Title
Briefing on the Comprehensive Plan Climate Element
Recommended Action
Receive a briefing on the Comprehensive Plan Climate Element
Report
Issue:
Whether to receive a briefing on the Comprehensive Plan Climate Element
Staff Contact:
Natalie Weiss, Climate Resilience Coordinator, City Manager's Office, Climate Program, 360.570.5828
Presenter(s):
Natalie Weiss, Climate Resilience Coordinator
Pamela Braff, PhD, Director of Climate Programs
Background and Analysis:
Climate Element: Description and State Requirements
The Washington State Growth Management Act (GMA) (RCW 36.70A) guides and directs local government planning in WA. It requires cities and counties to adopt and update a comprehensive plan to accommodate 20 years of growth. The Comprehensive Plan also establishes the primary goals and policies that guide all City actions.
Planning for climate change and resiliency was added as the 14th goal to the GMA in 2023, by adoption of House Bill 1181 (Chapter 228, Laws of 2023). The GMA requires local comprehensive plans to include goals and policies for greenhouse gas emissions reduction and climate resilience.
The new Climate Action & Resilience chapter will address both climate mitigation (the reduction of greenhouse gases) and resiliency (the ability to adapt to our changing climate). The overarching goals of this chapter are to:
* Reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
* Reduce vehicle miles traveled.
* Improve climate preparedness, response, and recovery efforts.
* Maximize co-benefits and prioritize environmental justice in the development of policies/programs to achieve these goals.
To capture the collaborative approach that is needed to address climate action in the City of Olympia, the Climate Element will be integrated throughout each chapter of the Comprehensive Plan. This effort is supported by a cross-departmental staff team (Climate Policy Advisory Team), made up of staff from the City of Olympia and the Squaxin Island Tribe.
Resilience Su...
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