..Title
Climate and Equity Frameworks Implementation Briefing
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
At their May 11, 2022 meeting the Community Livability and Public Safety Committee received a briefing on the Climate and Equity Frameworks and recommended a briefing to the full City Council.
City Manager Recommendation:
Receive a briefing on the climate and equity frameworks.
Report
Issue:
Whether to receive a briefing on the climate and equity frameworks and rollout plan.
Staff Contact:
Pamela Braff, PhD, Climate Program Manager, 360.753.8249
Tobi Hill-Meyer, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Manager, 360.753.8285
Susan Grisham, Assistant to the City Manager, 360.753.8244
Presenter(s):
Pamela Braff, PhD, Climate Program Manager
Tobi Hill-Meyer, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Manager
Susan Grisham, Assistant to the City Manager
Background and Analysis:
Background
In February 2021, Olympia City Council passed a Climate Emergency Resolution (Resolution No. M-2194), which directed City Council to develop and adopt a lens of climate change and climate equity for all City purposes, staff, and departments.
In response to this direction, staff began work to develop a climate and equity framework to support City Council, staff, and departments in evaluating the climate mitigation and equity considerations of any project, plan, policy, or decision. This framework should be easy to use by staff with little or no knowledge of climate change or equity practices, and easy to apply without expert guidance.
Developing the Draft Framework
In April 2021, project staff began developing the framework concept and key questions to guide staff through a climate and equity analysis. A small group of staff from Public Works, Community Planning and Development, and Parks, Arts, and Recreation provided early feedback on the concept, structure, and ease of use. The most recent draft framework, attached in this staff report, incorporates much of the feedback received during this initial review.
Feedback and Testing
Additional feedback and testing is still needed before the framework can be applied city-wide. Project staff will identify 5-10 upcoming projects or decisions to test the revised framework and collect additional user feedback. Testing should be completed by July 2022.
Training
Although the Climate and Equity frameworks are designed to be easy to use, with little to no guidance, training is still critical to ensure successful implementation. The current training plan includes four types of support, beginning in August 2022.
• For superusers: live training and demonstration.
• For all staff: a pre-recorded training and demonstration available at any time.
• For all staff: monthly office hours to assist with implementation.
• For new staff: introduction to the frameworks during new employee orientation and general staff report training.
Launch
Staff anticipate that the framework will be ready to launch city-wide by September 2022. If approved by City Council, full implementation of the Climate and Equity frameworks would include an analysis of climate and equity considerations in future staff reports to City Council, Council Committees, and Advisory Committees.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
City’s Council’s declaration of a climate emergency in February 2021 was strongly supported by many members of the community, particularly the commitment to develop and adopt a lens of climate change and climate equity. Since passing this resolution, community members have continued to urge the city to consider climate and equity impacts in all planning and decision-making.
Options:
1. Receive the briefing.
2. Do not receive the briefing.
3. Receive the briefing at another time.
Financial Impact:
None at this time. Full implementation of the climate and equity frameworks may inform future budget and expenditure decisions.
Attachments:
Draft Climate Framework
Draft Equity Framework
Presentation