Date of Award

Spring 3-2004

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Public Administration (MPA)

Abstract

In 2002, the California Third District Court of Appeal found that the California Coastal Commission's (CCC) appointment process violated the separation of powers doctrine of the California Constitution. Although the Legislature partly addressed the issue in 2003, the constitutionality of the CCC remains unclear. The CCC is facing other significant challenges, including strained relationships with local government and criticism of its public participation process.

This paper examines whether organizational changes to the CCC could result in improved relationships with local government and more effective public participation processes while addressing the separation of powers issue. Websites from 30 coastal management programs (CMPs) were reviewed to determine the types of organizational models employed by various agencies. In-depth case studies 0f four CMPs that had received positive NOAA evaluations were developed to determine how these programs had achieved success in terms of local government relations and public participation.

Based on the analysis, thirteen recommendations are provided, including reducing CCC permit authority, reassigning CCC staff to local support and assistance, reinstating local planning grants, requiring performance measurement and restricting grant eligibility for local non-compliance. Additional research is warranted on the effectiveness of enforcement programs and the effects of reorganization on CMPs.

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