Title
Planning for Heritage Month and Awards in 2024
Recommended Action
Discussion only. No action requested.
Report
Issue:
Discuss plans for Heritage Month and annual Heritage Award Nominations in 2024.
Staff Contact:
Holly Borth, Historic Preservation Officer, Community Planning & Development, 360.753.8427, hborth@ci.olympia.wa.us <mailto:hborth@ci.olympia.wa.us>
Presenter(s):
N/A
Background and Analysis:
Heritage Month is celebrated annually in the month of May with programs and recognitions planned and offered by the Commission. Heritage Award nominations are brought forward by commissioners, discussed, and recommended to the General Government Committee (now Community Vitality and Public Safety, CLPS), for their recommendation to City Council.
Climate Analysis:
The greenest building is the one already built. The Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP) reports that “…all kinds of historic buildings and neighborhoods, archaeological sites, Tribal sites and resources, and culturally important landscapes (both designed and natural) throughout the country (collectively, “historic properties”), as well as associated intangible cultural heritage, are at risk from a broad range of potential climate impacts, including sea level rise; extreme weather events; increased wildfires; drought; melting permafrost and erosion; and temperature changes. These impacts are both direct and cumulative, and threaten not only historic properties but also the terrestrial and aquatic flora and fauna associated with historically and culturally important places. The loss of or damage to historic properties from such climate impacts can irrevocably change a community’s sense of place and erode people’s sense of personal identity and cultural stability…
…About 39 percent of global carbon emissions come from the construction and operation of buildings. This impact can be reduced by reusing existing buildings, thus avoiding the embodied carbon emissions inherent in new construction, including the carbon associated with the manufacturing and transportation of new materials and the removal and disposal of building materials from demolished buildings. Reuse of existing buildings in urban areas also contributes to climate change mitigation by promoting density, helping to combat urban sprawl and its attendant negative environmental impacts… Since approximately 40 percent of America’s building stock is at least 50 years old, it is critical that reuse and energy retrofit of older and historic buildings (including enhanced electrification and increased energy efficiency standards) be fundamental priorities.” Promoting historic preservation encourages the reuse of Olympia’s building stock, thus proactively aiding to the slow the tide of climate change in the City and beyond.
Equity Analysis:
The ACHP also reports that: “…historic properties important to disadvantaged and underserved communities may be disproportionately affected by climate change and that such communities often are ill-equipped to undertake needed interventions.” The changing demographics of America pose opportunities as well as challenges for Olympia’s historic preservation programming. The diversity of cultures in our city shape and enrich the community experience, and the local government can continue to encourage wider involvement and representation in determining what historic sites are worthy of recognition and preservation; how history and cultural heritage should be valued, interpreted, and preserved; and how we can ensure the American public as a whole can take advantage of the programs and tools created under federal, state, and local laws - in particular, OMC 18.12.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
N/A
Options:
1. Hold discussion.
2. Do not hold discussion.
Financial Impact:
N/A
Attachments:
None.