Title
Update on 2026 Sea Level Rise Collaborative Workplan
Recommended Action
Briefing only. No action requested.
Report
Issue:
Update and discuss the 2026 Sea Level Rise Collaborative Workplan.
Staff Contact:
Natalie Weiss, Climate Resilience Coordinator, (360) 570-5828
Presenter(s):
Natalie Weiss, Climate Resilience Coordinator
Background and Analysis:
Staff will provide an update on the 2026 workplan items. The Committee approved the biennial workplan during the September 6, 2024 Sea Level Rise Collaborative Executive Committee Meeting. The 2026 workplan includes the following tasks and actions by the Collaborative Partners.
• Continue to develop a sea level rise and flood monitoring strategy, which includes creating adaptive management trigger points, assessing vertical land motion, and updating sea level rise projections.
• Continue to develop guidelines for all SLR Collaborative members to incorporate sea level rise considerations into capital planning.
• Continue to evaluate funding and financing mechanisms to fund mid-term and long-term adaptation strategies.
• Pursue state and federal funding (as available) to fund design, planning, and implementation of mid-term adaptation strategies.
Climate Analysis:
The projects included within the 2026 workplan will help the Collaborative members more effectively adapt to sea level rise and mitigate the risks to community assets and critical services. This item is not expected to impact climate mitigation strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Equity Analysis:
These initiatives will provide additional data and guidance on how to fund and implement sea level rise response strategies. When appropriate, staff will consider how data collection and analysis for these work items can be designed to improve our understanding of who may benefit and who will be impacted by future projects and funding.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
There is considerable community interest in sea level rise planning and implementation of flood protection measures in downtown Olympia.
Options:
Briefing only. No action requested.
Financial Impact:
The total cost to implement the 2026 workplan is $180,000. Costs are shared across the Collaborative Members and the necessary funding was included in each Member’s 2026 budget.
Attachments:
2025-2026 Workplan