Title
Comprehensive Plan Update - Climate Resilience Sub-element
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
No action requested.
City Manager Recommendation:
No action requested.
Report
Issue:
Briefing on the Climate Risk and Vulnerability Assessment conducted to inform the Climate Resilience Sub-element for the 2025 Comprehensive Plan update.
Staff Contact:
Natalie Weiss, Climate Resilience Coordinator, Climate Program, 360.570.5828
Presenter(s):
Pamela Braff, Climate Program Director
Natalie Weiss, Climate Resilience Coordinator, Climate Program
Background and Analysis:
Climate Planning Requirements
The Washington State Growth Management Act (GMA) (RCW 36.70A) guides and directs local government planning in WA. It requires most cities and counties, including Olympia, to adopt and periodically update a comprehensive plan to accommodate the succeeding 20 years of growth and establish the primary goals and policies to 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 now requires local comprehensive plans to have sub-elements for climate resilience and greenhouse gas emissions reduction.
Climate Action & Resilience Chapter
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.
The development of the Climate Action and Resilience Chapter will be led by a cross-departmental staff team (Climate Policy Advisory Team), which includes staff from the City of Olympia and Squaxin Island Tribe, and will provide...
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