To: MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
From: JANE CHUNG, ASSISTANT TO THE CITY MANAGER
TITLE
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DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING DRAFT RESOLUTION REAFFIRMING THE IMPORTANCE OF LOCAL CONTROL OF REDONDO BEACH WATERFRONT AND COASTAL RESOURCES IN RESPONSE TO THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE’S REQUEST FOR CITY INPUT AS PART OF THE LOS ANGELES COASTAL SPECIAL RESOURCES STUDY
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The City was approached by representatives of the National Park Service requesting information and input as part of their Los Angeles Coastal Special Resources Study. Staff is seeking direction on the draft Resolution, which will serve as the basis for the City’s response to the study.
BACKGROUND
In November 2019, the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area Boundary Adjustment Study Act (H.R. 1487), passed. Authored by Congressman Lieu, this bill directs the National Park Service (NPS) to conduct a three-year Special Resource Study to evaluate whether the Santa Monica Bay watershed should be added to the existing Santa Monica Mountains Recreational Area or whether a new national recreation area should be created. The study area included the coastline from Venice Beach to Torrance Beach, the Ballona Wetlands, Ballona Creek, Baldwin Hills, and San Pedro Coastline.
In 2023, Congress directed the Department of the Interior to conduct the Los Angeles County Special Resources Study (Study) through the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 (Section 634). This federally funded Study is broader in scope than the 2019 bill and evaluates whether segments of the Los Angeles County coastline meet the criteria for inclusion in the National Park System. While the 2019 bill focused specifically on the Santa Monica Mountains Recreational Area, the 2023 Study examines a modified study area that includes the coastline from Will Rogers State Beach to Torrance Beach, the Ballona Creek, Baldwin Hills, San Pedro Coastline, and excludes the Port of Los Angeles north of Crescent Avenue.
NPS will evaluate whether the area meets four federal criteria for national park designation: (1) national significance, (2) suitability, (3) feasibility, and (4) need for National Park Service (NPS) management. The Study involves gathering information through research and public outreach and evaluating whether the area qualifies for inclusion in the National Park System, while also considering alternative management options where appropriate. The Study’s findings will be submitted to Congress, which will determine the next steps. To note, this process does not automatically create a national park.
Since portions of Redondo Beach’s coastline and public amenities fall within or adjacent to the Study area, the City has been asked to provide information regarding its coastal resources, recreational facilities, environmental conditions, and community priorities. Areas of potential interest include the Waterfront, Seaside Lagoon, the Pier, and City parks. The Study does not alter local land use authority, impose new regulations, or change ownership of City property. Instead, it is an information gathering process intended to determine whether certain City amenities located within or adjacent to the Study area meet federal criteria for national park designation or whether alternative management approaches may be appropriate. The Study may also evaluate how Redondo Beach’s coastal resources relate to broader regional themes such as public shoreline access, ecological connectivity, cultural and historical resources, and recreational opportunities.
Specifically, the study seeks to answer the following questions for each property the City may consider including:
1. Who or what organization owns and/or manages your property?
2. How is the site currently being used? Do any events happen there, and if so, what type of events? Is the site open to the community or to the public in any way?
3. Do you want to work with the National Park Service on this study’s analysis of historical significance and feasibility as a potential national park unit of some form, if a park that interprets the history of the Los Angeles coastal area is considered by Congress in the future? Do you want your property to be included in this study?
4. Would you support the creation of a national park unit that involves your property in some way, whether through historical interpretation or public visitation, possibly by forming a partnership with the National Park Service?
5. Do you have any concerns about interpreting the history of the Los Angeles coastal area at your property? If so, what are your concerns?
6. Do you have any concerns about maintaining the physical appearance and condition of your property now or in the future, particularly the features that contribute to its historical significance?
7. If the opportunity to donate or sell your property at a fair market value to the U.S. Government were to arise at some point in the future, would you be interested in this possibility? Please note that the federal government would only consider property acquisition through willing sellers for donations or purchases.
8. Is there anything you would like us to know about your property?
In response to the Study, and to ensure that the City’s interests are clearly communicated, staff drafted a resolution reaffirming the importance of Redondo Beach’s waterfront and coastal resources. The Resolution outlines the City’s priorities and values, including the significance of the waterfront as a public resource; the importance of maintaining municipal control over land use, operations, and long-term planning; and the need to preserve equitable, safe, and continuous coastal access. The Resolution also recognizes the community’s continued satisfaction with waterfront operations despite substantial deferred maintenance needs and emphasizes the City’s commitment to preserving and enhancing cultural resources, coastal amenities, and historic features. The City affirms its willingness to collaborate with regional, state, and federal partners while emphasizing the importance of retaining municipal authority to manage, operate, and plan for the waterfront in a manner that reflects local priorities and community needs.
Participation in the Study provides the City with an opportunity to ensure that these priorities are accurately represented. Any future action, such as creating a new national park unit, expanding an existing unit, or establishing a partnership-based management framework, would require separate congressional approval and additional public processes. Following Council review and direction on the draft Resolution, staff will finalize the document, schedule it for consideration of approval on May 19, 2026, and submit the approved Resolution as part of the public comment period for the Study, which closes on May 23, 2026.
COORDINATION
The City Manager’s Office coordinated this item with the Public Works Department, Community Services Department, Fire Department, and the Waterfront and Economic Development Department. The City Attorney’s Office assisted with preparation of the draft Resolution.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact associated with approval of the draft Resolution.
APPROVED BY:
Mike Witzansky, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
• Reso - No. CC-XXXX-XX Reaffirming the Importance of Redondo Beach Waterfront and Coastal Resources