City of Olympia - File #: 23-0388

• File #: 23-0388
• Version: 1
• Type: information
• Status: Filed
• File created: 4/24/2023
• In control: Utility Advisory Committee
• Agenda date: 6/1/2023
• Final action: 6/1/2023
• Title: Olympia Equity Index and Service Equity Analysis Briefing

Date	Ver.	Action By	Action	Result
6/1/2023	1	Utility Advisory Committee	provided
5/4/2023	1	Utility Advisory Committee	postponed

Title
Olympia Equity Index and Service Equity Analysis Briefing

Recommended Action
Information only. No action requested.

Report
Issue:
Share background, overview and purpose of the Equity Index and the associated Regional Environmental Partnership (REEP) service equity analysis completed in 2022.

Staff Contact:
Susan McCleary, Senior Program Specialist, Public Works, Water Resources 360.570.3794

Presenter:
Susan McCleary

Background and Analysis:
The 2019-2024 Western Washington Phase II Municipal Stormwater Permit (Permit) issued by the Department of Ecology identifies overburdened communities as a priority audience for stormwater education and outreach under the general awareness category (s5.C.2.a.i). Additionally, the Permit requires the City to create opportunities for the public, including overburdened communities, to participate in the decision-making processes involving the development, implementation and update of the Permittee's Stormwater Management Action Plan (SMAP) and Stormwater Management Plan (SWMP) (S5.C.3.a).

Stormwater Utility staff developed the Equity Index to address Permit requirements. The Equity Index was produced as part of a larger project in partnership with Regional Environmental Education Partnership (REEP) with Thurston County and the Cities of Tumwater and Lacey. The Index was co-conceived by REEP partners with guidance and development from University of Washington's Action Mapping Project (AMP).

The Index is a tool that helps us identify geographic areas in our community where people experience varying levels of burden. This information was used to conduct a service equity analysis of past and current outreach and engagement programs over the past ten years.

Climate Analysis:
Research has demonstrated that vulnerable populations may be at the highest risk from impacts of climate change. The equity index helps us to identify geographic areas within the City of Olympia where people experience higher levels of burden ...