Ceto Consulting
Practical solutions.
Personal attention.
Interdisciplinary insight.
What We Do
​Ceto combines over four decades of experience in economics, coastal science, and land use planning to deliver integrated, actionable solutions. We support legal teams, local governments, consulting firms, and public agencies by tailoring our approach to the unique needs of each project. Our work blends technical expertise with practical insight to help clients evaluate trade-offs, navigate complexity, and make informed decisions.
Areas of Expertise
Ceto tackles projects of all sizes, from targeted analyses to multi-agency planning efforts. We have consulted with state, local, and federal agencies; completed dozens of economic and policy studies; and published widely in peer-reviewed journals. Whether the challenge is technical, regulatory, or conceptual, we bring deep expertise and a practical mindset to every project.
Economic Impact and Valuation
Quantifying the value of coastal resources and infrastructure
Ceto conducts economic and fiscal impact studies for public agencies, infrastructure projects, and legal processes. Our work includes benefit-cost analysis, mitigation valuation, and assessments for Local Coastal Programs, shoreline adaptation, and inland development.
Coastal Planning & Shoreline Management
Supporting resilient land use and coastal decision-making
We help communities adapt to shoreline change, sea level rise, and erosion by integrating physical processes, policy frameworks, and economic tradeoffs. Our work supports zoning, permitting, and long-range planning for beaches, bluffs, and developed shorelines.
Climate & Infrastructure Resilience
Evaluating climate risk and adaptation strategies
Ceto supports climate vulnerability assessments, infrastructure planning, and resilience investments. We analyze stormwater systems, nature-based solutions, and regional vulnerabilities to inform state-mandated plans and funding applications.
Public Access & Lodging Equity
Improving equitable access to California’s coast
We use cellphone mobility data, STR analytics, and demographic modeling to evaluate coastal access patterns and lodging availability. Our work helps agencies meet Coastal Act requirements, improve public access, and ensure low-cost visitor opportunities.
Regulatory & Legal Support
Providing defensible analysis for policy and litigation
Ceto prepares technical memoranda, mitigation valuations, and economic assessments to support CEQA, Coastal Act permitting, FAA compliance, and litigation. Our work is grounded in current data and methods to support transparent decision-making.
Monitoring, Data & Indicators
Supporting decision-making with better data
We develop and apply metrics, indicators, and GIS-based tools to track shoreline change, beach visitation, and adaptation outcomes. From regional monitoring frameworks to site-specific modeling, we help clients understand change and plan accordingly.
Our Clients
Ceto Consulting partners with state agencies, local governments, regional coalitions, law firms, land-use attorneys, NGOs, and public interest organizations on projects spanning climate resilience, economic valuation, coastal planning, and policy analysis.
