Santa Cruz Supervisor Justin Cummings was unanimously appointed
chair of the California Coastal Commission on December 11, 2024.
The California Coastal
Commission, established by voter initiative in 1972
(Proposition 20) and later made permanent by the Legislature
through the California Coastal Act of 1976, oversees land use and
development along California’s 1,100-mile coastline. As the
chair, Cummings will lead the commission, which plays a key role
in managing the state’s highly valued coastal resources.
In partnership with coastal cities and counties, the Coastal
Commission plans and regulates the use of land and water in the
coastal zone. Development activities, broadly defined by the
Coastal Act, include the construction of buildings, land
divisions, and any activities that alter the intensity of land
use or public access to coastal waters. These activities
generally require a coastal permit from either the Coastal
Commission or local governments.
The Commission has worked closely with CSAC and local governments
on sea level rise and adaptation planning, ensuring that coastal
communities are prepared for future challenges. Cummings will set
the commission’s agenda and lead its monthly meetings, where
important issues like housing development, short-term rentals,
and local policy appeals are discussed.
The Coastal Commission’s work aligns with key areas in CSAC’s
policy platforms, including Agriculture, Environment and Natural
Resources (AENR) and Housing, Land Use and Transportation (HLT).
CSAC looks forward to Supervisor Cummings bringing a strong
county and local government perspective to the Commission.
