Coastal Vote Chart Overview

ActCoastal increases the transparency and accountability of the Coastal Commission by tracking the monthly voting record of its 12 appointed members.

These monthly vote charts inform the annual report card that has been prepared for over 20 years, authored in cooperation with California's coastal community by the Surfrider Foundation, California Coastal Protection Network, Salted Roots, Azul, and Environment California.

The coast remains under threat — from exclusionary barriers to public access, rising seas, worsening storms, and habitat destruction from ill-considered development. Commissioners carry great responsibility to address these threats and protect the public interest, independent of undue influence by private special interests.

What We Score

The Coastal Commission reviews up to 1,000 projects a year. We score only the votes with the greatest impact on the coast: those that could set statewide precedents, or where Commissioners face intense lobbying or political pressure. Items are selected in advance of each hearing. Subscribe to the ActCoastal newsletter to receive a monthly preview of items likely to be scored.

Monthly Votes and Annual Grades

Each month, Commissioners are rated on their most consequential votes. The vote charts record each Commissioner's position — pro-coast or anti-coast — along with absences and alternates, and a summary of what was at stake. Monthly scores roll up into an annual grade, verified against official records kept by Coastal Commission staff.

Please note: any errors are the sole responsibility of the preparers.