Title
Climate Action Plan Briefing
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Receive the briefing. Provide feedback on the scope of a climate action plan and move to recommend a referral to the Finance Committee regarding funding of a climate action plan in the 2018 budget.
Report
Issue:
Whether to receive a briefing on the scope of a climate action plan and to consider a referral to Finance Committee regarding funding of a climate plan in the 2018 budget.
Staff Contact:
Rich Hoey, P.E., Public Works Director, 360.753.8495
Danelle MacEwen, Senior Program Specialist, Public Works, 360.753.8211
Presenter(s):
Rich Hoey, P.E.
Background and Analysis:
In November 2015, the City formally signed on to the Compact of Mayors. The Compact of Mayors is a global coalition of mayors committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions at a local level. This commitment was very consistent with goals and policies on climate change set in Olympia’s Comprehensive Plan.
In 2016, the Compact expanded to become the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy. More than 7,100 cities world-wide participate. As a member of the Global Covenant of Mayors, the City committed to several actions including the development of a climate action plan by the end of 2018.
In March 2017, City Council authorized a referral to the Land Use and Environment Committee (LUEC) for further scoping of a climate action plan process. This scoping will build on prior work, including analysis performed by Climate Solutions on sources of emissions and carbon reduction strategies.
At the LUEC meeting, staff will present a preliminary scope of a climate action plan, including public process elements and needed funding. If funded, staff expects that detailed scoping would occur in early 2018 following consultant selection.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
There is strong community interest in local action on climate change. Thurston Climate Action Team, a local non-profit organization, has expressed interest in engaging with the City on scoping and developing a climate action plan. Another newly formed organization, People for a Carbon Free Olympia, has also expressed interest in engaging in this effort.
Options:
1. Move to recommend a referral to the Finance Committee to evaluate funding of a climate action plan in the 2018 budget. The City would maintain progress towards its goal to develop a climate action plan by the end of 2018.
2. Do not recommend a referral to the Finance Committee. Due to insufficient funding, work on a climate action plan would not progress in 2018.
Financial Impact:
Staff estimates the consultant costs for a climate action plan would range between $70,000 and $130,000. The amount would vary depending on the level of interdepartmental staff support and extent of public involvement. At this time, staff recommends that a budget of $100,000 be established.
Attachments:
None