Title
Briefing on Olympia Sea Level Rise Collaborative Five-Year Workplan (2026-2030)
Recommended Action
Information only. No action requested
Report
Issue:
Briefing on the Five-Year Workplan (2026-2030)
Staff Contact:
Natalie Weiss, Climate Resilience Coordinator, City Manager’s Office, Climate Program, 360.570.5828
Presenter(s):
Natalie Weiss, Climate Resilience Coordinator
Background and Analysis:
The Olympia Sea Level Rise Response Plan (2019) provides a long-term strategy to prepare for and adapt to sea level rise in downtown Olympia. In 2021, the Collaborative developed a five-year workplan for implementing near-term strategies, corresponding to up to six inches of sea level rise.
To guide the next phase of work, Collaborative Staff have proposed a five-year workplan for 2026-2030 to support implementation of mid-term strategies identified in the Sea Level Rise Plan. Full scale implementation of mid-term strategies will offer protection for up to two feet of sea level rise by 2050.
The 2026-2030 workplan includes key projects and actions that will initiate mid-term adaptation strategies. The workplan identifies anticipated work for the Collaborative, as well as individual Members (i.e., City of Olympia, Port of Olympia, and LOTT Clean Water Alliance). Projects focused on research, analysis, and strategy development will be funded and implemented through the Collaborative (see projects listed under “All Partners”). These projects progress actions and work for all members of the Collaborative. Capital projects will be independently funded and implemented by the corresponding Collaborative Member.
During this meeting, Executive Committee members will have the opportunity to review and provide feedback on the proposed 2026-2030 SLR Collaborative workplan.
Climate Analysis:
The Five-Year Workplan (2026-2030) sets the foundation for mid-term sea level rise adaptation across project partners. This item is not expected to impact climate mitigation strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Equity Analysis:
The initiatives pursued by the Olympia Sea Level Rise Collaborative will provide additional data and guidance on how to fund and implement sea level rise response strategies. When appropriate, staff will consider how data collection and analysis for these work items can be designed to improve our understanding of who may benefit and who will be impacted by future projects and funding.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
There is considerable community interest in sea level rise planning and implementation of flood protection measures in downtown Olympia.
Options:
Information only. No action requested.
Financial Impact:
Implementation of the 5-year workplan will incur additional costs to the Collaborative and individual Members. Future costs for shared projects will be identified through the Collaborative’s biennial budget and workplan approval process. Project costs for individual Members will be identified through each Member’s regular project and/or budget approval process.
Attachments:
Proposed Five-Year Workplan (2026-2030)