Title
Approval of a Resolution Authorizing an Interlocal Agreement between the City of Olympia, City of Lacey, City of Tumwater and Thurston County for a Regional Environmental Education Program
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve the resolution authorizing an Interlocal agreement between the City of Olympia, City of Lacey, City of Tumwater and Thurston County for a Regional Environmental Education Program Program.
Report
Issue:
Whether t to approve the resolution authorizing an Interlocal agreement between the City of Olympia, City of Lacey, City of Tumwater and Thurston County for a Regional Environmental Education Program.
Staff Contact:
Susan McCleary, Associate Planner, Public Works Water Resources, 360.750.3794.
Presenter(s):
None - Consent Calendar Item
Background and Analysis:
The ILA upholds the City’s pledge to provide quality education and outreach services to residents around Olympia and the Thurston County region.
In 1989, the Olympia City Council directed Storm and Surface Water Utility staff to create a program to engage volunteers & educate the community on environmental topics. In 1990, staff launched Stream Team with the mission to protect, restore and enhance water resources and associated habitats through community engagement and action. Thurston County and the Cities of Lacey and Tumwater have since joined Stream Team.
In 2007, the Department of Ecology issued the four jurisdictions municipal National Pollutant Discharge and Elimination System (NPDES) stormwater permits. These permits require jurisdictions to provide educational programs and encourage coordination within shared geographic areas and watersheds.
Climate Analysis:
The Partnership strives to reduce climate impacts. The quarterly Steam Team Newsletter switched to 100% recycled paper in 2024, promoting electronic readership as an alternative to print. Local purchasing and contracting is done whenever possible. Steam Team outreach content often includes articles and social media posts to raise awareness about the following climate related topics:
• Waterwise gardening practices and commercial car washes to reduce water use and prevent stormwater pollution.
• Benefits of driving electric vehicles and using electric yard maintenance tools.
• Benefits of composting.
• Impacts of climate change on stormwater and receiving waters.
Equity Analysis:
The Regional Environmental Education Program Partners goal is to ensure our education, outreach and engagement programs are inclusive, accessible and representative of the entire community, resulting in fair distribution of benefits and services demographically and geographically county-wide. Steps taken toward this effort include integrating the following actions into past, current and future work plans:
• Co-creating programs with overburdened and/or underserved community members.
• Exploring paths to connect underserved or overburdened community members with work in Stream Team programs.
• Transcreating outreach materials and prioritizing translation of key web pages or content.
• Providing transportation, food and interpretive services when appropriate.
• Partnering with and supporting community groups so that education and community engagement activities may be prioritized to positively affect areas where there is overlap with water quality vulnerabilities or known water quality problems.
• Development and implementation of the 2025-2026 Equity Action Plan.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
Residents throughout the City and Thurston County have come to know and appreciate Stream Team, and the numerous programs offered. Together, we deliver high quality programs to the community in a cost-effective manner.
Financial Impact:
Payment for the Regional Environmental Education Program is through dedicated funding within Olympia’s Storm and Surface Water Utility’s operating budget. The maximum annual cost for Olympia is $31,200. Based on population within the service areas of the four jurisdictions, this amount is a proportional share of costs to provide educational services. This Agreement will not increase the workload for Olympia staff.
Options:
1. Move to approve the resolution authorizing an Interlocal agreement between the City of Olympia, City of Lacey, City of Tumwater and Thurston County for a Regional Environmental Education Program. This allows the City to continue its commitment in offering collaborative educational opportunities through the partnership with Thurston County and the Cities of Lacey and Tumwater
2. Modify the Agreement. Each jurisdiction is currently routing it through their approval authority. Modifications to the proposed Agreement would result in additional review and approval process by the other jurisdictions, delaying implementation of work efforts.
3. Do not approve the request to sign the Agreement. Without an Agreement, continued coordination with the other jurisdictions will be less efficient and effective.
Attachments:
Resolution
Agreement
Stream Team Newsletter
2023 Regional Environmental Education Program (REEP) Report.