Title
Approval of a Resolution Authorizing an Agreement with the Washington State Department of Commerce for a Climate Planning Grant
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve a Resolution authorizing an agreement with the Washington State Department of Commerce for a Climate Planning Grant.
Report
Issue:
Whether to approve a Resolution authorizing an agreement with the Washington State Department of Commerce for a Climate Planning Grant.
Staff Contact:
Natalie Weiss, Climate Resilience Coordinator, City Manager’s Office, Climate Programs, 360.570.5828
Presenter(s):
None
Background and Analysis:
City Council adopted the City’s first Climate Action and Resilience Chapter as part of the Olympia 2045 Comprehensive Plan in December 2025. The Climate Chapter sets goals that improve climate preparedness and adaptation and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. During the development of the Climate Chapter, community members emphasized the need for affordable and equitable climate solutions in Olympia.
Following the adoption of the Olympia 2045 Comprehensive Plan, staff applied for a Climate Planning Grant from the Washington State Department of Commerce to prepare development code amendments that support the Climate Chapter’s intent. With this grant funding, we will hire a consultant to draft a set of proposed code amendments and identify sections of the Olympia Municipal Code to implement the Climate Chapter. Example code updates that will be considered include, but are not limited to, updating bicycle parking standards to better accommodate e-bikes, updating subdivision layout requirements to improve access for solar, establishing specific hazard areas and risk reduction strategies, and removing barriers to constructing battery storage systems.
Climate Analysis:
The Climate Planning Grant funds will be used to advance the City’s climate resilience and mitigation goals outlined in the Comprehensive Plan. In coordination with city staff, the consultant will draft proposed development code amendments to support emissions reduction in new development and better prepare for future impacts of climate change.
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. Prioritizing environmental justice and maximizing co-benefits for frontline communities is a key goal of the Climate Element. Throughout the development of the proposed code updates, staff will evaluate potential impacts to frontline communities and opportunities to address existing disparities. Staff will also engage community members to ensure the proposed updates meet community needs while minimizing unintended outcomes.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
There is considerable community interest in climate action (including greenhouse gas emissions reduction and resilience). Comments received during previous community engagement for the Comprehensive Plan update will inform the scope of work for the proposed code updates. We will conduct additional engagement with relevant stakeholder groups as part of the grant tasks.
Financial Impact:
The Washington State Department of Commerce Climate Planning Grant is $200,000. There are no matching funds required for the grant. The funds will be used to hire a consultant to carry out the work described.
Options:
1. Move to approve the Resolution Authorizing an Agreement with the Washington State Department of Commerce for a Climate Planning Grant.
2. Move to approve the Resolution Authorizing an Agreement with the Washington State Department of Commerce for a Climate Planning Grant, with specific modifications.
3. Do not move to approve the Resolution Authorizing an Agreement with the Washington State Department of Commerce for a Climate Planning Grant.
Attachments:
Resolution
Agreement