Title
Briefing on Thurston Climate Adaptation Plan
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Receive a briefing from Thurston Regional Planning Council (TRPC) on the Thurston Climate Adaptation Plan. Briefing only; no action requested.
Report
Issue:
Whether to receive a briefing on the Thurston Climate Adaptation Plan.
Staff Contact:
Rich Hoey, P.E., Public Works Director, 360.753.8495
Presenter(s):
Karen Parkhurst, Programs and Policy Director, TRPC
Paul Brewster, Senior Planner, TRPC
Background and Analysis:
The City of Olympia has placed a high priority on responding to the challenge of climate change. The City has focused significant efforts on both reducing greenhouse gas emissions (climate mitigation) as well as actions that help the city become more resilient to changing climate conditions (climate adaptation). A major climate adaptation effort for Olympia is the development of a Sea Level Rise Management Plan - a joint effort currently underway working with the Port of Olympia and LOTT.
From a larger county-wide perspective, the Thurston Regional Planning Council (TRPC) recently developed a Thurston Climate Adaptation Plan (plan) using a $250,000 National Estuary Program grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. TRPC developed the plan over two years (2016-2017), involving many partner agencies (tribes, municipalities, universities, non-profits, businesses and other entities), including City of Olympia. The project area for the plan included three geographically diverse watersheds (Nisqually, Deschutes, and Kennedy-Goldsborough).
Plan elements included a science summary, vulnerability assessment, risk assessment, cost-benefit analyses, and action evaluation and prioritization. The planning process included extensive involvement from stakeholders, as well as public engagement.
TRPC staff will present highlights of the plan to City Council and be available for...
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