Title
Bloomberg Youth Climate Action Fund Briefing
Recommended Action
Receive a briefing on the Youth Climate Action Fund grant.
Report
Issue:
Whether to receive a briefing on Youth Climate Action Fund grant.
Staff Contact:
Natalie Weiss, Climate Resilience Coordinator, (360) 570-5828
Presenter(s):
Natalie Weiss, Climate Resilience Coordinator
Background and Analysis:
The Climate Programs team met with the Youth Council last year to inform the Comprehensive Plan’s Climate Chapter. During the meeting, the Youth Council members noted their top priorities for climate action were making climate solutions more accessible, encouraging people to use public transportation, and working in jobs that align with their values. The members expressed that it is difficult to contribute to climate solutions with limited financial resources.
Based on this, we applied and received a Bloomberg Youth Climate Action Fund grant, a $50,000 grant to support youth-led climate action projects. We will provide 8-10 microgrants, each worth $5,000, to develop and complete a local climate-related project. We will open the call for applications this summer. The projects will take place during the 2026-27 school year.
Some examples of projects that would be eligible for the grant could be:
• Hosting bike maintenance workshops at school
• Creating a new product from recycled or reused material
• Putting together and distributing emergency cooling kits
• Painting a climate-themed mural or hosting a climate-themed art show
There are many ways that the Youth Council can be involved. Members can help with the application process, promote the application call, or apply for a project themselves. During the briefing, we will discuss the grant structure, different ways Youth Council members can contribute, and brainstorm ways to get the word out about the grant.
Climate Analysis:
The proposed projects presented in the briefing support the City’s climate goals and policies by implementing Comprehensive Plan Climate Policy PC3.1, focused on engaging youth and supporting youth-led climate solutions. Olympia’s youth have been a motivating force for climate action in our community and will be the city’s next leaders. Their leadership, voice, and ideas for solving the climate crisis are critical for success.
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. Youth will experience disproportionate impacts from climate change throughout their lives and children are more at risk during extreme weather events.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
Olympia’s youth have shown continued investment in climate action within the community. Dating back to the Youth Climate Inheritance Resolution in 2019, Olympia’s youth have been actively engaged and participated in progressing climate action.
Options:
1. Receive a briefing on Youth Climate Action Fund grant.
2. Do not receive a briefing on Youth Climate Action Fund grant.
3. Take other action.
Attachments:
None