Atherton council approves $25,000 yearly contribution to OneShoreline for three years

The Town of Atherton council voted unanimously April 16 to provide an operating contribution of $25,000 per year for three fiscal years (2025–26 through 2027–28) to the San Mateo County Flood and Sea Level Rise Resiliency District, commonly known as OneShoreline.

OneShoreline presented its request and program overview at the meeting. Len Matterman, representing OneShoreline, described ongoing regional projects and services that he said benefit Atherton, including the Bayfront Canal/Atherton Channel project, a countywide flood early warning system of stream, rain and tide gauges, and design work focused on protecting the Silicon Valley Clean Water treatment plant. "One Shoreline was created, the first independent government agency in California to address climate," Matterman said, outlining the district's work on multi-jurisdiction projects and early warning gauges that can be expanded upstream in Atherton.

Why it matters: Council members and staff framed the contribution as support for an interjurisdictional body that coordinates work across city lines and leverages grants to build and maintain flood infrastructure. OneShoreline said it has extended an initial three years of seed operating funding into nine years of activity through grants, project revenues and efficiencies but lacks a sustainable ongoing revenue stream for operations.

Key points from the presentation and discussion: - OneShoreline described the Bayfront Canal/Atherton Channel project as a completed, multi-jurisdiction proof-of-concept that reached construction after permitting and agreements were completed; the project entered mitigation and maintenance in 2022. - The district has a countywide flood early warning system of 32 gauges; Matterman identified a candidate gauge site upstream of the Caltrain tracks at Alameda de las Pulgas (near Palmer Park and the school) that OneShoreline's consultants estimate could be installed for roughly $20,000–$25,000 if integrated with the county system. - Funding request structure: OneShoreline asked cities to "mirror" a prior three-year operating contribution. The county has already committed $750,000 per year; cities were asked to join a similar multi-year contribution program. Matterman said his board seeks a sustainable funding source and noted the district has secured roughly $30 million for project work but not ongoing operations. - How Atherton's ask fits regional tiers: OneShoreline outlined a three-tier request by population: the largest four cities at $55,000 per year, nine mid-tier cities at $40,000 per year, and smaller cities at lower amounts; Atherton's requested contribution was $25,000 per year.

Council action and vote: Vice Mayor Holland moved to approve the request; Council member Widmer seconded. The motion passed unanimously (yes: 4; no: 0; abstain: 0; absent: 1).

What the council asked next: Several council members asked staff to continue discussions with OneShoreline about the feasibility of adding an upstream gauge and to consider the contribution within upcoming budget reviews. Matterman said OneShoreline would work with towns that decide to pursue a gauge and that the district would support project and permitting coordination with Caltrans and other agencies.

The council's vote commits Atherton to the three-year operating contribution and directs staff and OneShoreline to continue coordination on early warning gauges and project partnerships.