Title
Approval of Resolution Authorizing an Agreement with AARP for a Community Challenge Grant
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve a resolution authorizing an agreement with AARP for a Community Challenge Grant.
Report
Issue:
Whether to approve a resolution authorizing an agreement with AARP for a Community Challenge Grant.
Staff Contact:
Natalie Weiss, Climate Resilience Coordinator, City Manager’s Office, Climate Programs, 360.570.5828
Presenter(s):
None
Background and Analysis:
During the 2021 Heat Dome event, many older adults suffered heat-related illnesses due to limited access to cooling, low awareness of early heat-related illness symptoms, and affordability and mobility barriers that made it difficult to access life-saving services. In 2025, we identified in the Climate Risk and Vulnerability Assessment that extreme heat and wildfire smoke will be a high risk to the wellbeing and health of Olympians. As extreme heat and smoke events become more severe, low-income, homebound older adults will face elevated health risks and require additional support to safely shelter in place.
To address this need, the Climate Programs team developed a pilot portable heat pump and air purification program in partnership with Lewis, Mason, Thurston Area Agency on Aging (LMTAAA) and South Puget Sound Habitat for Humanity. We will conduct targeted outreach to older adults through LMTAAA’s client services network and install portable heat pumps and air purifiers to clients most impacted by extreme events. The program is taking place during the spring and summer of 2026.
The Climate Programs team applied to and received additional grant funding from AARP to support the program. We were awarded $15,000 in no-match grant funds to buy and install additional cooling and air purifier units. The grant funding will expand the number of clients served in the pilot program by 25%.
Climate Analysis:
The AARP Community Challenge Grant funds will support the implementation of Olympia2045 goals and policies PC2.1, PL5.3, and PL5.4, which focus on increasing access to cooling and air filtration in existing buildings and prioritizing resilience strategies for vulnerable populations most impacted by extreme weather events.
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.
Older adults are disproportionately impacted by extreme heat and wildfire smoke events. Many older people have pre-existing conditions or health issues that make them more susceptible to dangerous health impacts during heat and smoke events. Many older adults also have limited mobility, making it difficult to travel to a safe place, and necessary to have the resources to shelter-in-place.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
There is considerable community interest in climate action, particularly for increasing awareness and preparedness for extreme heat and wildfire smoke events. We used comments from community engagement conducted during the Comprehensive Plan development to create the scope of work for the grant.
Financial Impact:
The AARP Community Challenge Grant is $15,000. There are no matching funds required for the grant. The funds will be used to purchase and install 12 additional portable heat pump and air purification systems and conduct targeted outreach and education.
Options:
1. Move to approve the Resolution Authorizing an Agreement with AARP for a Community Challenge Grant.
2. Move to approve the Resolution Authorizing an Agreement with AARP for a Community Challenge Grant, with specific modifications.
3. Do not move to approve the Resolution Agreement with AARP for a Community Challenge Grant.
Attachments:
Resolution
Agreement