2025-2030 Strategic Plan

Tides Change, We Rise.

The Bay has always brought us together. It’s where communities connect, wildlife thrives, and where natural beauty inspires us.

For more than 60 years, Save The Bay has worked to protect and restore this iconic place. Today, with rising seas, pollution, and continued shoreline development, the threats are growing, and so is our urgency.

Our 2025-2030 Strategic Plan lays out bold, practical actions to protect the Bay’s health, prepare for climate impacts, and ensure that everyone, now and in the future, can benefit from a Bay that is healthy, alive, and resilient. 

LETTER FROM THE DIRECTOR
Where Memory Meets Mission

The San Francisco Bay has been in my life as long as I can remember. I saw it from the bridges on family drives, felt its wind whip through Candlestick Park, and paddled its waters in canoes and sailboats. I didn’t always understand what it gave me, but I knew it mattered.

Save The Bay has been there just as long. My parents were part of the movement to stop the Bay from being filled in. Back then, it was ordinary people stepping up to do something extraordinary. And now, decades later, I have the honor of continuing what they helped start. 

I’ve worked at Save The Bay since 1998. I’ve seen the Bay change, the threats grow, the politics shift. But I’ve also seen what’s possible when people come together with purpose. 

Today, climate change is testing us in ways we’ve never faced before–rising seas, disappearing wetlands, weakened protections, and deeper inequities. But this plan isn’t built out of fear. It’s built from experience, from urgency, and from hope. 

This is our response to the moment we’re in. It focuses on what we know works:

    • Advocating directly with decision-makers at every level.
    • Restoring wetlands that protect people, wildlife, and the land we share.
    • Partnering with communities, not just serving them.
    • Centering science and equity in everything we do.
    • Growing a team of staff and volunteers who care deeply, and show up fully. 

        At the heart of this plan is our Sea Level Rise and Flood Resilience Strategy, already shaping regional conversations and delivering results on the ground. But we can’t do any of this alone.  

        I believe the Bay shapes who we are. It has shaped me. If you’re reading this, it’s likely shaped you too. And if we want it to be here for future generations, to paddle, to walk beside, to fight for, then now is the time to act.

        Each of us has a role to play. This plan is rooted in decades of progress and shaped by the choices we make today.

        Read it. Share it. Talk about it. Hold us accountable. And be part of what’s next.

        With Deep Appreciation,

        Man smiling
        David Lewis
        Executive Director

        Our Mission
        To protect and restore San Francisco Bay for people and wildlife.

        Our Vision
        A thriving San Francisco Bay–alive, resilient, and treasured by all.

        Our Vision
        A thriving San Francisco Bay–alive, resilient, and treasured by all.

        Our Values

        Our values guide every decision, action, and partnership. They define who we are, what we strive to be, and how we approach our work:

        • PASSION FOR NATURE

          Nature connects us all. We protect and restore the Bay for the benefit of people and wildlife, fostering a deep appreciation for our environment.

        • LASTING IMPACT

          We strengthen Bay Area ecosystems and communities with innovative, science-driven solutions that address regional and climate challenges.

        • INCLUSION AND BELONGING

          We invest where the needs are greatest—in our communities, partnerships, and employees. We strive to create spaces where everyone feels valued and engaged.

        • INTEGRITY

          Our work is grounded in science and informed by our community. We lead with honesty, act transparently, and stay accountable to the communities we serve.

        • CATALYST FOR CHANGE

          We are collaborative and decisive leaders, bringing together diverse voices and stakeholders to drive meaningful, lasting change.

        2025-2030
        Our Strategic Approach

        • We Advocate

          We Advocate

          For strong protections, funding, and leadership to keep the Bay Area healthy, sustainable, and accessible to all.

        • We Restore

          We Restore

          Wetlands across the region, growing and planting thousands of native species to protect communities from rising seas and to support wildlife.

        • We Educate

          We Educate

          By connecting people to the Bay through hands-on experiences that inspire care, understanding, and action.

        Advocate
        Driving Climate Action & Bay Protection

        Advocacy has been at the heart of Save The Bay since our founding. Today, it remains a powerful tool to address the Bay Area’s biggest environmental challenges. Through policy change, public investment, and strong leadership, we’re advancing climate action and long-term protections for the Bay and the communities that rely on it.

        • Protecting People and the Bay from Rising Waters

          As climate change drives sea level rise, we’re focused on solutions that protect Bay Area communities—especially those most at risk.

          Our focus:

          • Advance regional flood protection by collaborating with cities, agencies, and leaders to implement our Sea Level & Flood Resilience Strategy.

          • Mobilize partners and decision-makers—including community groups, policymakers, and businesses—to take action before the risks grow.

          • Promote equity and environmental justice by ensuring frontline communities have access to nature and a stronger voice in climate planning.

        • Fighting Pollution and Safeguarding Bay Health

          Clean water is essential to the health of the Bay—and to the people and wildlife who depend on it. We’re working to reduce pollution, improve stormwater systems, and hold polluters accountable.

          Our focus:

          • Keep trash and toxins out of the Bay by pushing for stronger enforcement of stormwater rules and holding agencies like Caltrans accountable.

          • Improve water quality and reduce flood risks by supporting city-led stormwater solutions that use natural systems to protect neighborhoods.

          • Partner with communities near toxic sites to prevent shoreline contamination from harming people, wildlife, and future generations.

        • Building Support to Fund the Future of the Bay

          Protecting and restoring the Bay takes sustained investment and strong leadership. We’re working to unlock $1 billion in funding despite the political challenges—to support wetlands, clean water, and prepare our communities and shorelines for climate change.

          Our focus:

          • Secure major public funding—at the local, state, and federal level—for wetland restoration, flood protection, and pollution cleanup.

          • Grow partnerships with agencies, nonprofits, and businesses to expand resources and share solutions.

          • Support and elevate local leaders who are committed to protecting the Bay and the communities it serves.

        Restore
        Bringing Back the Bay’s Vital Wetlands

        Wetlands are essential to the health of the Bay—and to protecting nearby communities from flooding and rising seas. Over the next five years, we’re accelerating restoration efforts to rebuild the Bay’s natural defenses. These projects also improve water quality and create vital habitat for birds, fish, and other wildlife.

        Restore
        Bringing Back the Bay’s Vital Wetlands

        Wetlands are essential to the health of the Bay—and to protecting nearby communities from flooding and rising seas. Over the next five years, we’re accelerating restoration efforts to rebuild the Bay’s natural defenses. These projects also improve water quality and create vital habitat for birds, fish, and other wildlife.

        • Restoring Wetlands Across the Bay

          Restoring wetlands is one of the most effective ways to protect the Bay and prepare for the future. With a long-term goal to re-establish 100,000 acres, we’re focusing the next five years on accelerating progress—scaling up what works, piloting new techniques, and helping lead a region-wide restoration effort.

          Our focus:

          • Advance the most promising restoration projects—those that reduce flood risk, improve water quality, and deliver benefits to vulnerable communities.

          • Build regional momentum by partnering across sectors, sharing lessons, and promoting proven, practical strategies.

          • Lead innovation through pilot projects that test new restoration methods and guide future work across the Bay.

        • Working Together to Strengthen Bay Restoration

          The Bay thrives when people work together. We’re expanding our impact by partnering with local organizations, growing an inclusive volunteer network, and building lasting relationships that make restoration stronger and more equitable.

          Our focus:

          • Collaborate with community organizations, agencies, and site partners to scale up wetland restoration across the region.

          • Strengthen our role as a trusted partner by leading with science, listening to local voices, and building shared solutions.

          • Grow a diverse and engaged volunteer community to help bring restoration projects to life.

        Educate
        Empowering Communities Through Knowledge

        A thriving Bay needs informed, connected communities ready to take action. Through hands-on learning, public engagement, and partnerships with schools and companies, we’re helping people understand the Bay’s importance, and inspiring them to protect it.

        • Deepening Volunteer Connections with the Bay

          Volunteering with Save The Bay is an opportunity to connect—with the shoreline, with community, and with a shared purpose. Whether planting native seedlings, removing trash, or learning alongside others, every contribution makes a difference. We’re shaping experiences that are meaningful, memorable, and open to all—reflecting the many ways people care for the Bay.

          Our focus:

          • Strengthen our volunteer programs through a thoughtful assessment of current offerings—identifying what’s working, where we can grow, and how to deepen engagement.

          • Design inclusive, hands-on experiences that foster learning, connection, and lasting impact—for individuals, community groups, and corporate teams.

          • Ensure accessibility and belonging by offering a range of roles that reflect diverse interests, abilities, and ways of engaging with the Bay.

        • Inspiring the Next Generation of Bay Stewards

          We believe the Bay’s future depends on the next generation—and that learning rooted in place, community, and action can spark a lifetime of care. Through hands-on experiences and strong school partnerships, we aim to deepen students’ connection to the Bay and empower them to see themselves as part of its future.

          Our focus:

          • Engage students in hands-on learning that deepens understanding of the Bay and inspires environmental stewardship.
          • Build long-term partnerships with schools near restoration sites to create place-based, repeatable experiences.
          • Ensure access for students from Title I and shoreline communities through culturally relevant, multilingual programming.
          • Connect education to impact by aligning learning experiences with our restoration and advocacy efforts.

          • Cultivating Powerful Voices for the Bay

            Our mission depends on more than action—it requires connection, partnership, and shared commitment. We’re growing a strong and diverse community of advocates who care deeply about the Bay and are ready to invest in its future. Through storytelling, partnerships, public events, and community-centered outreach, we’re building support that sustains our work—and ensures the Bay thrives for generations to come.

            Our focus:

            • Educate and activate supporters through compelling public events, workshops, and programs that build awareness and deepen engagement.

            • Grow partnerships with community organizations, funders, and local businesses to expand our impact and resources.

            • Strengthen our outreach and digital storytelling to connect with new audiences and invite broader participation in our mission.

          People, Culture & Growth
          Building for Belonging and Impact

          Our impact begins with the people behind our work. We’re building an organizational culture that reflects our values, while growing the systems and structures we need to sustain our mission. By investing in our team, evolving how we work, and planning for long-term stability, we’re laying the foundation for a stronger, more resilient Save The Bay.

          People, Culture & Growth
          Building for Belonging and Impact

          Our impact begins with the people behind our work. We’re building an organizational culture that reflects our values, while growing the systems and structures we need to sustain our mission. By investing in our team, evolving how we work, and planning for long-term stability, we’re laying the foundation for a stronger, more resilient Save The Bay.

          • Building a Workplace That Reflects Our Values

            We’re committed to creating an organization where people feel supported, heard, and empowered to grow. From compensation to culture, we’re building a workplace that reflects our mission—one where equity is embedded, wellness is prioritized, and every team member has the tools and opportunities to thrive.

            Our focus:

            • Foster well-being and work-life balance through health and wellness initiatives, support programs, and flexible practices.

            • Support professional growth for all staff by providing clear pathways for training, mentorship, and advancement.

            • Ensure fair and equitable compensation by analyzing pay structures and addressing disparities.

            • Strengthen our inclusive culture by increasing diversity, listening to staff feedback, and making meaningful, transparent changes.

          • Sustaining the Work That Protects the Bay

            To ensure lasting impact, we must also invest in the health of our organization. That means growing steady support, strengthening our leadership, and being transparent and accountable in everything we do. We’re working to build a strong foundation—so we can protect the Bay for the long haul.

            Our focus:

            • Strengthen leadership by welcoming board members who bring diverse perspectives and deep connections to the Bay Area.

            • Earn and maintain trust by sharing our progress, priorities, and finances openly with our community.

            • Grow and diversify funding through lasting donor relationships, business partnerships, and expanded community support.

            • Plan for the future with regular reviews of our strategy, finances, and systems to stay resilient and ready for what’s ahead.

          Join Us on This Journey

          Our 2025–2030 Strategic Plan is more than a roadmap—it’s a call to action. Together, we can restore what’s been lost, defend what remains, and create a Bay that’s thriving, inclusive, and protected for generations.

          This work is possible because people like you believe in our mission. Donate today to protect and restore a thriving Bay Area now, and for generations to come.