Title
Discussion of the Olympia 2045 - Climate Action and Resilience Chapter of the Comprehensive Plan Update
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
The Land Use and Environment Committee reviewed the draft Olympia 2045 - Climate Action and Resilience Chapter of the Comprehensive Plan and suggested minor revisions. The Committee recommended the chapter be forwarded to the full City Council for discussion at a Study Session.
City Manager Recommendation:
Review and discuss the Climate Action and Resilience Chapter of the Comprehensive Plan.
Report
Issue:
Review and discuss the Climate Action and Resilience Chapter of the Comprehensive Plan.
Staff Contact:
Pamela Braff, PhD, Director of Climate Programs, City Manager’s Office, Climate Program, 360.753.8249
Presenter(s):
Pamela Braff, PhD, Director of Climate Programs
Natalie Weiss, Climate Resilience Coordinator
Background and Analysis:
Climate Element: Description and State Requirements
The Washington State Growth Management Act (GMA) (RCW 36.70A) guides and directs local government planning in Washington State. It requires cities and counties to adopt and update a comprehensive plan every 10 years, to accommodate 20 years of growth. The Comprehensive Plan also establishes the primary goals and policies that guide all City actions. Planning for climate change and resiliency was added as the 14th goal to the GMA in 2023, by adoption of House Bill 1181 (Chapter 228, Laws of 2023).
The new Climate Action & Resilience chapter will address both climate mitigation (the reduction of greenhouse gases) and resiliency (the ability to adapt to our changing climate). The overarching goals of this chapter are to:
• Reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
• Reduce vehicle miles traveled.
• Improve climate preparedness, response, and recovery efforts.
• Maximize co-benefits and prioritize environmental justice in the development of policies/programs to achieve these goals.
To capture the collaborative approach needed to address climate change, the Climate Element will be integrated throughout each chapter of the Comprehensive Plan. This effort is supported by a cross-departmental staff team (Climate Policy Advisory Team), made up of staff from the City of Olympia and the Squaxin Island Tribe.
Resilience Sub-Element
The Resilience Sub-Element strengthens Olympia’s capacity to prepare for, adapt to, and respond to climate-related events, by addressing the most significant climate risks to Olympia’s infrastructure, public health, and environment. The 2024 Climate Risk and Vulnerability assessment identified the following risks as the highest priorities:
• Public health impacts: More frequent and intense heatwaves and wildfire smoke will increase risks of heat-related illness and respiratory problems, especially for older adults, children, people with pre-existing conditions, and unsheltered individuals.
• Ecosystem impacts: Shifting precipitation patterns and rising temperatures threaten Olympia’s urban forests, marine, and aquatic ecosystems.
• Infrastructure and community impacts: Sea level rise and tidal flooding will strain stormwater and wastewater systems, disrupt transportation, and impede emergency response and local businesses.
Resilience goals are integrated across the Climate Element, leveraging land use, public safety, capital planning and other strategies to strengthen Olympia’s capacity to prepare for, respond to, and adapt to extreme weather and future climate impacts.
Mitigation Sub-Element
Through the Mitigation Sub-Element, we aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions across all major sectors, focusing on goals and policies that fall within the City’s authority and direct influence. The Sub-Element focuses on Olympia’s largest sources of emissions - transportation, buildings and energy, and waste - and outlines strategies needed to achieve Olympia’s commitment to net-zero emissions by 2040.
The proposed emissions reduction goals and policies prioritize actions that provide additional community benefits, such as improving public health and reducing energy costs. For example, transportation and land use policies support safe, accessible, and convenient transportation options that make it easier to walk, roll, and take transit. Building and energy policies help community members reduce energy bills, enhance comfort, and improve indoor air quality in their homes and businesses.
Community Engagement Process
Staff engaged the public and City advisory committees throughout the development of the Climate Element. Engagement activities included open houses, workshops, Q&A sessions, small group conversations, and two Engage Olympia surveys. Over the past year, staff also briefed the Land Use and Environment Committee, the Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory Committee, the Social Justice and Equity Commission, the Parks, Arts and Recreation Committee, the Utility Advisory Committee, Youth Council, and Olympia Planning Commission on the Climate Element.
Community engagement was conducted over 3 separate phases.
• Phase 1 (July 2024 - February 2025): Initial outreach to learn more about community concerns and priorities related to climate action in Olympia.
• Phase 2 (February - March 2025): Feedback on proposed goals and policies.
• Phase 3 (May - June 2025): Feedback on first full draft, including narrative.
The draft the City Council is considering tonight reflects the feedback we heard during all phases of community engagement and advisory committee briefings.
Climate Analysis:
Development of the Comprehensive Plan Climate Element will support immediate actions and long-term planning for climate mitigation (e.g., greenhouse gas emissions reduction) and resilience.
Equity Analysis:
Climate change affects everyone. However, some people and communities in Olympia (sometimes referred to as frontline communities) will experience greater impacts due to their age, race, gender, health, where they live, or what they do for work. Prioritizing environmental justice and maximizing co-benefits for frontline communities is a key goal of the Climate Element.
Equity has been incorporated throughout the Climate Element goals and policies, and staff prioritized outreach to frontline communities to the greatest extent feasible throughout the update process.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
There is considerable community interest in climate action (including greenhouse gas emissions reduction and resilience). Multiple opportunities and forums for community engagement were provided throughout the development of the Climate Element. A summary of community feedback that informed the development of the Climate Element is included in the attachments.
Financial Impact:
The development of the Climate Element is funded by a $245,000 grant from the Washington State Department of Commerce.
Options:
Discussion only.
Attachments:
Draft Chapter
Planning Commission Recommendation
Social Justice and Equity Commission Letter
Youth Council Letter
Project Webpage
Phase 1 Community Engagement Summary
Phase 2 Public Comments
Phase 3 Public Comments
Public Comments Received since July 26, 2025