Title
Climate Program Update
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Receive an update on the climate program.
Report
Issue:
Whether to receive an update on the climate program.
Staff Contact:
Pamela Braff, PhD, Director of Climate Programs, City Manager’s Office, 360.753.8249
Presenter(s):
Pamela Braff, Director of Climate Programs
Background and Analysis:
The Climate Chapter of the Olympia 2045 Comprehensive Plan outlines the strategic direction for climate action and resilience in the City of Olympia. While goals and policies for climate action are embedded throughout all chapters of the Comprehensive Plan, the Climate Chapter provides a framework for addressing climate change through an integrated, citywide approach. The chapter establishes four overarching climate goals:
• Olympia reduces community-wide GHG emissions 59% below 2019 levels by 2030 and achieves net-zero emissions by 2040 (GC1).
• Olympia plans for future climate impacts and takes action to prepare for, adapt and respond to anticipated climate hazards (GC2).
• All community members - especially those most affected by climate change - benefit from climate action and have equitable opportunities to influence policy decisions (GC3).
• Olympia has the staffing, resources, and funding to effectively implement climate action and resilience measures (GC4).
Established in 2021, the City of Olympia’s Climate Program leads and coordinates citywide actions to advance the City’s climate goals and achieve the vision outlined in the Comprehensive Plan Climate Chapter. The Program works across all city departments, and in partnership with community-based and regional partners, such as Thurston Climate Mitigation Collaborative and Olympia Sea Level Rise Response Collaborative, to carry out this work.
During this briefing, staff will provide an overview of recent accomplishments, ongoing work, challenges, and anticipated next steps.
Climate Analysis:
All Climate Program initiatives are designed to reduce local greenhouse gas emissions (climate mitigation) and/or prepare for the current and future effects of climate change (climate adaptation) in Olympia.
Equity Analysis:
Climate change affects everyone, but it does not affect all people equally. Some communities experience disproportionate climate impacts due to existing vulnerabilities and socioeconomic disparities, as well as systemic environmental injustices. Low-income communities, people of color, indigenous people, and people with disabilities are often more vulnerable to climate risks and face greater barriers to benefit from climate action. The Climate Program focuses on equitable climate action by prioritizing efforts that advance the City’s climate goals, while also reducing disparities and delivering tangible benefits to communities most impacted by climate change.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
There is considerable community interest in climate action, including efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and prepare for climate impacts. During community engagement for the recent comprehensive plan update, many community members emphasized the importance of affordable, equitable, and high-impact climate solutions.
Financial Impact:
The baseline annual operating budget for the Climate Program, excluding salaries and benefits, is approximately $200,000. This budget is supplemented by additional state, federal, and philanthropic grants, as well as partner funding for shared programs and initiatives.
Options:
1. Receive the update.
2. Do not receive the update.
3. Receive the update at another time.
Attachments:
Presentation