Title
Comprehensive Plan Periodic Update
Recommended Action
Information only. No action requested.
Report
Issue:
Briefing on the Comprehensive Plan Periodic Update with a focus on the Utilities and Environment chapters.
Staff Contact:
Utilities Chapter:
• Susan Clark, Engineering and Planning Supervisor, Public Works, 360.753.8321
• Ron Jones, Senior Planner, Public Works Waste Resources, 360.753.8509
Environment Chapter:
• Jesse Barham, Water Resources Director, Public Works Water Resources, 360.753.8164
• Kym Foley, Associate Planner, Public Works Water Resources, 360. 570.3957
Presenters:
Susan Clark
Ron Jones
Jesse Barham
Kym Foley
Background and Analysis:
Comprehensive Plan Periodic Update - General
Olympia is updating its Comprehensive Plan. This update will look out to year 2045 to show, among other things, how the City will accommodate new population and employment growth. It is also an opportunity to make sure the Plan and Development Regulations meet current state requirements that may have changed since the last major update of the Plan. Under the Growth Management Act, Olympia is required to update its plan every 10 years.
Utilities Chapter
The Utilities chapter of the City’s Comprehensive Plan covers both city-owned and privately run utilities.
City-owned and operated utilities provide the community with essential services and can help shape Olympia’s future in meaningful ways. We take a coordinated, cost-effective approach to managing our utilities and fully consider the economic, social and environmental implications of all our actions. City-owned utilities include Drinking Water, Wastewater, Storm and Surface Water, and Waste ReSources (garbage and recycling).
Each City-owned utility has developed, and periodically updates, a utility focused management plan. Each plan provides specific strategic direction necessary to implement the growth directives contained in the Comprehensive Plan. Because the utility plans are updated more frequently, they are more relevant to current trends, and will, therefore, form the basis for the update of the Utilities chapter’s goals and policies.
Staff will provide the UAC with a discussion of the suggested approach to updating the Utilities chapter of the Comprehensive Plan, including UAC involvement.
Natural Environment Chapter
The Natural Environment chapter addresses the many community benefits from a thriving natural environment and the ways we can work together to keep it healthy. From community-based habitat stewardship opportunities to regulations protecting critical areas from the impacts of development, the goals and policies outlined in this chapter aim to promote both human well-being and environmental health.
Each year we learn more about climate change and continue to experience its impacts in new and challenging ways. Unprecedented heat and flooding events in the last two years are just two examples of the ways Olympia needs to build resilience and adaptation strategies that were not as prevalent when the Comprehensive Plan was initially developed. Accommodating population growth and associated development while addressing climate-related challenges equitably and economically will be a priority during the update specific to Natural Environment and coordination with other related chapters.
Local tribes, non-profit organizations, and other natural resource agencies will have opportunities to provide input in addition to general public and community engagement.
Climate Analysis:
Reducing greenhouse gas emissions and preparing for the impacts of climate change will be integrated throughout all chapters during the update of the Comprehensive Plan. To date, work has not yet begun to update either the Utilities or Environment chapters. As the update of each chapter begins, how the goals and policies and strategic direction provided in each chapter can support reducing greenhouse gas emissions and preparing for the impacts of climate change will be analyzed.
Equity Analysis:
Equity considerations will be integrated throughout all chapters during the update of the Comprehensive Plan. To date, work has not yet begun to update either the Utilities or Environment chapters. As the update of each chapter begins, staff will consider those who would benefit and those who would be burdened by each chapter’s goals, policies and strategic direction in order to inform how such goals, policies and strategic direction can be made more equitable. Additionally, the Comprehensive Plan update includes a public engagement component to promote transparency and provide representation across Olympia communities throughout the process. This will be supported by the Thurston Stormwater Equity Index, which provides basic demographic information on Olympia’s overburdened and vulnerable communities.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
None know at this time. The update of the Comprehensive Plan will include the following general outreach which will result in the identification of community interests: Engage Olympia website and digital feedback, community survey(s), community meetings and open houses, and targeted stakeholder meetings.
Options:
Briefing only.
Financial Impact:
The Comprehensive Plan establishes the strategic direction for the City of Olympia over a 20-year period. Funding for the implementation of the Utilities Chapter comes from a variety of sources, including utility rates, and loans and grants. Funding for the implementation of the Environment Chapter also comes from a wide range of sources which vary by department. All grant-funded projects and programs benefit greatly from a Comprehensive Plan that supports related City-wide goals and policy directives.
Attachments:
Current Comprehensive Plan Utilities Chapter Goals and Policies
Current Comprehensive Plan Environment Chapter Goals and Policies
Proposed Economy Chapter Goal G.E4