Title
Joint Meeting of Elected Officials from City of Olympia, Port of Olympia and LOTT Clean Water Alliance on Sea Level Rise Response Planning
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Receive the information on Sea Level Rise Response Planning. Briefing only. No action required.
Report
Issue:
Whether to receive a briefing on sea level rise planning work initiated by the City of Olympia, the Port of Olympia and LOTT Clean Water Alliance.
Staff Contact:
Susan Clark, Senior Planner, Public Works/Water Resources, 360.573.8321
Presenter(s):
Andy Haub, City of Olympia
Lisa Dennis-Perez, LOTT Clean Water Alliance
Rachael Jamison, Port of Olympia
Justin Vandever, AECOM Technical Services Inc.
Steve Hall, City of Olympia
Background and Analysis:
The City of Olympia has engaged in climate change and sea level rise planning since the early 1990s. Over the years, staff have generated and evaluated considerable information on downtown topography, water elevations, and land use. The City of Olympia’s Comprehensive Plan and Downtown Strategy provide support for developing a formal Sea Level Rise Response Plan.
The City of Olympia, the Port of Olympia, and the LOTT Clean Water Alliance share common concerns regarding sea level rise, yet have unique vulnerabilities. The three entities have entered into an Interlocal Agreement to jointly fund and participate in the planning process for downtown Olympia and the Port peninsula. A consulting firm, AECOM Technical Services, has been hired to help with the effort.
The tasks to be completed by the project team include:
• Evaluating the best available science
• Developing a planning framework and process
• Conducting a vulnerability and risk assessment of downtown assets
• Developing three or four sea rise adaptation strategies
• Preparing the plan
This Joint Elected Officials meeting is an opportunity for a briefing on, and discussion about:
• The overall planning effort
• Results of the vulnerability and risk assessment
• Preliminary response strategies
• Opportunities for collaboration and next steps
A Sea Level Rise Open House and Community Workshop was held on January 18, 2018. An online survey is also available. Two other major community meetings are planned for 2018.
The planning process will culminate with elected official consideration of the plan and its implementation.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
Various community groups and other agencies are engaged in climate change and sea level rise issues. The City of Olympia Comprehensive Plan and Downtown Strategy support development of the plan. Coordination with regional climate mitigation planning is occurring.
Options:
Information only.
Financial Impact:
None at this time. However, potential long-term private and public impacts are appreciable.
Attachments:
None