Title
Proposed Scope of Development Code Updates to Implement the Olympia 2045 Comprehensive Plan Climate Element Review
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Review proposed scope of development code updates to implement the Olympia 2045 Comprehensive Plan Climate Element.
Report
Issue:
Review proposed scope of development code updates to implement the Olympia 2045 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 Planning 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 every 10 years, 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 Olympia 2045 Comprehensive Plan, adopted in December 2025, includes the City’s first Climate Action & Resilience chapter. The chapter addresses both climate mitigation (the reduction of greenhouse gases) and resiliency (the ability to adapt to our changing climate). The chapter’s overarching goals are to:
Reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) 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 Climate Chapter and supporting implementation plan outline the goals, policies, and actions the City expects to implement over the next 20 years to reduce GHG emissions and streng...
Click here for full text