Tacoma and the Tide Flats using a drone.

Plan Timeline

The project Steering Committee kicked off the planning process and contracts with technical consultants initiated.

Review of related prior plans, studies and assessments, including identifying gaps and compiling bay wide vulnerability analysis.

Build a shared understanding of current conditions, present project goals and scope and gather early input to inform site selection and initial design phases.

Develop nature-based design options and recommendations for policy and governance.

Gather input from specific audiences to determine community priorities and shape preferred design alternatives once sites have been identified.

Compilation of site-specific conceptual designs into a plan.

Share project information, gather community input on design concepts, and provide next steps.

Deliver the master plan and funding strategy to guide long-term implementation.

Publish an interactive StoryMap highlighting the project process and finalized designs, available as a long-term resource for partners and the public.

Steering Committee

The Steering Committee was assembled to guide sea level rise adaptation work in Commencement Bay. The committee plays a central role in shaping the Commencement Bay Resilience & Restoration Master Plan (CBRRMP) by providing ongoing guidance, local expertise, and community perspective.

Over the course of the 18-month planning process, the committee will:
  • Provide input on data collection, site identification, and concept development.
  • Help shape collaborative workshops with partners and the consultant team.
  • Advance adaptation pathways and concept designs for priority shoreline sites.
Participating Organizations:
  • City of Tacoma
  • Parks Tacoma
  • Pierce County
  • Puyallup Tribe of Indians
  • Port of Tacoma
  • University of Washington

The Technical and Engagement consultant team is made up of Mithun (lead), Moffatt & Nichol, Cascadia Consulting Group, Herrera, ECONorthwest, Parametric and Reach Studio.

Funding

This project is funded primarily through a National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Coastal Resilience Fund grant awarded to the City in 2023.