San Francisco Port outlines earthquake safety bond and flood study progress

The San Francisco City Commission convened on July 4, 2025, to discuss critical updates regarding the 2018 Embarcadero Sewell earthquake safety bond and other ongoing initiatives. The meeting began with a report from Bart Pantoja, the liaison for the Seawall, who provided an overview of the port's assessment and funding challenges related to the Embarcadero.

Pantoja noted that the port's assessment, initially planned for two and a half years, faced delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Approximately three years later, the assessment is still ongoing, with the Army Corps of Engineers expected to deliver a report that could influence federal funding for the project. The bond, estimated at $425 million, is unlikely to cover the entire 3.5 miles of the Embarcadero, prompting discussions about a potential 50-50 cost-sharing arrangement with federal aid.

A significant point raised was the initiation of a flood study, which is crucial for securing federal assistance. However, the study is currently stalled in federal processes, with a completion target set for December 2022. Pantoja emphasized the urgency of addressing sea level rise and earthquake preparedness, highlighting the port's estimated project costs ranging from $700 million to $33 billion for safety improvements.

The meeting also included discussions on various work initiatives, including standardized reporting templates and public perception surveys. Peg Stevenson from the controller's office provided updates on these initiatives, noting that staff availability has hindered progress on standardization efforts.

The commission concluded the meeting without public comments, as no attendees were present. The discussions underscored the ongoing challenges and the need for collaboration among city officials, the Army Corps of Engineers, and the community to ensure the safety and resilience of San Francisco's coastal infrastructure. The next steps involve awaiting the Army Corps' report and continuing to push for timely action on the identified projects.