HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-08-2025 Agenda
Planning Commission
Regular Meeting
July 8, 2025 - 7:00 PM
City Hall Council Chambers
AGENDA
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
A. The Planning Commission Meeting scheduled for Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. will
be held in person and virtually.
Virtual Participation Link:
To listen to the meeting by phone or Zoom, please see the information below:
Join from PC, Mac, iPad, or Android:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86095342217
Phone one-tap:
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Join via audio:
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Webinar ID: 860 9534 2217
International numbers available: https://us06web.zoom.us/u/kfPUy0FbC
CALL TO ORDER
ROLL CALL
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION
This is the place on the agenda where the public is invited to speak to the Board on any issue.
A. Comment from the audience on any proposal for action by the Commission. If the
comment is related to an action subsequently listed here as a public hearing, the comment
should be provided at the time of the public hearing.
The public can participate in-person or submit written comments in advance.
Participants can submit written comments via mail, fax, or email. All written comments
must be received prior to 5:00 p.m. on the day before the scheduled meeting and must be
350 words or less.
Page 1 of 176
Please mail written comments to:
City of Auburn
Attn: Tammy Gallier, Administrative Specialist
25 W Main St
Auburn, WA 98001
Please fax written comments to:
Attn: Tammy Gallier, Administrative Specialist
Fax number: 253-804-3114
Email written comments to: tgallier@auburnwa.gov
If an individual requires accommodation to allow for remote oral comment because of a
difficulty attending a meeting of the governing body, the City requests notice of the need for
accommodation by 5:00 p.m. on the day before the scheduled meeting. Participants can
request accommodation to be able to provide a remote oral comment by contacting the
Community Development Department in person, by phone (253) 931-3090 or by email
(tgallier@auburnwa.gov).
AGENDA MODIFICATIONS
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A. June 3, 2025 Draft Minutes from Planning Commission Meeting
OTHER BUSINESS
A. OPMA and PRA Training (Campbell)
Annual Open Public Meetings Act and Public Records Act Training
B. Climate Implementation Plan (Tatro)
Introduction to the Climate Implementation Plan
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT REPORT
ADJOURNMENT
The City of Auburn Planning Commission is a seven member advisory body that provides
recommendations to the Auburn City Council on the preparation of and amendments to land use
plans and related codes such as zoning. Planning Commissioners are appointed by the Mayor and
confirmed by the City Council.
Actions taken by the Planning Commission, other than approvals or amendments to the Planning
Commission Rules of Procedure, are not final decisions; they are in the form of recommendations to
the City Council which must ultimately make the final decision.
Page 2 of 176
AGENDA BILL APPROVAL FORM
Agenda Subject: Meeting Date:
June 3, 2025 Draft Minutes from Planning Commission Meeting July 8, 2025
Department: Attachments: Budget Impact:
Community Development 6-3-2025 Planning Commission
Minutes
Administrative Recommendation:
See attached draft minutes from June 3, 2025
Background for Motion:
Background Summary:
Councilmember: Staff: Jason Krum
Page 3 of 176
Planning Commission
Regular Meeting
June 3, 2025 - 7:00 PM
City Hall Council Chambers
MINUTES
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
The City of Auburn Planning Commission Meeting was held in person and virtually.
CALL TO ORDER
Chair Judi Roland called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of
Auburn City Hall, 25 West Main Street.
ROLL CALL
Commissioners present: Chair Judi Roland, Julie Berry, Kent Sprague, William Stewart,
Aaron Vanderpol, Lynn Walters, and Kirk Hiller.
Staff members present: Planning Services Manager Alexandria Teague, Director of
Community Development Jason Krum, Assistant Director of Community Development
Steve Sturza, Director of Human Services Kent Hay, Senior Staff Attorney Taryn Jones,
and Deputy City Clerk Rebecca Wood-Pollock.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Chair Roland led those in attendance in the Pledge of Allegiance.
AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION
No one came forward to speak.
AGENDA MODIFICATIONS
There were no modifications to the agenda.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A. May 6, 2025 Draft Minutes from Regular Planning Commission Meeting
Vice Chair Sprague moved and Commissioner Berry seconded to approve the
May 6, 2025 Special Planning Commission Meeting minutes.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. 7-0
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OTHER BUSINESS
A. Use of Microsoft Surfaces (Krum)
Discussion regarding the continued use of surfaces.
Director Krum led a discussion with the Commission on whether the
Commission was interested in continuing to use their City-issued Microsoft
Surfaces. The Commission discussed the possibility of using a secure fileshare
server for packet distribution, and agreed to return their Surfaces back to the
City.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. Housing Types and Standards Code Update (Teague)
Public Hearing for the public testimony and Planning Commission deliberation
on the text amendment to update Title 18 Zoning to comply with new
Washington State Housing Laws.
Chair Roland opened the Public Hearing at 7:11 p.m.
No one from the public came forward to speak.
Manager Teague provided the Commission with a presentation on the Housing
Types and Standards Code Update, including an overview of Shelter,
Transitional, Emergency, and Permanent (STEP) Housing, and provided
examples of each housing type in Auburn, their requirements, and how they
are implemented. She also outlined the STEP Housing Supplemental
Standards, the Land Capacity Analysis, housing capacity for each of the
housing types, requirements for homeless encampments hosted by religious
organizations, density bonuses for different types of developments and
housing, middle housing and critical areas, residential parking requirements,
and the next steps in the process.
The Commission discussed transitional housing, minimum residential parking
requirements, supplemental standards for the City, development stakeholders,
density bonuses, and religious institution property leases.
Chair Roland closed the Public Hearing at 8:06 p.m.
The Commission discussed parking requirements and limited land usage,
residential housing conversions, assisted living facilities, and legislation
changes.
Commissioner Berry moved and Vice Chair Sprague seconded to recommend
to City Council the approval of the Housing Types and Standards Code
Update, with the exception of changing the minimum housing parking
requirement for STEP Housing from 0.53 to 0.
Page 5 of 176
MOTION CARRIES. 5-2. Commissioner Hiller and Commissioner Walters
voted no.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT REPORT
Director Krum shared an update on the future use of the former GSA site and shared
that the new pickleball facility is scheduled to open in July, as well as the development
of a new processing facility nearby. Assistant Director Sturza shared an update on the
Auburn Ave Theater and an update on the parking garage located at A St NW and 1st
St NW.
Manager Teague shared that the next Planning Commission Meeting would be held on
July 8, 2025 and provided an overview of the anticipated discussion items for other
meetings scheduled for later in the year.
The Commission discussed the schedule for upcoming hearings and an update on the
Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) usage in the City.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Planning Commission, the meeting
was adjourned at 8:28 p.m.
APPROVED this 8th day of July, 2025
_____________________________ _______________________________
JUDI ROLAND, CHAIR Rebecca Wood-Pollock, Deputy City Clerk
Page 6 of 176
AGENDA BILL APPROVAL FORM
Agenda Subject: Meeting Date:
OPMA and PRA Training (Campbell)
Annual Open Public Meetings Act and Public Records Act Training
July 8, 2025
Department: Attachments: Budget Impact:
Community Development None
Administrative Recommendation:
Background for Motion:
Background Summary:
Councilmember: Staff: Jason Krum
Page 7 of 176
AGENDA BILL APPROVAL FORM
Agenda Subject: Meeting Date:
Climate Implementation Plan (Tatro)
Introduction to the Climate Implementation Plan
July 8, 2025
Department: Attachments: Budget Impact:
Community Development Attachment A - Climate Element
5-Year Implementation Plan,
Attachment B - CEIP PowerPoint
Presentation
Administrative Recommendation:
Background for Motion:
Background Summary:
The Planning Commission will be provided with an overview of the draft Climate Implementation Plan,
a five-year strategic document developed to implement the goals and policies established in the
Climate Element of the City of Auburn’s Comprehensive Plan. The Climate Element was adopted as
part of the City’s 2024 periodic update, in advance of the 2029 requirement established by House Bill
1181, which amended the Growth Management Act to include climate planning. The Climate Element
focuses on two overarching themes: reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and increased climate
resilience. The Implementation Plan identifies priority goals and outlines specific actions to guide the
City’s efforts in these focus areas over the next five years. Development of the plan has been
supported through a grant from the Washington State Department of Commerce, funded by the
Climate Commitment Act, and has been completed in collaboration with Cascadia Consulting Group.
For reference, the current adopted Comprehensive Plan Elements can be found here.
Councilmember: Staff: Jason Krum
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DRAFTClimate Element Implementation Plan City of Auburn
Acknowledgements | 0Acknowledgements | 0
City of Auburn
Climate Element 5-year
Implementation Plan
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DRAFTClimate Element Implementation Plan City of Auburn
Introduction | 1
Acknowledgements
The Auburn Climate Element Implementation Plan is supported with funding from Washington’s
Climate Commitment Act (CCA). The CCA supports Washington’s climate action efforts by putting
cap-and-invest dollars to work reducing climate pollution, creating jobs, and improving public
health. Information about the CCA is available at www.climate.wa.gov.
Auburn Staff
• Alyssa Tatro, Community Development
• Alexandra Teague, Community Development
• City of Auburn Public Works
• City of Auburn Parks
Prepared for the City of Auburn by Cascadia
Consulting Group
• Nicole Gutierrez, Project Manager
• Meg Horst, Senior Associate
• Sarah Farbstein, Project Coordinator
• Kenta Hikino, Project Coordinator
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DRAFTClimate Element Implementation Plan City of Auburn
Introduction | 2
Introduction
Vision and Purpose
The City of Auburn (Auburn) is already experiencing the impacts of climate change, including
prolonged heat waves, severe storms, and impaired air quality from wildfire smoke, which are
affecting the health and safety of the community. Committed to its core values of sustainability,
environmental stewardship, and economic vibrancy, Auburn is focused on ensuring it remains a
livable, safe, and resilient place to live, work , play, and visit.
In 2023, Washington State House Bill 1181 was signed into law, requiring cities and counties across
the state to incorporate climate change planning goals and policies into their comprehensive
plans. In response to this legislation and the urgent need to prepare for climate change, Auburn
adopted a new Climate Element in 2024.
This Climate Element Implementation Plan (CEIP) serves as an educational resource and strategic
roadmap. It will guide Auburn in executing a prioritized set of actions outlined in the Climate
Element for the next five years (2025-2030) and indicates actions for future consideration.
A Living Document
Auburn is dedicated to using the CEIP to guide its efforts in building resilience and sustainability,
ensuring that our community remains a safe and livable place for all. At the local level, resilience
and sustainability remain evolving fields influenced by various factors that shape policy and
strategy development and action implementation. Emerging technologies and research, changes
at the state and federal levels, and economic pressures may alter the context of this work ,
requiring Auburn to adjust its direction, priorities, or implementation of strategies. The City intends
to use the CEIP as a living document that will evolve and adapt to the changing context to best
meet the needs and aspirations of the community over the next 5-years and beyond.
Climate Element Overview
Auburn’s Climate Element addresses climate change by identifying opportunities to increase its
resilience against climate impacts and through municipal and community-wide greenhouse gas
(GHG) emission reductions. To foster resilience, the Climate Element identifies Auburn’s most
pressing climate impacts, including rising temperatures and extreme heat, severe storms and
flooding, and increased drought and wildfire potential. These priority climate hazards,
compounded by Auburn’s unique vulnerabilities, contribute to a relatively high or very high risk of
negative impacts in the city, as assessed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (Federal
Emergency Management Agency, n.d.). This underscores the importance of proactive climate
planning.
Foundational to climate planning, the Climate Element also examines the city’s GHG emissions
from municipal and community sources. Since establishing its baseline inventory in 2008, Auburn
has achieved emissions reductions through initiatives focused on energy efficiency, waste
diversion, and sustainable transportation. However, the Climate Element emphasizes the need for
more ambitious strategies to meet future emissions reduction targets, in line with state and
regional goals.
To address these challenges, the Climate Element is divided into two sub-elements: resilience and
emissions mitigation. The resilience sub-element focuses on strategies to protect Auburn’s natural
and built environments, enhance public health, and strengthen infrastructure and services against
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DRAFTClimate Element Implementation Plan City of Auburn
Introduction | 3
climate-related hazards. The emissions mitigation sub-element outlines actions to reduce
municipal and communitywide GHG contributions, with an emphasis on sustainable energy
practices, efficient transportation systems, and waste management. Each sub-element is
organized into key themes that shape the city’s climate strategies , and each theme is supported
by specific goals and detailed policies and actions that guide the city’s efforts. From green building
and infrastructure investments to community engagement and environmental restoration, the
Climate Element takes a comprehensive and actionable approach to climate resilience and
sustainability.
The City understands that implementation tools, funding, and staff capacity will be key to
achieving the desired outcomes. Therefore, the CEIP identifies additional actions that focus on
implementation needs at the staffing and monitoring level.
Prioritization of CEIP Actions
For each theme in the Climate Element, in addition to a newly added overarching implementation
section, at least one action was prioritized for inclusion in the CEIP. To identify these priority
actions and inform effective implementation, the project team engaged both the public and city
staff through a multifaceted outreach approach.
Engagement included two phases: (1) building awareness of the Climate Element and (2) refining
implementation strategies based on community and staff feedback. The project team distributed
factsheets, conducted an implementation prioritization survey, hosted an open house, tabled at
events, and provided email and social media updates. Materials were translated into multiple
languages to ensure accessibility for Auburn’s diverse community. Additional details on
engagement methods and outcomes can be found in Appendix A: City of Auburn CEIP
Engagement Summary.
City staff from multiple departments contributed feedback and key implementation
considerations through feedback forms and meetings. Alongside community input, this feedback
helped identify at least one priority action for each theme. Once actions were confirmed, the
consultant team developed detailed implementation guidance —including timelines, next steps,
responsible parties and partners, prioritization, potential barriers, funding sources, and additional
resources—to support effective implementation.
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DRAFTClimate Element Implementation Plan City of Auburn
Introduction | 4
Summary of CEIP Actions
The actions below reflect a subset of prioritized efforts identified through staff and community
engagement for the 5-year CEIP. Ongoing and future work related to each theme is highlighted in
the corresponding sections in the body of the plan.
Theme Action
Public Health and
Community
Resilience
CEIP 1. Risk and Vulnerability Assessment
Conduct and periodically update a climate risk and vulnerability assessment
(CRVA) that includes the built environment, community, and natural
systems. Support enhanced data collection for hazard events to provide a
more complete understanding of the community’s hazard characteristics,
including identifying demographic groups and community members most
vulnerable to climate impacts. Use assessment findings to evaluate changes
to Comprehensive Plan goals and policies, enhance resilience, and integrate
into Local Hazard Mitigation Plan.
Infrastructure
and Emergency
Preparedness
CEIP 2. Climate Safety Resources
Develop and distribute tools and resources for the community to stay safe
during extreme heat and wildfire smoke events, with a focus on reaching
vulnerable communities disproportionately impacted by climate change.
Cultural
Resources and
Practices
CEIP 3. Government to Government Coordination
Maintain government-to-government relations with the Muckleshoot Indian
Tribe, other local Tribes, and native organizations as relevant, to strengthen
climate resiliency collaboration—including for the preservation of
archaeological sites and traditional cultural properties that are vulnerable to
climate impacts.
Water
Conservation and
Stormwater
Management
CEIP 4. Stormwater Codes and Design
Review and update development codes and design standards for
requirements for stormwater facility sizing and low-impact development.
Adopt nature-based solutions and minimize impervious surface areas in
private development and city capital improvements to be consistent with
the requirements of the city’s NPDES Phase 2 Permit and to prepare for
climate impacts like increased flooding.
Natural Habitats
and Urban Green
Space
CEIP 5. Urban Forest Master Plan
Adopt an Urban Forest Master Plan and implement ordinances to maintain
and expand tree canopy cover, improve tree and watershed health, prioritize
carbon sequestration, and build climate resilience.
Economic
Development
CEIP 6. Business Energy Resilience
Support local businesses’ efforts to generate and store renewable electricity
on-site, which can provide back-up power during emergencies and help
ensure continuity of operations.
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DRAFTClimate Element Implementation Plan City of Auburn
Introduction | 5
Theme Action
Transportation
and Planned
Development
CEIP 7. Transportation Action Coordination
Identify how the Climate Commitment Program can support Transportation
Element policies and actions to (1) reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions
from the transportation sector and (2) support reduction of per capita
vehicle miles traveled (VMT) throughout the region.
Renewable
Energy and
Energy Efficiency
CEIP 8. Electrification and Energy Program
Develop an electrification and energy efficiency program to incentivize and
educate community members and businesses about existing programs for
emerging alternative energy technology.
Waste
Management and
Circular Economy
CEIP 9. Construction and Demolition
Support development, implementation, and enforcement of construction
and demolition (C&D) recycling and deconstruction ordinances to ensure
the program enables recycling of construction and demolition debris.
Overarching
CEIP 10. Regional Partnerships
Select a staff delegate and join regional climate collaboratives (e.g., King
County-Cities Climate Collaboration, Climate Pierce County) to accelerate
climate action.
Overarching
CEIP 11. Climate Education
Enable staff investment in professional development that enhances
understanding of projected changes in the region’s climate (e.g., air
temperature and precipitation) and their impacts on communities,
municipal services, and infrastructure.
Overarching
CEIP 12. Climate Action Monitoring
Monitor, assess, and publicly report on community-scale GHG emissions
(total and per capita) and VMT (total and per capita) at least every five years.
Include emissions from all local sources associated with resident, business,
and local government activities. Maintain a list of measures that
demonstrate consistency with climate element requirements and housing
goals and policies that contribute to the climate element; identify progress
achieved every five years.
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DRAFTClimate Element Implementation Plan City of Auburn
Introduction | 6
Timeline
The Climate Element, as part of the Comprehensive Plan, outlines a 20-year planning horizon. To begin advancing its goals, this five -
year implementation plan focuses on near-term actions. The proposed timeline and actions are contingent on available funding and
staff capacity. This schedule is intended to be adaptive and will be further refined by responsible departments and staff as
implementation progresses.
CEIP
# Action & Key Steps
Proposed Schedule
2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030
3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2
CEIP
1
Theme 1: Public Health and Community Resilience
Conduct and periodically update a climate risk and vulnerability assessment (CRVA) that includes the built environment,
community, and natural systems.
Develop the scope for a Request for Proposals
for the CRVA
Identify staff to oversee the CRVA
Secure funding for a CRVA
Hire a consultant or expert with CRVA
experience
Conduct the CRVA
Public and internal engagement
Use CRVA to refine programs and the other
actions identified in the CEIP
CEIP
2
Theme 2: Infrastructure and Emergency Preparedness
Develop and distribute tools and resources for the community to stay safe during extreme heat and wildfire smoke events,
with a focus on reaching vulnerable communities disproportionately impacted by climate change.
Identify additional support from local
agencies
Audit current materials, tools, resources
related to heat and wildfire smoke
preparedness and assess current community
awareness and gaps
Partner with local organizations, businesses,
and frontline communities to ensure
materials are accessible and to support
outreach
Plan, set objectives, timelines, and key
deliverables for outreach efforts
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DRAFTClimate Element Implementation Plan City of Auburn
Introduction | 7
CEIP
# Action & Key Steps
Proposed Schedule
2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030
3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2
Create and distribute materials related to
heat and wildfire smoke preparedness and
mitigation
Create and administer in-person and virtual
trainings
Track distribution metrics
CEIP
3
Theme 3: Cultural Resources and Practices
Maintain government-to-government relations with the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe, other local Tribes, and native
organizations as relevant, to strengthen climate resiliency collaboration.
Refine agenda items that introduce climate
impacts and resilience as a topic for the G2G
meetings
Set a recurring agenda item related to
climate action; track meeting outcomes
Optional: Identify actions or areas to
collaborate (e.g., funding, engagement)
CEIP
4
Theme 4: Water Conservation and Stormwater Management
Review and update development codes and design standards for requirements for stormwater facility sizing and low -
impact development. Adopt nature-based solutions and minimize impervious surface areas in private development and city
capital improvements.
Conduct a code and standards review to
identify any that do not align with the SMAP
and need updating
Assess the impacts of increased flood risks,
using the most up-to-date data, as well as
updates needed in the 2nd SMAP to address
those increased risks
CEIP
5
Theme 5: Natural Habitats and Urban Green Space (inclusive of Theme 10)
Adopt an Urban Forest Master Plan and implement ordinances to maintain and expand tree canopy cover, improve tree
and watershed health, prioritize carbon sequestration, and build climate resilience.
Engage key community leaders like Sustain
Auburn and Auburn Urban Tree Board
Apply for grant funding and/or technical
support
Develop the UFMP
Draft and approve regulatory components
and develop programmatic components
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Introduction | 8
CEIP
# Action & Key Steps
Proposed Schedule
2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030
3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2
CEIP
6
Theme 6: Economic Development
Support local businesses’ efforts to generate and store renewable electricity on-site, which can provide back-up power
during emergencies and help ensure continuity of operations.
Engage with local businesses
Collaborate with PSE and other actors
(including business organizations e.g.,
Chamber of Commerce)
Identify actions to include in next
Comprehensive Emergency Management
Plan
Identify and seek to address regulatory and
permitting challenges (Obtain City Council
approval)
CEIP
7
Theme 7: Transportation and Planned Development
Identify how the Climate Commitment Program can support Transportation Element policies and actions to (1) reduce
greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the transportation sector and (2) support reduction of per capita vehicle miles
traveled (VMT) throughout the region.
Coordinate with King County on a city GHG
inventory
Assess base year and monitoring year total
and per capita VMT data available to Auburn
Establish a running meeting and/or
partnership with public works
CEIP
8
Theme 8: Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency
Develop an electrification and energy efficiency program to incentivize and educate community members and businesses
about existing programs for emerging alternative energy technology.
Review existing incentives, programs, and
technical support opportunities
Engage frontline and overburdened
communities early and often to ensure
materials, assistance, and programs are
accessible and equitable
Create and distribute educational materials
on electrification, weatherization, and energy
efficiency, including their importance,
benefits, and available incentives
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Introduction | 9
CEIP
# Action & Key Steps
Proposed Schedule
2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030
3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2
Explore options for creating a city-led
program or partnering with experienced
organizations to expand capacity
Determine next steps for programmatic
development
Develop metrics and a system to track
participation, energy savings, and equity
outcomes over time
CEIP
9
Theme 9: Waste Management and Circular Economy
Support development, implementation, and enforcement of construction and demolition (C&D) recycling and
deconstruction ordinances to ensure the program enables recycling of construction and demolition debris.
Review code language to identify areas to
support the development, implementation,
and enforcement of C&D recycling and
deconstruction
Consider creating incentives or fee structures
to promote deconstruction and recycling
Assess capacity across staff that could enforce
and manage the code; hire or designate staff
Draft and adopt code language aligning with
State RCW regulations and the Regional Code
Collaboration template
Create and distribute educational materials to
support C&D waste reduction, reuse, and
recycling; leverage King County resources
Collaborate with King County and area cities
to develop end-use markets for
recyclable/recycled C&D materials
Track and report diversion rates from C&D
projects to monitor progress and inform
adjustments
CEIP
10
Overarching
Select a staff delegate and join regional climate collaboratives (e.g., King County-Cities Climate Collaboration, Climate
Pierce County) to accelerate climate action.
Determine staff to represent the City of
Auburn
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Introduction | 10
CEIP
# Action & Key Steps
Proposed Schedule
2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030
3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2
Optional: Meet with K4C staff contacts and
other K4C peer cities for orientation or 1:1 peer
discussion
Coordinate a presentation by King County to
City Council; City Council approves resolution
to execute the Interlocal Agreement (K4C)
Join Climate Pierce County
Optional: City Council approves resolution to
sign onto Joint Climate Action Commitments
(K4C)
Staff begin attending monthly meetings
series; consider participation in joint
campaigns, shared comment letters, or town
halls
CEIP
11
Overarching
Enable staff investment in professional development that enhances understanding of projected changes in the region’s
climate (e.g., air temperature and precipitation) and their impacts on communities, municipal services, and infrastructure.
Conduct a staff needs assessment
Partner with internal departments and
external organizations
Create an internal climate learning
community/channel for staff to share ongoing
opportunities for learning
Create a catalogue of climate resources or
“climate action library;” update annually
Consider hosting a workshop or training
series
Collect feedback, measure participation, and
revise learning pathways accordingly
CEIP
12
Overarching
Monitor, assess, and publicly report on community-scale GHG emissions (total and per capita) and VMT (total and per
capita) at least every five years.
Track updates from the Washington
Department of Commerce
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Introduction | 11
CEIP
# Action & Key Steps
Proposed Schedule
2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030
3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2
Develop/refine reporting framework
consistent with interjurisdictional approach if
appropriate
Develop annual data methodology
Access and evaluate data
Prepare public-facing progress report at least
once every 5 years
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Roles & Responsibilities
The city’s Department of Community Development will oversee the coordination, monitoring,
evaluation, and reporting of the Climate Element on an ongoing basis. The CEIP's successful
implementation relies on adequate staff capacity, coordination across various city departments,
strong partnerships, and consistent budget alignment throughout the Climate Element’s
implementation period. Lead actors, support, and key partners will be identified for each action
that was prioritized for implementation over the next 5 years.
How to Read the Plan
This CEIP is organized around the same themes as Auburn’s adopted Climate Element, with the
addition of a section that highlights essential needs for implementing climate policy across
themes.
The Resilience sub-element includes the following themes:
Theme 1:
Public Health
and
Community
Resilience
Theme 2:
Infrastructure
and
Emergency
Preparedness
Theme 3:
Cultural
Resources
and
Practices
Theme 4:
Water
Conservation
and
Stormwater
Management
Theme 5:
Natural
Habitats and
Urban Green
Space
Theme 6:
Economic
Development
The Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction sub-element includes:
Theme 7:
Transportation and Planned
Development
Theme 8:
Renewable Energy and
Energy Efficiency
Theme 9:
Waste Management and
Circular Economy
Note: A separate GHG-related theme on natural habitats and urban green space (Theme 10) was
not included, as it is addressed within Theme 5 in the resilience section.
Each theme includes the following components:
Reference to Climate Element
Goals and Policies
A list of the relevant goals and policies from Auburn’s Climate
Element that guide the theme
Current Efforts
An overview of programs, projects, or initiatives that Auburn is
already undertaking or has recently completed that support
progress toward these goals
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CEIP Action
A prioritized action selected for implementation over the next
five years
Why This Matters
A summary of the action’s significance, expected benefits, and
context to support implementation
Community Support A summary of engagement outcomes
Implementation Details
• Timeline
• Key Next Steps
• Actors and Partners
• Prioritization
• Possible Barriers
• Funding Sources
• Resources and Examples
Future Actions
A list of additional actions not currently underway and not
prioritized for the 5-year period, but still relevant for long-term
planning
This structure is intended to make the plan actionable and easy to navigate, helping city staff and
partners identify how, when, and with whom implementation should occur.
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Theme 1: Public Health and Community
Resilience
Policies within the Public Health and Community Resilience theme focus on identifying climate-
vulnerable populations, reducing risks through targeted investments in programs and services,
and prioritizing green, affordable housing to build long -term community resilience.
• Goal 1 calls for regularly updating a climate vulnerability and risk assessment to guide
planning decisions. It emphasizes integrating climate risk into hazard mitigation planning,
improving data on hazard events, and using tools to assess health and equity impa cts (CE
Action 1.1).
• Goal 2 aims to reduce the disproportionate climate impacts on frontline communities by
removing systemic barriers and ensuring equitable access to emergency resources,
particularly for extreme heat.
• Goal 3 prioritizes green, affordable housing that addresses projected growth, energy
burden, and community health through renewable energy, efficient design, and supportive
housing solutions.
CURRENT EFFORTS
✓ Auburn has an existing Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan and Hazard Mitigation
Plan (an annex to the 2009 King County Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan) that could
incorporate climate resilience more explicitly when updated.
✓ The King County Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan (RHMP) for 2020 -2025 outlines Auburn’s risk
to flooding, wildfire, and severe weather.
✓ Ecology’s Overburdened Communities Highly Impacted by Air Pollution effort includes Auburn.
✓ The King County heat mapping project includes Auburn.
CEIP Action 1. Risk and Vulnerability Assessment
Conduct and periodically update a climate risk and vulnerability assessment (CRVA) that includes
the built environment, community, and natural systems. Support enhanced data collection for
hazard events to provide a more complete understanding of the commu nity’s hazard
characteristics, including identifying demographic groups and community members most
vulnerable to climate impacts. Use assessment findings to evaluate changes to Comprehensive
Plan goals and policies, enhance resilience, and integrate into L ocal Hazard Mitigation Plan.
WHY THIS MATTERS
A climate risk and vulnerability assessment
(CRVA) helps a jurisdiction assess and
prepare physical assets, infrastructure,
communities, and people that are most likely
to suffer impacts from climate hazards. When
Auburn developed its Climate Element in
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2024, Auburn was not required to complete a
CRVA and instead identified and prioritized
resilience goals and policies using tools such
as the Mapping for a Resilient Washington
database (University of Washington Climate
Impacts Group), regional climate impact
studies, and staff expertise. A CRVA specific to
the city could be used to further prioritize
action items in the future. The CRVA can
especially inform policy and programming
that supports frontline communities
(required by HB 1181) and make Auburn more
competitive for grant funding.
As Commerce describes for completing a
CRVA, “this compound process enables you
to identify which assets have the highest
relative vulnerability and risks related to
climate change hazards and impacts —
information that can help you identify and
prioritize policies and development
regulations” (Washington State Department
of Commerce, 2023).
Existing local, state, and federal datasets and
reports provide Auburn with insights into its
existing climate risks and vulnerabilities, but
can lack local specificity. Climate risks to King
County are also relatively well documented
(King County Climate Office, n.d.) and include
seasonal flooding, streamflow changes,
summer drought, extreme heat events,
smoke events, and wildfire. Additional
resources that would inform a local CRVA
include:
• FEMA’s National Risk Index, which
characterizes census tracts in Auburn as
having a very high and relatively high
overall risk index (Federal Emergency
Management Agency, n.d.)
• The Washington Environmental Health
Disparities Map, which also highlights that
Auburn has a high level of environmental
burden (See Error! Reference source not
found. and Error! Reference source not
found.) (Washington Department of
Health, n.d.).
• Overburdened Communities Highly
Impacted by Air Pollution (Washington
Department of Ecology, n.d.)
• CAPA Heat Watch conducted by King
County, which identifies Auburn as having
an overall high heat risk and poor air
quality (CAPA, n.d.)
A CRVA could also inform future planning
processes such as the Hazard Mitigation Plan
(HMP). FEMA requires integrating climate
impacts into HMPs as of April 2024; however,
this requirement was recently rolled back
due to executive orders from the federal
administration (Frank, 2025).
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Figure 1: Socioeconomic factors showing the
concentration of vulnerable populations in the
area, such as those living below or at the poverty
line, those without high school diplomas, and
historically disadvantaged communities. There
are multiple neighborhoods scoring 10, identifying
disadvantaged communities. (Washington
Department of Health, n.d.)
Figure 2: Environmental health disparities map,
showing Auburn with an average score of 8, This
demonstrates that Auburn has a disproportionate
share of environmental burdens in Washington
state. (Washington Department of Health, n.d.)
COMMUNITY SUPPORT
In the City of Auburn Community Survey, 56% of respondents said conducting a climate risk and
vulnerability assessment to inform local hazard and extreme weather planning was a top or short-
term priority; 42% said it was a longer term or not a priority at all. Although these results indicate a
relatively split opinion, a CRVA is a foundational component for local resilience planning and other
community resilience actions. These resilience actions include expanding community access to
resources regarding climate resilience and prioritizing affordable, energy-efficient housing
projects, which are addressed in Theme 2 and Theme 8 CEIP actions respectively. Across all
engagement activities, community members also mentioned experiencing climate impacts such
as poor air quality and extreme heat. The survey, in particular, noted that 75% of respondents said
creating evacuation plans and outreach materials should be a top or short-term priority and over
80% agreed that developing wildfire preparedness and response plans should be a top or short-
term priority. Each of these emergency preparedness actions are informed by findings from a
CRVA, showcasing broad community support for priorities supported by the CRVA despite slightly
more divided opinion of the CRVA itself.
IMPLEMENTATION
Actors and Partners
• Lead: Community Development
• Support: Public Works, Parks, Arts, and Recreation, Office of Equity, Engagement and
Outreach
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• Partner: King County, Muckleshoot Indian Tribe, local environmental and health
organizations
Timeline
Past Action/To Build On Years 1-2 Years 3-4 Year 5
✓ Auburn has a current
Comprehensive Emergency
Management Plan (CEMP)
and Hazard Mitigation Plan
(HMP), though with limited
attention to climate
vulnerabilities.
✓ Auburn was included in
Overburdened
Communities Highly
Impacted by Air Pollution
(Washington Department of
Ecology, n.d.).
✓ Auburn was included in
Heat Watch King County &
Seattle (CAPA, n.d.).
✓ Refine scope for
a CRVA
✓ Assemble city
team
✓ Apply for
funding
✓ Hire a
consultant or
expert
✓ Complete the
CRVA
✓ Engage with
community
members,
staff, and city
leaders
✓ Share CRVA
findings
✓ Use CRVA to
refine programs
and the other
actions in this
CE
implementation
plan
Key Steps
1. Further develop the scope for a Request for Proposals (see Appendix B: Example Medium-
Scale Scope for Risk and Vulnerability Assessment)
2. Assemble a team with staff representing different city departments that intersect with
climate vulnerability issues to oversee the CRVA process
3. Secure funding for a CRVA (see potential funding sources below, there are many example
VAs from comparable jurisdictions). VAs can range in scope; we suggest a medium-range
CRVA for $50-100,000 (see Appendix B: Example Medium-Scale Scope for Risk and
Vulnerability Assessment)
4. Hire a consultant or expert with CRVA experience to complete the CRVA
5. Engage with the Auburn community, staff, and city leaders
6. Share CRVA findings (1-pagers, webpage, meetings, webinars, etc.)
7. Use the CRVA to refine programs and the other actions identified in the CEIP
Prioritization
Considerations Assessment Comments
Mandated or Required No; supports
requirements
A CRVA is optional under HB1181. Jurisdictions are
required to address natural hazards created or
aggravated by climate change. Attention to
environmental justice is required under HB118, which
a CRVA can support.
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Considerations Assessment Comments
Impact Medium
Resilience
A CRVA is an information gathering activity and will
not have direct resilience benefits. It will help future
actions be more targeted and effective.
City role/authority to
lead
Yes CRVAs are often led by Community
Development/Planning or
Environmental/Sustainability Departments in
collaboration with Emergency Management
Departments.
Synergy/Opportunity
to leverage
High There are many potential collaborators to partner
with and existing tools to use. A CRVA can also assist
Auburn in applying for future funding.
Feasibility (Staff
capacity)
Medium Some cities assess their own vulnerability and risk.
Many others hire professional climate adaptation
practitioners to conduct these assessments.
Cost Medium A CRVA ranges in cost, depending on scope, level of
technical analysis, amount of community
engagement, and more. A cost estimate for a
medium scoped VA is approximately $50,000 (based
on 2025 rates).
Community support Medium Survey respondents were relatively split on their
support of conducting a CRVA as a priority.
Equity impacts High A CRVA can include identification and assessment of
vulnerable communities, which will support more
tailored future actions to address inequities.
Other co-benefits Low A CRVA can promote equity and justice, build
community knowledge, and foster collaboration.
Possible Barriers
• Auburn may lack funding, internal staff expertise, and capacity to support this action.
o This barrier can be addressed by obtaining additional funding and hiring external
technical support.
Funding Sources
• Washington State Department of Commerce climate planning grants are available to local
governments across Washington that must include a Climate Change and Resilience
element in their comprehensive plans. While funds for implementation activities are not
currently available, they may become available through a budget appropriation or due to
other budget savings.
• U.S. Climate Resilience Toolkit provides funding resources and technical assistance.
Resources and Examples
• There are many federal, state , and other datasets and tools, including those from the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Federal Emergency Management
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Administration, UW’s Climate Mapping for a Resilient Washington, and Washington
Tracking Network.
• Appendix B: Example Medium-Scale Scope for Risk and Vulnerability Assessment has a
preliminary scope for a CRVA for Auburn. Additional guidance in completing a vulnerability
assessment is available from the following sources:
o The Washington State Department of Commerce Climate Element Planning
Guidance contains information on accessing vulnerability and risk (Washington
State Department of Commerce, 2023).
o The U.S. Climate Resilience Toolkit has resources on accessing vulnerability and risk
(National Oceanic Atmospheric Adminstration).
• There are existing climate risk and vulnerability assessment examples from comparable
jurisdictions:
o Issaquah prepared a Climate Vulnerability Assesment and Climate Change
Vulnerability & Resilience StoryMap (City of Issaquah, 2024).
o Burien released a Climate Vulnerability Assessment, Climate Vulnerability Index, and
Climate Vulnerability Index StoryMap (City of Burien, 2023).
Future Action
Future actions for consideration within the Public Health and Community Resilience theme
include:
• Survey frontline communities to co-identify systemic and physical barriers to services that
increase climate resilience. Build relationships with frontline community-based
organizations to remove and address barriers.
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Theme 2: Infrastructure and Emergency
Preparedness
Policies within the Infrastructure and Emergency Preparedness theme focus on offering equitable
access to resources (e.g., resilience hubs), developing strategies to aid community members’ ability
to respond to climate impacts (e.g., extreme heat, wildfire smoke events), and ensuring
infrastructure is resilient in the face of climate change.
• Goal 4 emphasizes equitably protecting public health and safety by identifying and
planning for risks associated with climate change. It also includes creating updated
evacuation plans for climate impacts (CE Action 4.1).
• Goal 5 focuses on protecting the community from extreme heat impacts and wildfire
smoke. This means creating plans to mitigate the impacts of climate hazards, education
and outreach, and leveraging partnerships (CE Actions 5.1-5.6).
• Goal 6 ensures that infrastructure (critical and noncritical) and utilities are resilient to
climate change impacts (e.g., precipitation events and stormwater flooding ) (CE Actions 6.1-
6.2).
• Goal 7 centers on providing all residents with an equitable opportunity to learn about
climate impacts, influence policy decisions, and take action to enhance community
resilience through community engagement efforts.
CURRENT EFFORTS
✓ For CE Action 4.1, Auburn has identified evacuation routes in the Comprehensive Emergency
Management Plan (CEMP), which was completed in 2019. The evacuation map is on the City
Emergency Preparedness webpage. Auburn offers Community Emergency Response Team
(CERT) training. The City also had AmeriCorps Disaster Educator(s) conduct disaster related
public education throughout the city.
✓ Auburn was included in King County’s 2021 heat mapping project, which quantifies the harmful
impact that hotter summers are having on the region. In 2024, King County developed an
Extreme Heat Mitigation Strategy (King County, 2024), which provides strateg ic direction for
local and countywide work on heat mitigation.
CEIP Action 2. Climate Safety Resources
Develop and distribute tools and resources for the community to stay safe during extreme heat
and wildfire smoke events, with a focus on reaching vulnerable communities disproportionately
impacted by climate change.
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WHY THIS MATTERS
Auburn, like much of the Pacific Northwest, is
experiencing rising temperatures due to
climate change. Over the past century, the
region’s average annual temperature has
increased by 1.5°F, contributing to declining
snowpack, more frequent droughts, and
extreme heat events (City of Auburn, 2024).
As shown in Error! Reference source not
found.Error! Reference source not found.,
King County’s heat mapping project
identified Auburn as an area that experiences
hotter temperatures relative to other parts of
the county due to increased development
and distance from bodies of water such as
Puget Sound (King County Executive, 2021).
Figure 3. King County Heat Island Map. Areas in
red and orange on the heat map indicate areas
with hotter surface temperatures relative to areas
in blue. The hotter areas are referred to as “heat
islands.”
This phenomenon, known as the urban heat
island effect, intensifies heat stress and
disproportionately affects communities
already facing health and economic
disparities. Higher temperatures can increase
heat-related illnesses, worsen air quality, and
exacerbate respiratory conditions. Research
from the University of Washington linked
higher temperatures to increased emergency
medical calls, hospitalizations, and deaths in
King County (King County Executive, 2021).
These risks are compounded by existing
inequities in housing, healthcare access, and
overall health outcomes, which means it is
crucial to provide targeted resources and
support to frontline communities. Vulnerable
populations–including older adults, outdoor
workers, pregnant individuals, and people
with chronic medical conditions–face
heightened health risks as extreme heat
becomes more common (City of Auburn,
2024).
In addition to heat, Auburn faces increasing
risks from wildfire smoke. While wildfires may
occur outside of the city, the resulting smoke
contributes to poor air quality, limiting
outdoor activity and worsening respiratory
health (City of Auburn, 2024).
Compounding the growing threat of wildfire
smoke, the Washington Department of
Ecology identified South King County,
including Auburn, as an overburdened
community highly impacted by air pollution
(Washington Department of Ecology, n.d.).
Areas near major transportation corridors,
such as along State Route 167, experience
even greater exposure (Washington
Department of Ecology, n.d.).
Wildfire smoke has been found to be more
toxic than other sources of particulate matter,
causing immediate health effects such as
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breathing difficulties, sinus irritation,
headaches, and fatigue (King County, n.d.).
Exposure to wildfire smoke can also worsen
chronic conditions like asthma, chronic
obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and
heart disease, while contributing to stress
and mental health challenges (King County,
n.d.).
Furthermore, emerging research shows that
extreme heat and wildfire smoke together
create even more severe health risks than
either hazard alone. Heat increases how
deeply wildfire smoke is inhaled into the
lungs, intensifying its effects on respiratory
and cardiovascular health. This combination
has been linked to increased emergency
room visits and hospitalizations, particularly
among children, older adults, and those with
preexisting conditions (Zhong, 2024).
Communities already facing economic and
health disparities are at higher risk of
exposure and often have fewer resources to
protect themselves from both hazards.
Error! Reference source not found. illustrates
Auburn’s Social Vulnerability Index, which
considers factors such as household
composition and disability, housing type and
transportation, race, ethnicity, and language,
and socioeconomic determinants like income
(Washington Department of Health, n.d.).
Several census tracts score very high,
highlighting disadvantaged communities
that may face greater barriers to preparing
for and responding to extreme heat and
wildfire smoke. Language barriers can further
limit access to emergency information and
resources. Over 38% of Auburn households
speak a language other than English at home
(U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. Department of
Commerce, 2023), highlighting the need for
culturally and linguistically accessible
communication.
Figure 4. Social Vulnerability Index via the
Washington Environmental Health Disparities
Map. The Social Vulnerability Index includes
household composition and disability, housing
type and transportation, race, ethnicity, and
language, and socioeconomic determinants, such
as income. Several census tracts score very high,
highlighting disadvantaged communities.
Understanding how heat and smoke can
affect health and what steps can be taken to
reduce health impacts is critical to building
individual and community resilience.
Community-level education and resources for
extreme heat and wildfire smoke mitigation
are currently lacking in Auburn. While other
hazard mitigation efforts exist, heat and
smoke have not been comprehensively
addressed, even though they are among the
top concerns for residents.
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COMMUNITY SUPPORT
In the City of Auburn Community Survey, 62% of respondents said creating educational resources
and culturally relevant outreach to inform the community about both immediate and longer-term
climate change risks was a top or short-term priority. Additionally, 70% of respondents said
expanding community access to resources that increase and support climate resilience, such as
cooling centers and safety information for extreme heat events was a top or short-term priority.
The survey and engagement events both emphasized the community’s desire for simple, frequent,
and relatable communication as well as expanded outreach in schools, local groups, and online .
There is a big opportunity to for Auburn to provide accessible, culturally relevant resources and
outreach to ensure that all Auburn residents, especially those most vulnerable, can stay safe and
healthy as climate impacts intensify.
IMPLEMENTATION
Actors and Partners
• Lead: Community Development
• Support: Office of Emergency Management, Communications, Office of Equity,
Engagement, and Outreach
• Partner: Valley Regional Fire Authority, Seattle & King County Public Health, King County
Department of Community and Health Services , social service providers, community-based
organizations (Sound Generations Elder Education Institute ), Puget Sound Energy, media
(including multilingual media)
Timeline
Past Action/To
Build On
Years 1-2 Years 3-4 Year 5
✓ King County
Extreme
Heat
Mitigation
Strategy
✓ Establish lead staff
roles, coordinate
across departments
✓ Engage local agencies
to assess community
awareness and gaps in
heat and wildfire
smoke preparedness
✓ Set clear outreach
objectives, timelines,
and build partnerships
with trusted
organizations and
businesses to
distribute resources
effectively
✓ Create and distribute
inclusive, multilingual
materials related to
heat and wildfire
smoke preparedness
and mitigation
✓ Create and administer
in-person and virtual
trainings to help
educate communities
on heat and wildfire
smoke safety and
preparedness
✓ Track
distribution
metrics
✓ Adjust
engagement
strategies based
on community
needs and
efficacy.
Key Steps
1. Identify additional support from local agencies (e.g., health departments, fire districts)
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2. Audit current materials, tools, resources related to heat and wildfire smoke preparedness
and assess current community awareness and gaps
3. Identify and build relationships with trusted community organizations , local businesses,
and frontline communities to ensure materials are accessible and to support outreach
4. Set clear objectives, timelines, and key deliverables for outreach efforts ; incorporate
feedback from past community engagement efforts
5. Create and distribute inclusive, multilingual materials related to heat and wildfire smoke
preparedness and mitigation; ensure materials use plain language and visuals for
accessibility; make resources available digitally and in print, leveraging social media and
local news
6. Create and administer in-person and virtual trainings to help educate communities on heat
and wildfire smoke safety and preparedness
7. Track distribution metrics (e.g., number of materials shared, social media reach); adjust
engagement strategies based on community needs and effectiveness
Prioritization
Considerations Assessment Comments
Mandated or Required No; supports
requirements
Under HB1181, jurisdictions are required to address
natural hazards created or aggravated by climate
change, including heat and smoke , and prioritize
actions that benefit overburdened communities that
will disproportionately suffer from compounding
environmental impacts and will be most impacted by
natural hazards due to climate change.
Impact Medium
Resilience
Understanding how heat and wildfire smoke can
affect health and what steps can be taken to reduce
related health impacts is critical to building individual
and community resilience to heat and wildfire smoke.
City role/authority to
lead
Yes There is some overlap in role/authority with King
County Public Health and Emergency Management.
Synergy/Opportunity
to leverage
High Smoke and heat resiliency efforts are already being
conducted by King County. The City can leverage King
County resources.
Feasibility (Staff
capacity)
Medium City staff can leverage existing resources and
synergize with existing outreach.
Cost Low There are low costs to coordinate outreach and
education.
Community support High There is strong support among survey respondents
and staff for developing community resources to
address heat and smoke impacts.
Equity impacts High Heat and wildfire smoke disproportionately affect
overburdened communities. Language and other
barriers can limit the reach of safety information.
Other co-benefits Medium This action promotes equity and justice, improves
public health and well-being, and builds community
knowledge.
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Possible Barriers
• Auburn may lack funding, internal staff expertise, and capacity to support this action.
o This barrier can be addressed by obtaining additional funding and hiring external
technical support.
• Reaching overburdened and frontline communities can be difficult due to historical
injustices, distrust, and language barriers.
o This barrier can be addressed by distributing materials in multiple languages and
building relationships with trusted community-based organizations.
Funding Sources
• The National Integrated Heat Health Information System highlights federal funding
opportunities on their website.
• FEMA Hazard Mitigation Assistance Grants provides grant funding for communities looking
to protect against losses from disasters, and in advance of disasters and include the Hazard
Mitigation Grant Program and Safeguarding Tomorrow Revolving Loan Fund Program.
• FEMA Fire Prevention and Safety Grants are part of the Assistance to Firefighters Grants
(AFG) and support projects that enhance the safety of the public and firefighters from fire
and related hazards.
• USDA Forest Service Community Wildfire Defense Grants (CWDG) help communities plan
for and reduce wildfire risk and implement the National Cohesive Wildland Fire
Management Strategy. Funds can be used to develop and revise Community Wildfire
Protection Plans and implement projects described in a Community Wildfire Protection
Plan that are less than ten years old.
Resources and Examples
• Seattle and King County Public Health’s Extreme Heat Response Plan describes the
anticipated actions the department may take before and during an extreme heat event to
protect community health and limit health disparities.
• The King County Extreme Heat Mitigation Strategy provides strategic direction for
countywide work on heat mitigation. Pages 85-88 outline actions to increase heat safety
awareness.
• The King County Heat and Health Data Explorer Tool presents temperature variations
within urban King County and helps to identify who and what is located in in these hottest
areas, using census block geography.
• The King County ‘Public Health wildfire smoke response ’ webpage contains several
resources regarding wildfire smoke response, including Seattle & King County Public
Health’s Wildfire Smoke Response Plan and Wildfire smoke health impacts mitigation
strategy, guidance for response partners, and additional resources.
• The King County ‘Hot weather preparedness’ webpage provides tips for how to stay cool on
hot days.
• The King County ‘Wildfire smoke preparedness’ webpage outlines wildfire smoke safety tips
including DIY filter videos, mask tips, and health guidance for childcare providers.
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• The South Coast Air Quality Management District ‘Wildfire Smoke & Ash Health & Safety
Tips’ webpage shares health and safety advice for before, during, and after a wildfire or
wildfire smoke event.
• The CDC ‘Safety Guidelines: Wildfires and Wildfire Smoke ’ webpage details safety
recommendations for wildfires and wildfire smoke.
Future Action
Future actions for consideration within the Infrastructure and Emergency Preparedness theme
include:
• Develop community-serving facilities that provide support and essential resources and
tools before, during, and after a hazard event (resilience hubs)
• Develop community wildfire preparedness, response, and recovery plans as part of local
hazard mitigation plans1
• Develop and implement a wildfire smoke resilience strategy in partnership with local
residents, emergency management officials, regional clean air agency officials, and other
stakeholders
• Develop an urban heat resilience strategy that includes land use, urban design, green
spaces, and waste heat reduction actions
• Create outreach materials to help residents plan and practice actions that make evacuation
quicker and safer
1 In 2025, King County’s Office of Emergency Management began developing a Community
Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP). There may be opportunities for the City of Auburn to partner with
King County or leverage this plan.
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Theme 3: Cultural Resources and Practices
Policies within the Cultural Resources and Practices theme involve assessing climate vulnerability
of Auburn’s historic resources and maintaining government -to-government relations with Tribes
to preserve cultural resources that are vulnerable to climate impacts.
• Goal 8 seeks to protect and preserve cultural resources and practices to build resilient
communities and ecosystems in the face of climate change by promoting native plants and
maintaining government-to-government relationships with Tribes.
CURRENT EFFORTS
✓ The City has an existing relationship with the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe that can be
strengthened and support the goal and policies found under Theme 3. There is a standing
Government to Government meeting between the Tribe Council members, Tribal staff,
Auburn’s Mayor, City Directors, Assistant Directors, and some City Council members. They
currently meet about twice per year.
✓ Auburn has a Shoreline Master Program (2020) with a Historical/Cultural Element (2.7) and
related goals.
CEIP Action 3. Government to Government
Coordination
Maintain government-to-government relations with the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe, other local
Tribes, and native organizations as relevant, to strengthen climate resiliency collaboration —
including for the preservation of archaeological sites and traditional cultural properties that are
vulnerable to climate impacts.
WHY THIS MATTERS
Many jurisdictions across Washington
collaborate with Tribal governments and
communities in their climate planning for
various reasons:
• Climate change often impacts tribal and
native communities first and worst. To
implement HB1181 requirements t hat
consider social equity, Auburn can
prioritize consultation with tribal partners
and native community members.
• Climate impacts like flooding and wildfire
do not stick to political boundaries. To be
as resilient to potential climate impacts as
possible, Auburn can coordinate with
other entities including Tribes and other
municipal governments.
• The Muckleshoot Indian Tribe is a leader
in climate action and resilience planning.
The Muckleshoot Indian Tribe, the
Descendants of the Native People of the
Duwamish and Upper Puyallup Watersheds,
has reservation land near and in Auburn
(Muckleshoot Indian Tribe, n.d.). The
Duwamish peoples were displaced from their
historical homelands along the Duwamish,
White, Black, Green, and Cedar Rivers, Lake
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Washington, and Elliot Bay by settlers and via
federal policies and treaties. In 1857, a small
portion of land on a prairie directly east and
south of current Auburn was set aside as the
Muckleshoot Reservation. Currently around
4,000 people live on the reservation. The
Tribe even has Fee and Trust Parcels in the
City of Auburn, as shown in Figure 5.
Figure 5: Lands of the Muckleshoot Tribe. (Muckleshoot Tribe, n.d.)
Climate change is already affecting Tribes
and Native communities in the Puget Sound
region. Rising temperatures, changing
precipitation patterns, and an increase in
extreme events threaten traditional food
systems and make it more difficult for Tribes
to produce, harvest, and access traditional
food sources like salmon and berries. (United
States Department of Agriculture Climate
Hubs, n.d.). For example, wildfires and
warmer temperatures are changing where
huckleberries can grow and when berries
ripen, which affects wildlife, pollinators, and
people who depend on them for food (USDA
Northwest Climate Hub, n.d.).
Western Red Cedar, an important species to
the Muckleshoot and other native
communities for building use and ceremony,
has been facing rapid decline in recent years
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due to drought, urban development, and
logging (City of Seattle, 2024).
It is not clear what the specific climate risks
are to Tribal assets and members, since this is
not publicly documented in a climate risk and
vulnerability assessment, something that
could be completed with CEIP Action 1.
While on the frontlines of climate impacts,
the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe are also leading
several climate initiatives, including:
• The Muckleshoot Food Sovereignty
Project, which has acquired over 93,000
acres of land to continue their traditional
food gathering, harvesting, and planting.
Traditional foods are harvested and
prepared in lunches for Muckleshoot
elders (Native Knowledge, n.d.). Figure 6
demonstrates Traditional Food Principles
identified by the Muckleshoot Indian
Tribe.
• The Muckleshoot Indian Tribe hosted the
sixth climate summit of the Affiliated
Tribes of Northwest Indians in 2024. About
500 people representing 120 tribal nations
shared climate change solutions (Breda,
2024).
• The Muckleshoot Indian Tribe is actively
engaged in watershed management to
maintain streamflow and water quality
and lessen the impacts of development
(Muckleshoot Indian Tribe, 2020)
Figure 6: Figure demonstrating Muckleshoot Food Sovereignty/Puget Sound Traditional Food Principles.
(Community Alliance for Global Justice, n.d.)
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COMMUNITY SUPPORT
In the City of Auburn Community Survey, 50% of respondents said protecting and preserving
cultural resources and practices was a top or short-term priority. Through other forms of
community engagement such as tabling and the open house, participants shared a desire for the
city to expand inclusive community engagement and collaboration, which partly entails working
with Tribes through government-to-government coordination.
Although nearly a third of respondents (32%) indicated that this was not a priority in the near term,
it was a goal of the CEIP to include at least one action per theme. City staff prioritized maintaining
government-to-government (G2G) relations as a short-term action.
IMPLEMENTATION
Actors and Partners
• Lead: Community Development
• Partner: Muckleshoot Indian Tribe
o Note: This action mainly focuses on government-to-government relations primarily
with the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe due to their proximity to and within Auburn.
Other Tribes in the region include the Puyallup. Other possible actors and partners in
the area that represent native or tribal perspectives and interests (and may function
more as community partners, not government partners) include:
o Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians
o Windz of Change Alliance, an urban inter-tribal organization working to strengthen
Indigenous Peoples, Sacred Places, Spaces, and Presence through cultural arts,
education, and eco-cultural systems environmental stewardship.
Timeline
Past Action/To Build On Years 1-2 Years 3-4 Year 5
✓ Existing Government
to Government
relations
✓ Auburn’s Shoreline
Master Program with
Cultural Resource
Goals (about
protecting buildings,
sites and areas having
historic, cultural,
educational or
scientific value)
✓ Introduce climate into
G2G meetings as an
agenda item
✓ Identify whether any
assets of shared value
to the Tribe and
Auburn are at risk
from climate hazards
and consider
collaborating on a
Vulnerability
Assessment
✓ Identify other
collaboration
opportunities
✓ Continue G2G
climate
discussions
and advance
any identified
priorities
✓ Continue G2G
climate
discussions
and advance
any identified
priorities
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Key Steps
1. Introduce climate impacts and resilience as a topic for the G2G meetings
a. Clarify what triggers a more formal consultation (e.g. development) versus more
informal conversation
b. Identify appropriate levels of engagement around climate issues, including:
i. Formal government heads/leaders
ii. Staff to staff
iii. Broader engagement with Tribal members
2. Identify whether assets of shared value to the Tribe and Auburn are at risk from climate
hazards, and discuss strategies to address those risks and enhance resilience collaboratively
(this could be done with CEIP Action 1)
3. Optional steps
a. Cooperate on funding opportunities, e.g. for heat and wildfire -smoke related
education and outreach
b. Collaborate on community engagement efforts
Prioritization
Considerations Assessment Comments
Mandated or
Required
No; supports
requirements
While it is not mandated that jurisdictions collaborate
with Tribes on climate planning, it is legally required
for jurisdictions to respect Tribal legal sovereignty.
Tribes may choose whether to or not to formally
participate in local processes for comprehensive
planning. If Tribes decline to participate, jurisdictions
should still share updates and invite tribal input
throughout the planning process (Washington State
Department of Commerse, n.d.).
Washington Executive Order 21-02 requires
consultation with affected Tribes, as appropriate, and
with the Department of Archeological and Historic
Preservation (DAHP), for state-funded construction or
acquisition projects.
Impact Medium
Resilience
Since climate impacts are not limited to political
boundaries, resilience is stronger when Auburn
coordinates with other entities.
City role/authority to
lead
Partnership Cities are not considered legal sovereigns by all Tribes,
so engagement with other actors (e.g. the State of
Washington) may be necessary.
Synergy/Opportunit
y to leverage
Medium This action builds on existing relationships and
meetings. There are not a lot of resources supporting
G2G climate efforts.
Feasibility (Staff
capacity)
High This action builds on existing relationships and
meetings and requires additional meeting time and
agenda points.
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Considerations Assessment Comments
Cost Low This action can begin with existing G2G meetings but
may eventually require additional staff time and
capacity.
Community support Medium Survey respondents were mixed in identifying this as a
priority action. Staff support protecting cultural and
natural resources.
Equity impacts High As described here, Tribes and native community
members are often on the frontlines of climate change .
This action helps offset those disproportionate
impacts.
Other co-benefits Medium This action strengthens G2G relations through trust-
building, protects cultural resources, and promotes
equity and justice.
Possible Barriers
• Building trust between Tribal governments and cities can require significant time and
effort. Currently, government-to-government meetings with Community Development
occur two to four times per year, which may limit trust -building or opportunities to address
climate concerns.
o This barrier can be addressed by recognizing that trust -building takes time,
exploring options to meet more frequently, and having clear discussions about
what is needed to support collaboration.
• Tribal governments often expect that appropriate city leadership participates in meetings,
such as Tribal Council leaders, the City Mayor, or City Manager.
o This barrier can be addressed by ensuring commitment from relevant leadership
and clarifying early and often which representatives are expected to participate.
• There is limited support for cross-jurisdictional collaboration, including limited funding and
few established communication channels. In many cases, funding for climate projects is
confined to specific political boundaries, which hinders collaboration across jurisdictions.
o This barrier can be addressed by looking to examples from other regions that have
successfully established cross-jurisdictional partnerships and identifying
opportunities to replicate those models.
Funding Sources
• There is limited external funding sources for the City specific to G2G meetings and
consultation.
• Funding may be available for specific efforts, including:
o USDA Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations outlines nutrition related
grant opportunities.
o USDA Regional Food System Partnerships provides grants for regional food systems
partnerships, eligible to local and tribal governments.
o First Nations Tribal Funding Opportunities includes funding opportunities for tribes
and Native organizations with donors representing a variety of causes and issues .
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o Bureau of Indian Affairs Tribal Community Resilience Annual Awards Program
provides competitive funding to federally-recognized Tribes and Tribal organizations
to address current and future impacts on Tribal Treaty and Trust resources,
economies, regenerative agriculture and food sovereignty, conservation practices,
infrastructure, and human health and safety.
Resources and Examples
• The UW Climate Impacts Group ‘Tribal Vulnerability Assessment Resources’ webpage
contains resources that may be useful to tribes for evaluating their vulnerability to climate
change.
• The Washington Department of Commerce’s ‘Tribal Planning’ webpage has information on
tribal coordination. Staff in the Office of Tribal Relations may be a resource.
• The Washington Annual Centennial Accord serves as a model for annual meetings where
State and Tribal leaders meet and discuss priorities.
• Pierce County Council requested the Planning and Public Works Department,
through Resolution 2023-69, to prepare code amendments to ensure historical and cultural
resource review and protections are in place in order to raise SEPA exemptions. While
Piece County has a different context, with much of its Port being on the Puyallup
reservation, there may be opportunities for Auburn to also amend its code to ensure tribal
resources are protected. Pierce County’s Resolution notes that “the protection of historical
and cultural resources is integral to Pierce County’s ancestral and present -day identity…the
Department has embarked on a process to amend code to ensure cultural resources are
protected in unincorporated Pierce County. The intent is to ensure these resources are
identified at the earliest stage of the permitting process.”
• Thurston County planners meet monthly with staff from 3-4 local Tribes. The County
planners provide Tribal staff with the opportunity to review early drafts of documents such
as Comprehensive Plan chapters and DPEIS statements.
Future Action
Future actions for consideration within the Cultural Resources and Practices theme include:
• Promote or work with partners to establish a native plant nursery and seed bank to support
long-term restoration and carbon sequestration efforts
• Incorporate education about Native history and cultural practices into public parks and
sites
• Evaluate and address climate impacts to cultural centers, outdoor festivals, historic sites,
and other community assets, with a focus on preserving and enhancing cultural practices
relevant to Auburn’s diverse residents
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Theme 4: Water Conservation and Stormwater
Management
Policies within the Water Conservation and Stormwater Management theme focus on protecting
and preserving water quality and quantity in the face of climate change impacts.
• Goal 9 aims to protect water resources from drought, heat, and extreme storms by
promoting efficient irrigation, updating stormwater infrastructure, and revising
development codes to support low-impact, nature-based solutions (CE Action 9.1).
CURRENT EFFORTS
✓ Auburn has a current National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Phase 2
permit, which details specific actions.
✓ Auburn has a Stormwater Management Plan (SMAP) for the Olson Creek Catchment Area,
adopted in 2023. It also had a Stormwater Management Program (SWMP) Plan.
✓ In 2024 updated the City its Comprehensive Storm Drainage Plan, which will help guide its
stormwater approach, projects, and policies for the next ten years.
✓ Auburn has a 2024 Water System Plan which addresses water conservation.
✓ Auburn is implementing its Supplemental Manual to the Ecology Stormwater Management
Manual for Western Washington. This includes standards and options for private landowners.
✓ The current city landscaping code includes high requirement for native or locally acclimated
plants which can tolerate heavy rain (may need updating for changing climate conditions).
✓ The City has implemented swales and pervious surfaces (e.g. along 8th Street, West Valley
Highway, C Mixed Use trail).
CEIP Action 4. Stormwater Codes and Design
Review and update development codes and design standards for requirements for stormwater
facility sizing and low-impact development. Adopt nature-based solutions and minimize
impervious surface areas in private development and city capital improvements to be consistent
with the requirements of the city’s NPDES Phase 2 Permit and to prepare for climate impacts like
increased flooding.
WHY THIS MATTERS
Auburn already experiences flooding, and this
will likely worsen in the future with climate
change as extreme precipitation intensifies
and occurs more frequently. According to the
Hazard Mitigation Plan, flooding in King and
Pierce counties occurs primarily when large,
wet and warm weather systems occur in the
Cascade Mountains and after snowpacks
have accumulated. Flooding frequently
affects the low position in the landscape and
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thus is more likely to affect the valley floor of
Auburn, especially near creeks and rivers
including the Green and White rivers.
Flooding is anticipated to increase alongside
more intense precipitation in the future (King
County Flood Control District, n.d.). River
flooding is controlled by upstream dams on
both the Green (Howard Hanson Dam) and
White (Mud Mountain Dam) rivers, so
significant flooding is only expected to occur
during very high precipitation events.
Figure 7. The swollen Green River floods Isaac Evans Park in winter 2012. (Whale, 2012)
Heavy precipitation is one factor in increased
flood risk. Figure 8 shows the percentage
change in total precipitation for a day with
heavy precipitation for a future 30 -year
period, compared to 1980-2009. Much of
Auburn is expected to experience a 15%
increase in the total precipitation of the 2-
year storm (University of Washington Climate
Impacts Group).
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Figure 8: Map showing an increase in heavy precipitation events in Auburn in the future (University of
Washington Climate Impacts Group).
The city’s 2024 Comprehensive Storm
Drainage Plan includes some attention to
climate impacts, noting that “stormwater
design guidelines will need to consider the
possible changes in storms that are informed
by future climate scenarios… and stream
flooding frequency is expected to increase.”
The plan includes a basic map of floodplains,
shown in Figure 9. However, the 2024
Comprehensive Storm Drainage Plan does
not assess the vulnerability of existing
infrastructure in or near streams or
floodplains (this is something that could be
addressed by CEIP Acton 1).
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Figure 9: Map showing floodplains in Auburn and critical facilities. (City of Auburn, 2024)
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Auburn has a current National Pollutant
Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Phase
2 permit, a requirement of the federal Clean
Water Act, which is intended to protect and
restore waters for “fishable, swimmable” uses.
The permit allows Auburn to discharge
stormwater runoff from municipal drainage
systems into the State’s water bodies (e.g.,
streams, rivers, lakes, wetlands, and aquifers)
as long as municipalities implement
programs to protect water quality by
reducing the discharge of “non-point source”
pollutants to the “maximum extent
practicable” through application of permit-
specified components. Auburn’s 2024
Stormwater Management Program (SWMP)
Plan identifies a range of strategies that will
help protect water quality, but it does not
identify a direct connection to climate
change.
However, the 2024 Comprehensive Storm
Drainage Plan Update, Section 5.4 (2024)
recommends climate change mitigation
approaches as follows:
Drainage System Performance:
• Review and revise the hydraulic
performance metrics related to freeboard,
headwater depth, and surcharging ;
evaluate the financial implications
associated with enforcing strict hydraulic
performance standards
• Prepare a critical drainage review (CDR)
process (as identified as a work order in
Section 8) to evaluate the consequences
of storm events exceeding the design
parameters; establish clear policies
regarding safety, property protection,
service continuity, and mitigation of
nuisance flooding to make systems more
resilient to infrequent but probable
flooding; ensure that the level of
protection aligns with the associated
costs and risk factors
• Prioritize effective hydraulic performance
and resilience measures for critical
facilities during severe storm events that
go beyond the intended design limits
• Perform a vulnerability analysis of critical
drainage and stormwater infrastructure to
identify any areas where the effects of
climate change may be intolerable;
prioritize these areas for capital
improvement projects to minimize the
adverse effects of flooding
River and Stream Flooding:
• The vulnerability of existing infrastructure
in or near streams or floodplains has not
been assessed in the 2024
Comprehensive Storm Drainage Plan (and
could be included if Theme 1, CEIP Action
1 is advanced).
COMMUNITY SUPPORT
In the City of Auburn Community Survey, the majority of respondents identified strengthening
water conservation efforts to protect quality and quantity from climate change as a top priority –it
was one of the top five most supported resilience policies put forth in the community survey.
Although this action does not address water conservation, staff also identified stormwater
management as a priority. The survey showed 35% of respondents supported addressing water
infrastructure and making it more resilient to climate impacts as a top priority while 26% selected
it as a short-term priority.
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IMPLEMENTATION
Actors and Partners
• Lead: Public Works (Utilities Division/Stormwater Engineers)
• Partner: Water and Land Resources Division of the King County Department of Natural
Resources, King County Flood Control District, Washington State Department of Ecology
Timeline
Past Action/To Build
On
Years 1-2 Years 3-4 Year 5
✓ Hazard Mitigation
Plan and the
NPDES permit
✓ SWMP Plan
✓ Implement SMAP
and 2024
Comprehensive
Storm Drainage
Plan Update
✓ Conduct a code
and standards
review
✓ Identify any
planned major
development or
improvements in
short-term
✓ Conduct a climate
vulnerability assessment
with specific attention to
flooding and stormwater
(alongside CEIP Action 1)
✓ Assess equity impacts;
identify actions to
address climate risks
(building on Section 5.4
of the Comprehensive
Storm Drainage Plan
Update 2024)
✓ Update
Stormwater
Management
Plan with
more climate
specific
actions
Key Steps
1. Continue implementation of the 2024 Stormwater Management Program Plan
2. Review existing codes and standards (e.g. development, stormwater management,
maintenance) to identify any that do not align with the SMAP and need updating
3. Assess the impacts of increased flood risks, using the most up-to-date data, as well as
updates needed in the next SMAP to address those increased risks (this can be done
alongside CEIP Action 1)
Prioritization
Considerations Assessment Comments
Mandated or Required No; supports
requirements
Auburn is required to comply with its NPDES permit .
However, explicit attention to climate resilience is
not required.
Impact Medium
Resilience
Auburn has medium flood risk, and it is important to
plan for resilience to increased flood risk in the
future.
City role/authority to
lead
Yes The City is the primary decision-maker on city
property, and establishes stormwater management
requirements, landscaping and other codes for
private landowners.
Synergy/Opportunity
to leverage
Yes There are opportunities to leverage the King County
Flood Hazard Management Plan and Lower Green
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Considerations Assessment Comments
River Corridor Flood Hazard Management Plan, and
partner with the King County Flood Control District.
Feasibility (Staff
capacity)
Low Staff report they do not have staff or resources to do
more than what they are currently doing to comply
with NPDES requirements that expand every 5 years
as the new permit is issued.
Cost Variable The SMAP identifies rough costs for some of its
recommended actions.
Community support High Survey respondents support upgrading stormwater
infrastructure as an immediate or near-term priority.
Equity impacts High Flooding disproportionately impacts some residents
(e.g. low-income).
Other co-benefits High This action improves salmon recovery, provides cost
savings, provides ecosystem services, improves
health and well-being.
Possible Barriers
• While there are funds for stormwater management from Auburn’s stormwater fees, staff
note there is not typically enough funding and staff resources to do all the projects noted in
the SMAP or 2024 Comprehensive Storm Drainage Plan Update.
o The SMAP identified potential funding sources.
Funding Sources
• The City has already identified potential funding sources in Table 10 of its Stormwater
Management Action Plan (SMAP) for the Olson Creek Catchment Area .
Resources and Examples
• The Water and Land Resources Division of the King County Department of Natural
Resources, which provides guidance for stormwater design and sizing recommended, may
be a resource.
Future Action
Future actions for consideration within the Water Conservation and Stormwater Management
theme include:
• Identify opportunities to retrofit developed areas that currently do not have stormwater
management to improve flow control and water quality, prioritizing locations that provide
the most benefit, are identified to be most vulnerable to extreme precipitation climate
impacts, and are communities that have been historically under-resourced
• Utilize water conservation methods and technologies, such as the development of irrigation
infrastructure and scheduling, within parks and recreation areas to foster climate resilience
• Develop a program to encourage the use of more drought-tolerant plants
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Theme 5: Natural Habitats and Urban Green
Space
Policies within the Natural Habitats and Urban Green Space (in both the resilience and GHG
emission reduction sub-elements) emphasize the protection and enhancement of natural habitats
and urban green space as essential strategies for climate resilience and emissions reduction.
• Goal 10 ensures equitable access to green spaces.
• Goal 11 encourages urban forest protection and expansion through updated tree codes
and a forest master plan (CE Actions 11.1-11.2).
• Goal 12 supports ecosystem resilience and habitat restoration, especially in critical and
riparian areas.
• Goal 21 protects carbon sinks, including increased tree canopy and protection of
wetlands, grasslands, and forests, especially in frontline communities.
Current Efforts
✓ Auburn already has an Urban Tree Canopy Assessment and a Tree Board.
✓ Auburn has established Tree Maintenance and Removal guidelines.
✓ The Parks Department conserves trees in city parks (and most are already heavily landscaped).
CEIP Action 5. Urban Forest Master Plan
Adopt an Urban Forest Master Plan and implement ordinances to maintain and expand tree
canopy cover, improve tree and watershed health, prioritize carbon sequestration, and build
climate resilience.
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WHY THIS MATTERS
Trees are important to climate action
implementation and can contribute to both
resilience and reduction of GHG emissions.
Auburn is already recognized as a Tree City
USA by the National Arbor Day Foundation
and can build on this existing strength.
Auburn has an overall canopy cover of around
32%, which is short of King County
Conservation District’s guidance of 40-60%
tree cover in forested states like Washington
(King Conservation District, 2018). Figure 10
shows how certain areas like the Central
Business District, nearby industrial and
manufacturing areas, as well as multi-family
residential areas to the north and south—
which have high percentages of people of
color, low-income residents, and children—
have tree canopy below 15% (King
Conservation District, 2018). Auburn has
numerous potential planting areas and plenty
of room for future canopy expansion.
Tree canopy contributes to climate resilience,
especially to extreme heat, by reducing
surrounding air temperature on hot summer
days. This is especially important to Auburn;
King County’s 2020 heat mapping project
identified Auburn as an area that retains
more heat, increasing the potential for heat-
related health risks in those areas (see Figure
11). Trees also have other resilience benefits
including improved mental and physical
health outcomes, reduced crime, and
attracting other kinds of investments and
new economic opportunities (Nature
Conservancy, n.d.). In addition, they provide
habitat for animals and birds.
Trees also reduce GHG emissions by acting as
a sink for carbon dioxide (CO2) as they fix
carbon during photosynthesis and store
carbon as biomass. Tree planting is not a fast
intervention, since as a tree grows,
it stores more carbon in its accumulated
tissue. The amount of carbon annually
sequestered depends on the type, size and
health of the trees.
Tree canopy protection and expansion has
broad community support. It could serve to
help Auburn develop more community
relationships and empower community
leaders as they work with the City.
Figure 10. Map showing variable tree canopy in
Auburn. From Urban Tree Canopy Assessment
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Theme 5: Natural Habitats and Urban Green Space | 43
Figure 11. The results of a 2020 heat mapping project by King County and the City of Seattle that quantifies
the harmful impact that hotter summers are having on the region, exacerbating inequities. (King County
Executive, 2021)
COMMUNITY SUPPORT
After conducting briefings to the City of Auburn Tree Board and Parks Board, various board
members emphasized their support for maintaining tree retention codes and green space
preservation, all of which could be included in an Urban Forest Master Plan. This sentiment was
also supported by Sustain Auburn. About half of survey respondents (44%) indicated that adopting
an Urban Forest Master Plan should be a top priority. Nearly 40% of respondents also indicated
that ensuring equitable access to green space and identifying opportunities to expand habitat
protection were top priorities.
IMPLEMENTATION
Actors and P artners
• Lead: Public Works and Community Development
• Support: Parks, Arts, and Recreation
• Partner: King Conservation District, Auburn Urban Tree Board, Sustain Auburn, Auburn
Urban Tree Campaign
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Timeline
Past Action/To Build On Years 1-2
Years 3-4
Year 5
✓ Auburn already has
an Urban Tree
Canopy Assessment
and a Tree Board
and established Tree
Maintenance and
Removal guidelines
✓ Engage key
community
leaders
✓ Apply for
funding and
technical
support
✓ Draft and complete
the UFMP
✓ Council vote on
UFMP
✓ Draft regulatory
component (tree
code) and develop
programmatic
components (tree
program, urban
forester)
✓ Explore and decide
funding
mechanisms
✓ Council vote on
implementing
ordinances and
actions(e.g.
regulatory and
programmatic)
✓ Implement funding
mechanisms
✓ Initiate
programmatic
components (e.g.
hire urban forester)
Key Steps
1. Engage key community leaders like Sustain Auburn and Auburn Urban Tree Board, in
identifying key issues and in providing input at key phases
2. Apply for grant funding and/or technical support through King Conservation District and
other funders
3. Develop the Urban Forest Master Plan using comparable jurisdiction plans as inspiration
4. Draft regulatory component (tree code) and develop programmatic components (tree
program, urban forester)
Prioritization
Considerations Assessment Comments
Mandated or Required No; supports
requirements
Under RCW 76.15.005, this action is encouraged and
supported but not required. Under RCW 36.70A.040,
the Parks Element of the Comprehensive Plan is
required to address tree canopy. Tree planting
supports GHG reduction goals, which are required for
5-year reporting to Commerce on Climate Element
implementation. Specific actions to enhance
community resilience are required by HB 1181.
Impact High
Resilience;
Low GHG
reductions
Trees reduce urban heat island impacts and have
multiple resilience benefits. Trees sequester carbon
which reduces GHG emissions, though it has lower
impact and slower than other GHG emission
reduction actions.
City role/authority to
lead
Yes Auburn has authority to establish clear guidance and
implementing regulations and programs on urban
forestry.
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Considerations Assessment Comments
Synergy/Opportunity
to leverage
High There are many potential collaborators and existing
tools.
Feasibility (Staff
capacity)
Low Staff indicate they do not have capacity, so action will
require additional or external capacity.
Cost Medium There is a wide range of potential costs, depending on
the scale of the Urban Forest Master Plan and the
scope of implementation actions. As one example, the
City of Mountlake Terrace offered a budget of
$120,000 in its RFP for an UFMP. The City of Lakewood
has committed $340,000 for a multi-year effort to
implement actions identified in an existing UFMP.
Community support High This action is supported by Sustain Auburn and the
Tree Board. About half of survey respondents
indicated that adopting an Urban Forest Master Plan
should be a top priority. Respondents also indicated
that ensuring equitable access to green space and
identifying opportunities to expand habitat protection
were top priorities.
Equity impacts High Targeting low-canopy areas would benefit BIPOC
communities, low-income residents, and renters (see
Canopy Planner tool).
Other co-benefits High This action sequesters carbon, promotes equity and
justice, provides ecosystem services, improves health
and well-being, and improves air quality.
Possible B arriers
• Auburn currently lacks internal staff technical expertise, and the cost of funding staff time
or technical support can be a barrier.
o This barrier can be addressed by securing external funding and technical
assistance while building internal capacity over time.
• Existing Engineering Design Standards do not currently support or facilitate tree planting in
some areas.
o This barrier can be addressed through collaboration and dialogue among city staff
and technical experts to revise standards as needed.
• Auburn has limited capacity to enforce development code requirements related to tree
canopy or the retention of existing trees.
o This barrier can be addressed by exploring ways to enhance staff capacity and
commitment as part of the Urban Forest Management Plan (UFMP).
• Tree maintenance and sidewalk repair costs can present a financial burden to property
owners and the City, and trees that damage sidewalks or streets create potential liability
concerns.
o This barrier can be addressed by assessing funding options for tree maintenance
during the development of the UFMP and providing tree planting guidelines that
prioritize species with minimal impacts to sidewalks and streets.
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Additional Considerations
Auburn allows trees to be planted in the public right-of-way (ROW) consistent with the
Engineering Design Standards. Expansion of the tree canopy should primarily consider private
properties, as well as the public ROW where appropriate.
Implementing this action requires coordination across jurisdictions and with private landowners.
Commerce recommends:
• Using scrutiny and review over tree removal in certain areas by prioritizing retention of
healthy trees and tree canopy in codes
• Balancing tradeoffs between the retention of existing healthy trees, the planting of new
trees, and the efficient and strategic use of limited developable land
• Using an equity framework to prioritize low-canopy and low-income neighborhoods
• Ensuring urban forest master plans facilitate ecologically appropriate management across
different ownership types and jurisdictional boundaries
Funding S ources
• Auburn could allocate storm and surface water utility fees to this effort (City of Tacoma,
2019)
• Many cities, including Lakewood, have established Tree Funds that are funded through
penalties and fees related to tree maintenance . Auburn could allocate a percentage of
General Fund revenues to UFP activities, like the 1% that the City currently allocates to
Human Services.
• King Conservation District offers grants for projects in partnership with its member cities,
focusing on the direct improvement of natural resource conditions, education and
outreach, pilot and demonstration projects, and projects that build capacity through the
Member Jurisdiction Grant Program.
• The DNR Urban and Community Forestry Program (UCF) offers grants to cities and towns,
counties, tribal governments, non-profit organizations, and educational institutions to
improve the health of community forests and develop local urban forestry programs.
• The FundHubWA portal includes funding sources for individuals, businesses, nonprofits,
public agencies, and tribal governments related to climate and clean energy opportunities.
• Seeking Federal Funding: A Guide for Local Governments is a resource that offers a
collection of insights, lessons learned, best practices, and common challenges and pitfalls
faced by local applicants in seeking federal funding. It is intended to support local
governments with their process of conceiving, partnering, and applying for such funding
(Urban Sustainability Directors Network, 2024).
Resources and Examples
• In 2018, Auburn conducted an Urban Tree Canopy Assessment (Plan-It Geo, LLC, 2018).
• King County Conservation District created a Tree Canopy Planner tool maps the extent of
current tree canopy cover and possible areas for new tree planting (King Conservation
District, 2018).
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• There are examples of other Washington jurisdictions urban forest plans, programs, and
codes:
o A May 2023 report from the UW Evans School of Public Policy & Governance to the
Lakewood City Council provided guidance for establishing an urban forestry
program over a 5 year period (Ziah, J. et al., 2024), and on adoption by the Council,
obligated $340,000 of ARPA funds to help fund the report’s recommendations for a
certified arborist, tree assessment, and public outreach efforts through 2026 (City of
Lakewood, 2023).
o Tacoma’s Urban Forestry Management Plan was adopted in 2019, which outlines
authority over tree-related activities and provides technical support, is budgeted
annually, and is funded primarily through the City’s Surface Water Utility Fees and
the General Fund. (City of Tacoma, 2019).
• The Urban Forestry Best Management Practices for Public Works Managers describes the
staffing recommended for operating an efficient and effective urban forestry planting and
maintenance program within a public works department (American Public Works
Association).
• The ‘Community Engagement Strategies for Urban Forestry Projects’ document is designed
to help identify equitable outreach and collaboration strategies for urban forestry projects
(University of Wisconsin-Madison, 2024).
• Redmond’s Climate Resilience and Sustainability in Vegetation Management Plan goes
beyond tree canopy and urban forestry and also address roadside meadows, pollinator
gardens, and electrified equipment.
• A recent RFP from the City of Mountlake Terrace for a 2024 Urban Forest Management Plan
& Street Tree Inventory outlines the scope of work and budget for building an Urban Forest
Management Plan.
Future Action
Future actions for consideration within the Natural Habitats and Urban Green Space theme
include:
• Develop and distribute resources to increase access to parks, green space, and recreational
services for all residents consistent with the Land Use Element
• Develop codes to require open space set-asides for new development when appropriate
• Identify and pursue opportunities to enhance habitat protection and connectivity through
conservation designations, open space corridors, and strategic buffers ; implement actions
from restoration and salmon recovery plans that enhance floodplains, wetlands, and
riparian areas to support watershed health, reduce flood risk, and build climate resilience
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Theme 6: Economic Development
Policies within the Economic Development theme focus on creating equitable access to green job
training and workforce development, especially for frontline communities.
Goal 13 seeks to build a diverse green workforce that supports sustainable practices and a low -
carbon economy, ensures emergency plans include climate -related economic recovery, and
supports local renewable energy and circular economy initiatives (CE Action 13.1).
CURRENT EFFORTS
✓ Goal #2 Attractive New Businesses, and Policy ED-7 of the Auburn Comprehensive Plan
includes “emphasize efforts and prioritize opportunities that attract businesses that are
positively contributing to a more sustainable and climate -friendly operation.”
✓ Puget Sound Energy offered energy assessments to businesses and some low-cost services in
Auburn in summer 2024. Additionally, they offer programs and incentives for businesses to
improve their energy efficiency.
CEIP Action 6. Business Energy Resilience
Support local businesses’ efforts to generate and store renewable electricity on-site, which can
provide back-up power during emergencies and help ensure continuity of operations.
WHY THIS MATTERS
Auburn will gain multiple benefits if local
businesses generate and store renewable
electricity on-site, including access to back-
up power during emergencies and balancing
the electrical grid with storage to prevent
strain from intermittent, renewable energy
sources. Businesses with their own renewable
energy sources and energy storage may also
be less impacted by rising energy costs and
anticipated rises in energy black-outs and
brown-outs. Additionally, they will be able to
stay open during extreme weather and
climate events that impact the electrical grid,
avoiding economic losses and better serving
local residents. Depending on the structure
and administration of the program, storage
system owners may participate in utility-led
initiatives that can be mutually beneficial for
the community and business owners. For
example, demand management programs
allow business owners to receive bill credits
based on the energy discharged or absorbed
by their system, which also supports
balancing the electrical grid by adding
energy storage. Figure 12, shown below,
illustrates how a solar and battery storage
system interacts with the electricity grid.
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Figure 12. Direct Current (DC) Solar + Storage System (Note: Alternating Current (AC) is also feasible, not
pictured) (Clean Energy Group, 2015). Note: this action focuses mainly on solar+storage, but wind+storage is
also an emerging technology.
As the Metropolitan Area Planning Council
notes, “integrating storage into
a solar project offers a wide range of
benefits, including energy resilience, demand
management, and cost reductions. Though
co-location increases the cost and complexity
of a solar project, when taken from the
outset, it can effectively lower costs
by facilitating the sharing of hardware
components and reduce expenses related
to site preparation, labor, and/or
interconnection
and permitting processes” (Metropolitan
Area Planning Council (MAPC), 2024).
There are also risks associated with the
continued use of natural gas in buildings and
diesel generators for emergencies, including
increased indoor and outdoor air pollution.
Auburn’s Comprehensive Emergency
Management Plan (CEMP) notes that “many
homes and businesses are served with
natural gas as an energy source. Gas service
could be interrupted by supply chain
disruptions. Broken gas lines to buildings
could also cause gas to build up in the
structure creating an explosion hazard” (p.
159). This action fills a gap in the CEMP, which
does not contain specific goals or strategies
related to explosion hazards, while also
addressing the concern that natural gas
degrades indoor and outdoor air quality.
Some businesses may currently rely on diesel
generators for access to energy during
emergencies, which also raises significant
concerns, including increased air pollution
and noise levels, as well as high energy costs
(Sadeghian, O. et al., 2021). Additionally,
generators can fail for a variety of reasons,
including malfunctioning switches,
overheating, lack of adequate fuel supplies,
and improper sizing for loads (Clean Energy
Group, 2015). They must be well-maintained if
they are to be relied on for more than a few
hours, and are often insufficient options for
longer-term needs (National Renewable
Energy Laboratory, 2020). With on-site
renewable electricity generation, businesses
(and Auburn) will continue to have access to
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power, while diesel for a generator may run
out and be harder to acquire during an
emergency.
As Auburn’s Comprehensive Plan says,
“economic development is a crucial aspect of
the Auburn's overall well-being and quality of
life” (City of Auburn). The city’s vision for
economic development states “the economic
landscape is welcoming to large and small
businesses as well as an array of different
industry sectors. Economic growth is carried
out in a climate-friendly manner that
effectively weathers economic volatility. A
pathway to success exists for all residents and
business owners regardless of their
background or socioeconomic status” (EDE-1).
COMMUNITY SUPPORT
In the Auburn Community Survey, 34% of respondents said supporting local businesses’ on-site
renewable electricity generation and storage should be a top priority and another 27% indicat ed
that it should be a short-term priority. Community members also stressed the importance of
partnering with local businesses to further climate action generally. Through free responses in the
survey, they additionally highlighted financial constraints as a barrier to action, suggesting that
city-led actions are cost-efficient, and more accessible to residents. Additionally, they emphasized
that they desire energy resilience actions that are transparent about funding sources and project
outcomes.
IMPLEMENTATION
Actors and Partners
• Lead: Economic Development
• Support: Community Development
• Partner: Downtown Auburn Cooperative, Auburn Area Chamber of Commerce , Puget
Sound Energy, Solar for Business from Solar for Washington
Timeline
Past Action/To Build On Years 1-2 Years 3-4 Year 5
✓ Attention to climate
and environmentally
friendly businesses
in Comprehensive
Plan
✓ PSE energy
assessments offered
to businesses in
Auburn in summer
2024
✓ Gather input from
local businesses
✓ Collaborate with
PSE and other
actors to promote
renewable energy
and storage
through 1:1
outreach, events,
etc.
✓ Spotlight local
businesses that have
adopted renewable
energy via City
communications
✓ Identify actions to
include in next
Comprehensive
Emergency
Management Plan
✓ Identify and address
regulatory and
permitting
challenges
✓ Update CEMP
with more
specific
actions
✓ Obtain City
Council
approval, as
relevant, for
code and
permitting
changes
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Key Steps
1. Gather input from local businesses (e.g., via a survey or listening session) on what would
motivate and enable them to adopt renewable energy and storage
2. Collaborate with PSE and other actors (including business organizations like the Chamber
of Commerce) to promote renewable energy and storage to Auburn businesses through 1:1
outreach, events, etc.
3. Identify actions to include in next Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan, such as
exploring the feasibility of multi-customer, multi-building microgrids that can island from
the electric distribution system
4. Identify and address regulatory and permitting challenges
5. Update CEMP with more specific actions during the next amendment or update period
6. Obtain City Council approval, as relevant, for code and permitting changes
Prioritization
Considerations Assessment Comments
Mandated or Required No; supports
requirements
Commercial buildings of certain sizes must comply
with the Clean Buildings Performance Standards.
(CBPS)
Impact High
Resilience
Storage can provide backup power during outages for
households and critical/community facilities, reducing
disruption of critical services and equipment (e.g.,
emergency/medical services, telecommunications,
etc.).
City role/authority to
lead
Yes, partial Auburn Economic Development manages a variety of
business development programs. Community
Development maintains a roster of local businesses.
City leads Comprehensive Emergency Management
Plan.
Synergy/Opportunity
to leverage
High Puget Sound Energy offers many programs already,
so there is good opportunity to leverage.
Feasibility (Staff
capacity)
Low There are only two staff dedicated to Economic
Development. Future follow-up will confirm staff
capacity.
Cost Low There are low costs to coordinate outreach and
education.
Community support Medium Survey respondents were mixed in identifying this as
a priority action. Generally, the community stressed
that partnering with local businesses to further
climate action is essential and costs as a potential
barrier to participation should be addressed.
Equity impacts Medium The level of impact depends on program design and
participation. Many Auburn businesses are small
businesses and are owned by BIPOC community
members, including immigrants. Programs that
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Considerations Assessment Comments
support these business owners will have positive
equity impacts.
Other co-benefits Medium This action promotes economic development,
reduces emissions, provides cost savings, and
improves health and well-being.
Possible Barriers
• Many programs supporting businesses have limited funds. For example, the Washington
State University Renewable Energy Incentive Program is fully subscribed and no longer
taking new applicants.
o There is no easy solution to this barrier.
• Supply chain disruptions have become increasingly common, and vulnerabilities exist for
clean energy and battery storage (International Energy Agency, 2023). These vulnerabilities
may also become heightened with tariffs (Martucci, 2025).
o There is no easy solution to this barrier, though in general, the costs for solar have
been declining in recent years.
• There may be challenges in connecting on-site system to the grid.
o Interconnection and utility collaboration are key to successful implementation as
connecting on-site systems to the grid requires an agreement with the local utility,
and this process may require technical studies.
Funding Sources
• Washington State Department of Commerce’s Solar plus Storage for Resilient Communities
program funds solar and battery back-up power so community buildings can provide
essential services when the power goes out. Grants support installation as well as planning
work for solar plus storage systems at community buildings, including schools, community
centers, libraries, and other buildings owned by local, state, tribal governments and non -
profits in Washington.
• Ncp Solar’s guide on renewable energy small business grants provides an overview of the
types of renewable energy small business grants available, how to apply, case studies, and
frequently asked questions.
• King County C-PACER Financing Program is an alternative loan program that allows
owners of eligible commercial properties to seek long -term financing from a private capital
provider for qualified improvements related to energy and building resiliency .
• New Roots Fund provides microloans to refugee, immigrant, and low-income
entrepreneurs (less focused on renewable energy and storage, but may be good overlap).
Resources and Examples
• The Municipal Solar and Storage Resource Guide from the Metropolitan Area Planning
Council is intended to help municipal staff, energy managers, program managers, and
other community leaders navigate the complex landscape of solar and storage planning.
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• Clean Energy Group’s ‘Solar + Storage 101: An Introductory Guide to Resilient Power
Systems’ provides a basic technical background and understanding of solar and storage
systems, and includes case studies.
• The Clean Energy Group ‘Distributed Energy Storage, Efficiency and Demand Response’
webpage provides webinars, publications, and blog articles on energy storage.
• The National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL) ‘Renewable Energy Generation and Storage
Models’ webpage describes the NREL models and projects for renewable energy
generators, storage, and renewable power plants.
• The LADWP’s Feed-in-Tarff (FiT) program allows building owners to receive a guaranteed,
fixed revenue stream for up to 20 years by installing solar on their roof or parking lot and
selling the power generated back to the grid at a guaranteed price per kilowatt -hour
produced.
Future Action
Future actions for consideration within the Economic Development theme include:
• Develop a green jobs strategy in partnership with community groups, community
resources such as Green River College, frontline communities, and businesses that:
o supports sustainable practices, green skills development, and the low carbon
transition of the city’s impacted industries,
o develop pathways for youth and impacted workers to transition into green jobs , and
o ensures opportunities (e.g., local hiring requirements) for these jobs
• Ensure that the Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan responds to the impacts of
climate change and identifies roles and responsibilities to support a sustainable economic
recovery after a disaster
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Theme 7: Transportation and Planned
Development
Policies within the Transportation and Planned Development theme focus on reducing
greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the transportation sector, expanding low-carbon
transportation, and planning for transportation-oriented urban growth.
• Goal 14 emphasizes increasing multi-modal transportation options, such as walking and
biking, to improve transit access while preventing displacement in transit -oriented areas. It
also encourages higher density near transit hubs through zoning policies (CE Action 14.1).
• Goal 15 aims to expand Electric vehicle (EV) adoption by improving charging infrastructure
in partnership with utilities and developers, enforcing Washington State Building Code
requirements for EV-ready buildings, and supporting regional policies for electric delivery
and ride-sharing vehicles.
• Goal 16 promotes dense, mixed-use development near transit corridors to reduce emissions
and encourages “missing middle” housing policies to support affordability and accessibility
for current and future residents (CE Action 16.1).
CURRENT EFFORTS
✓ CE Actions 14.1 and 16.1 are included in the Land Use Element of the 2024 periodic
Comprehensive Plan update.
✓ The Transportation Element includes policies and actions that support reducing greenhouse
gas emissions and reducing VMT (see more below).
✓ Missing middle housing is included in the code update, with reduced parking ratios near major
transit stops.
✓ Growth centers near transit are not yet fully developed but will be in the future, supporting
clustered development in transit -focused areas of the city.
✓ The city will also be adopting Washington's parking reform bill, SB 5184, that caps parking
mandates for residential and commercial developments.
CEIP Action 7. Transportation Action Coordination
Identify how the Climate Commitment Program can support Transportation Element policies and
actions to (1) reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the transportation sector and (2)
support reduction of per capita vehicle miles traveled (VMT) throughout the region.
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WHY THIS MATTERS
The transportation sector accounts for a large
portion of Auburn’s GHG emissions
originating within the city (33% of community
emissions), representing an opportunity to
reduce emissions and help Auburn meet its
GHG emission reduction goals. There are a
variety of strategies and actions that
jurisdictions can implement to reduce VMT
and GHG emissions, such as land-use
decisions that promote transportation-
oriented development with higher housing
densities, parking reform, multimodal
transportation, and user fees (See Table 1).
Importantly, implementing VMT and GHG
emission reduction policies in the
transportation sector offers co-benefits for
the community, such as increased public
safety, community health and livability
benefits, and environmental benefits such as
a reduction in pollutants. The goal of
reducing per capita VMT is also linked to land
use reforms that support housing
affordability priorities at the state level
(WSDOT, June 2023).
Table 1. VMT Management Strategies and Potential Average Impact*
Note: *each dot represents a 5% reduction in VMT. Source: Washington State Department of Transportation.
Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) Targets – Final Report. 2023.
The Climate Element requires action that:
• Reduces overall greenhouse gas
emissions generated by transportation
and land use
• Reduces per capita vehicle miles
traveled
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The Department of Ecology (WA Department
of Ecology Air Quality Program, 2025) and the
Puget Sound Clean Air Agency (Puget Sound
Clean Air Agency, 2023) have both identified
Auburn as an overburdened community that
is highly impacted by air pollution. This
means Auburn, along with other South
Seattle communities, met statewide criteria
for environmental health disparities and
EJScreen’s demographic index2, with areas
also showing elevated PM2.5 levels or
cumulative air pollution. While the
community is meeting the national ambient
air quality standards for criteria air pollution,
it does experience high levels of criteria air
pollution when compared to the rest of
Washington State (WA Department of
Ecology, 2023).
2 EJScreen is an EPA environmental justice mapping and screening tool with a nationally consistent dataset
and approach for combining environmental and demographic socioeconomic indicators. Please note that
EJScreen resources have been removed from their associated websites as of February 5, 2025.
The increased rate of congestion due to
heavy traffic from passenger vehicles can
contribute to concentrated vehicle-related
pollution and emissions. The move away from
passenger vehicle use in urban areas will
reduce associated pollution and emissions. It
is also important to recognize that other
sources of transportation emissions, such as
freight, trains, and airplanes, contribute to air
pollution and GHG emissions and may be
addressed through future actions. While
investing in these multi-modal systems, it is
also important to maintain affordability of
services and surrounding housing to ensure
equitable access and protect low-income
communities from being priced out of their
neighborhoods.
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Table 2, below, outlines key actions identified in the Transportation Element that will support the
reduction in GHG emissions and per capita VMT .
Table 2. Transportation Element Actions
CE Requirement Transportation Action
Goal 1 Planning Action:
• Identify and fund capital projects and programs that address existing and
emerging system needs to meet Multimodal Level of Service standards
and to support safety goals.
Best practice
Goal 2 Equity Actions:
• Develop and implement a process during project/program planning to
review demographic information and identify potential impacts to
historically underrepresented and under-served communities and
identify potential mitigation measures.
• Develop and implement equity tools to assist in transportation system
planning, construction, and operations.
• For the communities adjacent to the project locations, or served by the
projects and programs, research how to best engage with them, and
develop outreach and information tools.
Goal 4 Environmental Actions:
• Review and implement guidance from the Department of Commerce
pertaining to measures that cities may implement to reduce greenhouse
gas emissions. These guidelines will prioritize measures that benefit
overburdened communities that have experienced disproportionate
harm due to air pollution and be consistent with environmental justice
assessment pursuant to RCW 70A.02.060.
Goal 5 Multimodal Accessible Network Actions (General):
• Plan for and develop a balanced transportation system, which provides
safer access and connectivity to transportation facilities for users of all
ages and abilities, including pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists, transit users
and operators, and truck operators.
• Plan for, design, and construct all transportation projects, whether City
led or development driven, to provide appropriate accommodation for
bicyclists, pedestrians, and transit users in a manner consistent with the
Comprehensive Plan, except in situations where the establishment of
such facilities would be contrary to public health and safety or the cost
would be excessively disproportionate to the need.
Goal 5 Multimodal Accessible Network Actions (Active Transportation):
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CE Requirement Transportation Action
• The City will schedule, plan, and co-sponsor events that support
recreational walking and bicycling. These events should emphasize their
recreational and health values and introduce people to the transportation
capabilities of bicycling and walking.
• Develop programs and publications, and work with local employers to
encourage citywide bicycle commuting.
• Work with the Community Development Department to establish
guidelines and building code requirements to require convenient and
secure bicycle storage facilities in all large public and private
developments.
• The City will develop, and periodically update, a Bicycle Route Map that
defines the bicycle network in Auburn and classifies bicycle routes
throughout the City as either Regional, Priority, or Auxiliary. The network
of classified bicycle routes will focus on connectivity from non-classified
routes in neighborhoods and commercial areas to auxiliary, priority, and
regional routes.
• Develop and maintain an official Auburn Bicycling Guide Map.
• Evaluate transportation projects and identify opportunities to include
sidewalk and bicycle facilities based on the identified priority locations.
• Seek ways to provide pedestrian amenities such as streetlights, trees
(within the downtown and on local residential streets), signage, and
public art along appropriate pedestrian travel routes.
• Encourage the formation of Local Improvement Districts to develop
pedestrian pathways and other active transportation amenities
throughout the City. Partner with the local school districts to improve
Safe Walking Routes to School.
• Actively seek to acquire land along corridors for planned bike routes as
identified in the Bicycle Route Map and for pedestrian facilities needing
more property to meet LOS standards.
Goal 5 Multimodal Accessible Network Actions (Transit):
• Evaluate intersections and identify opportunities to improve speed and
reliability of transit service.
• Partner with transit agencies to support transit service in the City.
• Work proactively with Sound Transit, KC Metro, and Pierce Transit to
ensure the adequate supply of transit parking capacity in Auburn.
• Expand the areas included in the Restricted Parking Zones and other
parking restrictions as needed to mitigate impacts from transit parking.
Goal 7 Multimodal Concurrency Actions:
• The City will seek grant, loan, and partnership funding for system capacity
and mode shift projects that would help reduce traffic impact fee rates
required to maintain concurrency.
Goal 8 Demand and System Management Actions:
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CE Requirement Transportation Action
• Coordinate with transit agencies to enhance CTR programs for CTR
employers in Auburn.
• Improve the CTR Program for City employees
Goal 11 Parking Actions:
• Take an active approach to managing on- and off-street parking in
commercial and high-density residential areas to minimize land
dedicated to parking and ensure right-of-way balancing parking with
other community needs.
• Explore the feasibility of parking management programs, shared parking
strategies, and/ or subsidized ORCA cards programming as new low-
income housing units are being developed; addressing the transportation
needs as development occurs.
• Encourage new development to incorporate appropriate design features
such as: Preferential parking for carpools and vanpools; Special loading
and unloading facilities for carpools and vanpools; Transit passenger
facilities, including comfortable bus stops and waiting areas that may be
integrated in the building design; and secure and covered bicycle
parking, showers, lockers, and related facilities to support bicycle
commuters. Where applicable, encourage convenient short -term bicycle
parking for customers or other visitors.
• Develop guidance for the creation of parking facilities for bicycles,
scooters, and other active transportation vehicles that help promote
mode shift away from motorized vehicles.
COMMUNITY SUPPORT
In the Auburn Community Survey, 32% of respondents marked the prioritization of expanding
accessible multi-modal and low-carbon transportation options as a top priority, with a further 24%
identifying it as a short-term priority. Similarly, 29% of respondents viewed the prioritization of
dense, mixed-use development with affordable housing in Auburn’s downtown as a top priority
and another 26% selected it as a short-term priority. The action to update city code to expand
electric vehicle infrastructure saw slightly less positive support, with only 24% selecting it as a top
priority and another 23% selecting it as a short-term priority.
Table 2. Transportation Element Actions identifies various actions that touch on all these potential
actions.
IMPLEMENTATION
Actors and Partners
• Lead: Community Development and Public Works
• Partner: King County, WSDOT
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Timeline
Past Action/To Build
On
Years 1-2
Years 3-4
Year 5
✓ Development of
the Climate
Element
Implementation
Plan (CEIP)
✓ Identify shared
metrics to track
identified in the
Transportation
Element Actions
(see
✓ Table 2)
✓ Schedule
quarterly or bi-
annual meetings
to support
coordination
✓ Attend regular
coordination
meetings focused
on tracking
progress towards
transportation
actions related to
per capita VMT
reduction and
GHG emission
reduction
outcomes
✓ Review progress
and consider if the
City should
consider adapting
their
implementation
strategy if action
progress is not
underway or
limited
Key Steps
1. Coordinate with King County to procure 2022 GHG emissions inventory
2. Review base year and monitoring year total and per capita VMT data available to Auburn
consistent with state or regional approach. Potentially reaching out to WSDOT staff
3. Establish a running meeting and/or partnership with Public Works to develop a process to
evaluate actions related to GHG emission reduction and per capita VMT reduction
Prioritization
Considerations Assessment Comments
Mandated or Required Yes HB 1181 requires implementing actions that reduce per
capita vehicle miles traveled and overall GHG
emissions in Auburn.
Impact High GHG
Reduction
The transportation sector accounts for a large portion
of Auburn’s GHG emissions.
City role/authority to
lead
Yes Community Development should coordinate with
Public Works to implement.
Synergy/Opportunity
to leverage
High This action seeks to leverage synergies between the
actions being implemented through the
Transportation Element.
Feasibility (Staff
capacity)
High Actions are already being implemented via the
Transportation Element. This action requires some
staff capacity for meeting and coordinating.
Cost Mixed There are low costs to coordinate. The costs to execute
the work are medium-high.
Community support High Expanding accessible multi-modal and low-carbon
transportation options was identified as a top priority.
Equity impacts High The Transportation Element action include explicit
equity goals (see
Table 2. Transportation Element Actions).
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Other co-benefits High This action enhances resilience, improves air quality,
improves public health and wellbeing, promotes
economic development, promotes equity and justice,
protects water quality, and provides cost savings.
Possible Barriers
• While there are funds identified and dedicated to transportation work identified in the
Transportation Element, staff note there is not enough funding in hand to do all the
projects.
o Additional funding may be secured through funding and grant programs.
• The transportation policy landscape is rapidly evolving, and conflicting state or federal
legislation can create uncertainty or hinder implementation.
o Regularly track legislative updates and coordinate with regional partners to ensure
consistent and adaptive implementation.
• Auburn’s historic identity is tied to railroads, auto row, and Boeing, which influences local
values and economic priorities.
o Acknowledge Auburn’s transportation history while engaging stakeholders and the
public to promote the benefits of reducing VMT and expanding travel options.
• Auburn relies on state and regional data for greenhouse gas emissions and VMT.
o There is no easy solution to this barrier.
Funding Sources
Auburn’s 2024 Comprehensive Transportation Plan includes financial information and funding
sources regarding its transportation systems, inclusive of the actions identified in
Table 2. Transportation Element Actions. Please refer to Chapter 6 of the 2024 Comprehensive
Transportation Plan for more information.
Funding sources most applicable to GHG emission reduction and per capita VMT reduction actions
(City of Auburn, 2024) are outlined below.
• Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) is a federally funded program administered
through PSRC. CMAQ funds projects and programs in air quality non -attainment and
maintenance areas, which reduce transportation related emissions.
• Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) funds projects designed to strengthen the
cultural, aesthetic, and environmental aspects of the inter-modal transportation system.
The program provides for the implementation of a variety of non-traditional projects,
including the restoration of historic transportation facilities, the construction of bicycle and
pedestrian facilities, landscaping and scenic beautification, and the mitigation of water
pollution from highway runoff.
• Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Grant is a state funded program that funds active
transportation safety improvements.
• Transportation Improvement Board (TIB) administers annual grant programs that fund
roadway and active transportation projects that improve safety, mobility, capacity, and
promote economic development.
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• Regional Mobility Grant Program is a state managed program to improve connectivity
between counties and regional population centers and reduce transportation delay. There
are four project types: vehicle and equipment purchases, capital construction, operations,
and transportation demand management.
• Reconnecting Communities Pilot (RCP) is a grant program that focuses on improving
access to daily needs such as jobs, education, healthcare, food, nature, and recreation, and
foster development and restoration, and provide technical assistance to further these goals.
This program offers 2 grant types: (1) Planning Grants to fund the study of removing,
retrofitting, or mitigating an existing facility to restore community connectivity; conduct
public engagement, and other transportation planning activities ; (2) Capital Construction
Grants to carry out a project to remove, retrofit, mitigate, or replace an existing eligible
facility with a new facility that reconnects communities.
Resources and Examples
• WSDOT provides annual VMT data for public and city roads in Auburn.
• Auburn can consider home-based and employment based VMT by census block where
consistently available (see VMT tool commissioned by WSDOT for 2019).
• The City of Fresno has linked land use decisions and transportation projects to VMT
reduction targets and tracks on a project-by-project basis. It also tracks changes to its long-
range plans.
Future Action
Future actions for consideration within the Transportation and Planned Development theme
include:
• Implementing electric vehicle (EV) goals and policies: the electrification of passenger and
commercial vehicles, as well as public transportation, is another key strategy for reducing
GHG emissions and mitigating climate change. The State of Washington passed a law that
will ban the purchase of new, gas-powered vehicles within state boundaries after 2035. To
prepare for this transition, Auburn should equitably invest in EV infrastructure in the city
while incentivizing community members, local businesses, and developers to install
chargers.
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Theme 8: Renewable Energy and Energy
Efficiency
Policies within the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency theme focus on transitioning to
renewable energy sources, promoting energy conservation and efficiency measures, building grid
resilience, and educating homeowners about energy efficiency upgrades .
• Goal 17 emphasizes expanding renewable energy, retrofitting buildings for efficiency,
strengthening energy codes, promoting electrification, and providing incentives for energy
upgrades, with a focus on affordability and overburdened communities.
• Goal 18 seeks to improve grid reliability by collaborating with utilities, advocating for clean
energy policies, and supporting sustainable energy infrastructure to meet future demand.
CURRENT EFFORTS
✓ Puget Sound Energy (PSE) is the electricity and natural gas provider to Auburn. Puget Sound
Energy already offers rebates for ENERGY STAR clothes washers and dryers, ENERGY STAR
thermostats, electric heat pumps, heat pump water heaters, weatherization upgrades
(insulation, sealing), and window replacement.
✓ King County's Energize Heat Pump Program installs heat pumps and other clean technology in
low and moderate-income homes in King County (program is currently only available to
communities of Skyway, North Highline and parts of Burien, Tukwila and Renton).
✓ Washington State has an energy assistance program and weatherization program for low -
income households.
✓ The federal government provides tax credits for electrical panel upgrades, heat pumps, heat
pump water heaters, weatherization, battery storage, and solar electric panels.
✓ Washington’s Clean Buildings Performance Standard requires existing commercial buildings
larger than 50,000 square feet to meet an energy efficiency target tailored to their building
type and climate zone.
✓ The 2021 Washington State Energy Code strongly encourages all -electric space heating and hot
water systems in newly constructed residential, commercial, and large multifamily buildings.
The City of Auburn is currently enforcing the 2021 State codes.
CEIP Action 8. Electrification and Energy Program
Develop an electrification and energy efficiency program to incentivize and educate community
members and businesses about existing programs for emerging alternative energy technology.
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WHY THIS MATTERS
In Auburn, energy use from residential, commercial, and industrial buildings is the largest source
of community-wide greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (City of Auburn, 2024). Natural gas alone
accounts for 17% of total community emissions. To meaningfully reduce these emissions, the City
can develop an electrification and energy efficiency program to incentivize and educate
community members and businesses about existing programs for emerging alternative energy
technology, including weatherization, electrification, and the adoption of renewable energy
sources like solar.
Weatherization, such as sealing air leaks and upgrading insulation, can significantly reduce energy
use, lower utility costs, ease strain on the electric grid during peak times, and improve indoor air
quality (Specian, 2023). These measures also make future electrification more cost -effective by
reducing the overall energy demand of a building (Specian, 2023).
Electrification involves replacing fossil fuel-powered appliances with electric alternatives, such as
heat pumps for space and water heating. It is a key strategy for reducing GHG emissions from
buildings. Washington’s Clean Energy Transformation Act (CETA), signed into law in 2019 (SB 5116,
2019), commits the state to a greenhouse gas emissions-free electricity supply by 2045
(Washington State Department of Commerce, n.d.). This clean energy transition means that
homes, businesses, and vehicles will operate on renewable electricity instead of fossil fuels and will
significantly reduce emissions (Washington State Department of Commerce, n.d.).
Electric appliances, like modern heat pumps, are now widely available and increasingly efficient —
even in colder climates (Popovich & Plumer, 2023). In addition to reducing emissions, they offer
health benefits by eliminating indoor air pollutants emitted by gas appliances, which are linked to
asthma, cancer, heart disease, and other health concerns (Armand, 2022). Heat pumps also provide
both heating and cooling, helping households stay safe and comfortable during extreme weather
events (Popovich & Plumer, 2023).
Solar energy adds another layer of climate and cost benefits. Rooftop solar reduces greenhouse
gas emissions, lowers utility bills, and can provide backup power during outages when paired with
battery storage (U.S. Department of Energy, n.d.) Supporting the installation of on-site solar helps
residents and businesses increase energy independence and long -term resilience. For more
information on efforts to support local businesses’ efforts to generate and store renewable
electricity on-site, see
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Theme 6: Economic Development.
While weatherization, switching to electric
appliances, or installing solar can provide
long-term environmental benefits and cost
savings, the upfront cost can be a barrier. To
install new electric appliances, some
buildings may require upgrades, such as new
electric panels or ductwork (Popovich &
Plumer, 2023). Targeted outreach, education,
and financial incentives will be essential to
making energy upgrades more accessible ,
particularly for lower-income households and
small businesses.
COMMUNITY SUPPORT
Community interest in these solutions reinforces the importance of expanding support for
building upgrades. In the City of Auburn C ommunity Survey, 26% of respondents said that financial
incentives to upgrade to more energy-efficient systems are a top priority and another 34%
indicated this is a short-term priority. This was further supported by community members’
collective sentiment from survey free responses , where the consensus emphasized the importance
of considering financial constraints and a desire for actions to be cost-efficient and practical. Over
half of respondents (56%) indicated that cost was a barrier to taking climate action. Additionally,
26% identified building energy efficiency retrofit programs as a top priority, and 30% saw them as a
short-term priority. These responses demonstrate strong support for programs that make
weatherization, electrification, and renewable energy more accessible and affordable for the whole
community.
IMPLEMENTATION
Actors and Partners
• Lead: Community Development
• Support: Office of Equity, Engagement and Outreach
• Partner: Washington State Department of Commerce, Puget Sound Energy, King County
Housing Authority, community-based organizations (Kicking Gas, Spark Northwest), media
(including multilingual media)
Timeline
Past Action/To Build
On
Years 1-2 Years 3-4 Year 5
✓ Existing programs
by Puget Sound
Energy, King
County,
Washington State,
and the Federal
government that
this action can
leverage (see
Resources and
Examples for more
information).
✓ Leverage existing
incentives
✓ Develop
multilingual
educational
materials
✓ Begin
engagement with
overburdened
communities
✓ Explore City-led or
partner-led
program models
✓ Expand outreach
and technical
assistance
✓ Pilot new
programs or
services
✓ Implement
tracking and
metrics
✓ Evaluate
participation,
energy savings,
and equity
outcomes
✓ Refine approach
and plan for long-
term scaling
Key Steps
1. Designate a staff lead or team to coordinate program development, oversee outreach, and
provide technical assistance to residents and businesses
2. Leverage existing incentives, programs, and technical support (e.g., PSE, federal tax credits)
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3. Engage frontline and overburdened early and often to ensure materials, assistance, and
programs are accessible and equitable
4. Create and distribute multilingual educational materials (e.g., website content, fact sheets)
on electrification, weatherization, and energy efficiency, including their importance,
benefits, and available incentives
5. Explore options for creating a City-led program or partnering with experienced
organizations (e.g., Spark Northwest, Kicking Gas) to expand capacity
6. Determine next steps for programmatic development
7. Develop metrics and a system to track participation, energy savings, and equity outcomes
over time
Prioritization
Considerations Assessment Comments
Mandated or Required No; supports
requirements
Under HB1181, jurisdictions are required to identify
actions that will result in reductions in overall GHG
emissions generated by land use within the
jurisdiction.
Impact High Reducing
GHG
Energy use is primary source of Auburn community
GHG emissions.
City role/authority to
lead
Yes Auburn has authority to enact electrification and
energy programs.
Synergy/Opportunity to
leverage
High There is an opportunity to leverage existing private,
state, and federal programs.
Feasibility (Staff
capacity)
Medium Auburn can leverage existing resources and staff to
create materials and conduct outreach.
Cost Mixed The cost may be scaled down or up depending on
whether Auburn develops its own program or
explores partnerships.
Community support High There is strong support among survey respondents
and staff for financial incentives to upgrade to more
energy efficient systems and building energy
efficiency retrofit programs.
Equity impacts High The City can tailor the program to reach low-
income and disadvantaged communities.
Other co-benefits High This action provides cost savings, enhances
resilience, improves health and well-being, and
improves air quality.
Possible Barriers
• Auburn may lack funding and staff capacity to implement this action.
o This barrier can be addressed by obtaining additional funding and hiring new staff
or external technical support.
• Some residents may lack buy-in for home energy upgrades, and financial limitations can
prevent participation in electrification, weatherization, or energy efficiency programs.
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o This barrier can be addressed by offering financial incentives and providing
materials that clearly explain the financial, health, and environmental benefits of
these improvements.
Funding Sources
• The Washington State Department of Commerce offers several programs:
o The State Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates Program provides grants to
eligible third-party administrators to provide rebates and incentives to households
and small businesses to purchase and install high-efficiency electric equipment and
appliances.
o CDBG General Purpose grants assist eligible Washington State small cities, towns,
and counties in carrying out community development projects that principally
benefit low-and moderate-income persons.
o The Energy Programs in Communities (EPIC) unit, a part of the Energy Division and
State Energy Office, designs, develops and implements initiatives that enable all
communities to be a part of the clean energy transition, including providing funding.
o Solar for All provides new and expanded solar programs for income-qualified
households, disadvantaged communities and tribes.
• Puget Sound Energy’s Solar Grant program provides grants for community-based
organizations, government agencies and Tribal entities in PSE’s electric service area to
install solar at their property.
• The FundHubWA portal includes funding sources for individuals, businesses, nonprofits,
public agencies, and tribal governments related to climate and clean energy opportunities.
Resources and Examples
• There are many existing rebates and tax credits:
o The Switch Is On website details current incentives, products, contractors, and home
upgrade tips.
o Puget Sound Energy offers rebates for single family properties on appliances, EV
home chargers, heating and cooling, insulation, and more.
o The Washington State Department of Commerce Low-Income Home Energy
Assistance Program (LIHEAP) provides energy assistance to households in
Washington through a network of community action agencies and local partners .
o The Washington State Department of Commerce Weatherization Program offers
cost-effective energy efficiency and related repairs to reduce energy bills and
increase home health, safety and durability. The Department of Commerce allocates
federal and state funds to local agencies.
o The King County Housing Authority Weatherization Program helps low-income
homeowners and renters reduce their energy costs and improve the indoor air
quality of their homes.
o The Inflation Reduction Act Home Energy Rebates programs provide rebates for
home improvements like energy efficiency and home electrification measures. The
rebates are for low- and moderate-income homes and are distributed through third-
party administrators.
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• There are many existing programs and resources related to alternative energy technology,
weatherization, and electrification:
o Kicking Gas is a climate justice organization that works to make home electrification
measures accessible and affordable to those who need them in the Puget Sound
area. Their work raises public awareness around the significant climate and public
health impacts of fossil fuel and wood combustion.
o Spark Northwest is a Washington nonprofit that partners with communities to build
an equitable clean energy future.
o King County’s Energize Program installs heat pumps and other clean technology in
homes and small businesses in King County.
o Energy Smart Eastside is a program of the Eastside Climate Partnership. They offer
special heat pump rebates for residents of Bellevue, Issaquah, Kirkland, Mercer
Island, Redmond, and Sammamish.
o The Kenmore Heat Pump Checklist provides a checklist for homeowners on how to
install a heat pump.
o The City of Issaquah Home Equipment and Appliance Rebate Pilot Program provides
support for low and moderate-income Issaquah residents to upgrade qualifying
home equipment to clean, efficient electric appliances. They offer multi-lingual
factsheets for a range of electric appliances.
o Electrify Portland! is a free event for homeowners and renters ready to start
transitioning their homes from gas (or old electric) to efficient renewable electric .
o Cooling Portland is a PCEF-funded climate resilience program designed to provide
efficient portable cooling / heating units to low-income Portlanders with
vulnerabilities.
Future Action
Future actions for consideration within the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency theme
include:
• Explore options to expand community solar, such as the solar energy group purchasing
model used to reduce costs and simplify the solar installation process
• Phase out natural gas use in existing publicly owned facilities by 2040 and retrofit publicly
owned buildings with solar panels and electric heat pumps
• Amend local development code to require solar-ready construction for all building types, as
appropriate
• Continue to partner with energy utilities to adopt efficient practices and explore alternative
energy resources, in order to help meet long -term energy needs and reduce environmental
impacts associated with traditional energy supplies
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Theme 9: Waste Management and Circular
Economy
Policies within the Waste Management and Circular Economy theme focus on supporting a
circular economy, strengthening urban agriculture and local food production, encouraging
composting, enforcing sustainable construction and demolition (C&D) practices, and adopting
environmentally friendly purchasing policies.
• Goal 19 emphasizes reducing greenhouse gas emissions from materials and organic waste
by minimizing waste generation.
• Goal 20 centers on reducing greenhouse gas emissions from materials and organic waste
by maximizing waste diversion.
CURRENT EFFORTS
✓ The Auburn community identified composting programs and recycling services as a key
priority for the Waste Management and Circular Economy theme in the Climate Program 2025
Survey. The City has many efforts related to recycling and composting already under way,
including the following:
✓ The City provides educational materials and resources on recycling, composting, and waste
disposal in multiple languages through the Garbage, Recycling & Yard + Food Waste Services
webpage.
✓ The City operates the “Kitchen Organics Bucket Promotion” program to encourage
composting. Through this program, residents can pledge to "compost more and waste less"
and receive a free kitchen organics (food scrap) bucket, a sample of compostable bags, and a
spatula.
✓ Auburn contracts with Waste Management (WM) for solid waste services. WM maintains a
dedicated Auburn webpage with announcements, educational materials, and resources.
Additionally, WM hosts the Recycle Right Pledge for Auburn residents. Those who complete
the pledge form and maintain clean recycling practices are entered into a drawing for a free
month of WM service.
✓ Staff from the Solid Waste Division (SWD) provide outreach at City-sponsored events, including
Kid’s Day, Farmers Markets, and the Senior Wellness Fair.
✓ SWD staff deliver presentations on waste reduction, recycling, and composting upon request,
such as at the Senior Center.
✓ The City distributes an annual newsletter to all residents with information on proper hazardous
waste disposal and safer alternative products.
✓ The City supports the annual King County Residential Recycling Event in Auburn.
✓ A multifamily contamination reduction project is ongoing to improve recycling practices in
multifamily housing.
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✓ The City coordinates the annual Community Yard Sale to promote the reuse of household
items.
✓ The City funds waste reduction, recycling, composting, and hazardous waste education
presentations in Auburn schools.
✓ The City provides outreach on the requirements of HB1799, which mandates that businesses
generating a specified amount of food and yard waste per week in designated areas divert that
waste to organics collection programs.
CEIP Action 9. Construction and Demolition
Support development, implementation, and enforcement of construction and demolition (C&D)
recycling and deconstruction ordinances to ensure the program enables recycling of construction
and demolition debris.
WHY THIS MATTERS
Solid waste accounts for 2% of Auburn’s
community greenhouse gas emissions (City
of Auburn, 2024). While Auburn has existing
waste reduction, recycling, and composting
programs, C&D recycling remains an area
with opportunities for improvement .
Construction and demolition (C&D) materials
make up a significant portion of the waste
stream, but much of this debris can be
recycled or reused rather than sent to
landfills (U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency, n.d.). Increasing C&D recycling can
help reduce greenhouse gas emissions by
diverting materials from landfills and
lowering demand for virgin resource
extraction (U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency, n.d.).
Additionally, supporting a C&D recycling
program would reduce project costs,
conserve natural resources, and create
economic opportunities. Recycling C&D
materials is often more cost-effective than
disposal, with lower recycling fees and
opportunities to donate materials at no cost
to contractors (King County, n.d.).
Furthermore, the EPA’s Recycling Economic
Information Report found that C&D recycling
created 175,000 jobs in 2012, demonstrating
the potential for economic growth through
sustainable material management. Similarly,
deconstruction—dismantling buildings to
salvage materials—maximizes material
recovery, conserves valuable resources, and
provides job training opportunities (U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency, n.d.).
By supporting the development of
construction and demolition (C&D) recycling
and deconstruction ordinances, Auburn can
reduce landfill use, offset the environmental
impacts of extracting virgin materials, and
support local businesses involved in material
reuse and recycling (U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency, n.d.). Investing in C&D
recycling and deconstruction practices
supports Auburn’s sustainability goals while
strengthening the local economy and
reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
COMMUNITY SUPPORT
In the City of Auburn Community survey, efforts to expand commercial recycling, organics
collection, and local composting programs had the highest support of all options considered in the
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Waste Management and Circular Economy theme and 55% of respondents said supporting the
development, implementation, and enforcement of construction and demolition recycling and
deconstruction ordinances was a top or short-term priority. As previously noted, Auburn has
existing waste reduction, recycling, and composting programs, while C&D recycling is an area with
opportunities for advancement. Sentiment gathered during community tabling events reflected
individuals’ desire for the expansion of recycling education, particularly in multifamily households.
IMPLEMENTATION
Actors and Partners
• Lead: Community Development
• Support: Utility Department
• Partner: King County Solid Waste Division, Waste Management, local construction
businesses, local C+D recycling businesses
Timeline
Past Action/To
Build On
Years 1-2 Years 3-4 Year 5
✓ King County
Construction
& Demolition
Program
✓ Review code
language
✓ Explore incentives
or fee structures
✓ Hire or designate
staff for
enforcement and
management of
code
✓ Draft and adopt
code language
✓ Develop educational
materials and conduct
contractor outreach using
King County resources
✓ Collaborate with King
County and area cities to
develop end-use markets
for recyclable/recycled
C&D materials
✓ Track diversion rates
✓ Track and
report
diversion rates
and assess
program
impact
Key Steps
1. Review code language to identify areas to support the development, implementation, and
enforcement of C&D recycling and deconstruction
2. Consider creating incentives or fee structures to promote deconstruction and recycling
(e.g., reduced permitting fees, deposit-refund systems)
3. Assess capacity across staff that could enforce and manage the code. Hire or designate staff
to enforce and manage the code
4. Draft code language in alignment with State RCW regulations and the Regional Code
Collaboration template that support the development, implementation, and enforcement
of C&D recycling and deconstruction
5. Develop multi-lingual educational materials and conduct contractor outreach to support
C&D waste reduction, reuse, and recycling. Create step-by-step guidance, including a
checklist, fact sheets, and case studies, to help developers comply with city code
requirements. Leverage the King County resources (see Resources and Examples below)
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6. Collaborate with King County and area cities to develop end-use markets for
recyclable/recycled C&D materials
7. Track and report diversion rates from C&D projects to monitor progress and inform
adjustments
Prioritization
Considerations Assessment Comments
Mandated or Required No; supports
requirement
Under HB1181, jurisdictions are required to identify
actions that will result in reductions in overall GHG
emissions generated by land use within the
jurisdiction.
Impact Low
GHG
emissions
Solid waste accounts for 2% of Auburn’s community
GHG emissions.
City role/authority to
lead
Yes There is some overlap in role/authority with the King
County Solid Waste Division.
Synergy/Opportunity
to leverage
High King County has many resources around C&D that the
City can leverage.
Feasibility (Staff
capacity)
Medium The City can leverage existing resources and staff to
draft code, create resources, and conduct outreach.
Cost Medium The cost may be scaled up or down depending on level
of outreach and collaboration with other jurisdictions.
Community support Medium C&D ordinances and programs ranked third behind
expanding recycling/compost services and
composting programs in the community survey. Many
compost and recycling efforts are already underway.
Equity impacts Medium There are potential barriers to implementation for
small businesses. C&D programs could produce equity
benefits by fostering local economic development,
thus reducing income inequalities. There is an
opportunity in program development to promote job
training for vulnerable populations.
Other co-benefits Medium This action provides cost savings and promotes
economic development.
Possible Barriers
• Auburn may lack funding and staff capacity to implement this action.
o This barrier can be addressed by obtaining additional funding and hiring new staff
or external technical support.
• Some contractors may resist waste management requirements or lack awareness about
proper disposal practices and recycling of used building materials.
o This barrier can be addressed by developing outreach materials that highlight the
financial and environmental benefits of recycling, deconstruction, and proper
disposal.
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Funding Sources
• NextCycle Washington’s Circular Accelerator Program offers technical assistance and
funding to businesses and projects focused on expanding waste prevention, repair, reuse,
recycling, and composting in Washington State.
• King County’s Re+ (zero waste) grants offer funding opportunities for non-profits,
businesses, entrepreneurs, educational institutions, and local governments to support
innovative projects that further King County’s commitment to zero waste of resources by
2030.
• WA Department of Ecology Local Solid Waste Financial Assistance Program provides
funding to local governments for solid and hazardous waste planning and implementation,
as well as enforcement of solid waste rules and regulations.
Resources and Examples
• The Construction and Demolition Recycling Association promotes the recycling of
recoverable C&D materials. Their website offers resources, news, and events related to
recycling C&D materials.
• King County offers many resources related to C&D, including Salvage, Recycling, and
Deconstruction Codes, a template Deconstruction and Salvage Assessment form, a
template Waste Diversion Report and a template Exterior Structural Lead Removal Plan
form.
• King County offers a C&D recycling one-pager for contractors with information on where
materials should go and designated facilities.
• The King County ‘Designated C&D Facilities’ webpage outlines information about
designated construction and demolition C&D facilities.
• The Woodinville Climate Action Plan presents strategies and implementation
considerations for consumption and materials management, including C&D (see page 48).
• The Redmond Environmental Sustainability Action Plan details actions and implementation
considerations to address construction and demolition C&D waste.
Future Action
While Auburn has many efforts underway related to recycling and composting, future actions for
consideration within the Waste Management and Circular Economy theme include:
• Support local businesses in partnering with Washington’s Recycling Development Center
to explore and adopt circular economic practices, such as using recycled materials and
reducing waste
• Consider implementing an organics disposal bans and/or requiring services
• Enhance the language for enclosure requirements at multifamily and commercial
properties so there is enough room garbage, recycling, and compost.
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Overarching
In addition to the actions and policies identified in the Climate Element, supplemental actions that
strengthen the City’s accountability, effectiveness, and transparency are included below.
CURRENT EFFORTS
✓ Auburn is exploring options to join the King County-Cities Climate Collaboration and Climate
Pierce County to leverage partnerships throughout the region and accelerate climate action .
✓ The updated 2010 Auburn GHG Inventory is included in the 2024 Comprehensive Plan
Appendix. King County is currently conducting a 2022 GHG inventory for all municipalities,
including the City of Auburn, which can be a new baseline for future updates.
✓ Auburn could build on city permit monitoring to address land use and housing tracking
important to GHG reduction and VMT per capita reduction.
✓ The City can consider adding biennial budget goals related to monitoring that contributes to 5 -
year report.
CEIP Action 10. Regional Partnerships
Select a staff delegate and join the King County-Cities Climate Collaboration and Climate Pierce
County to accelerate climate action.
CEIP Action 11. Climate Education
Enable staff investment in professional development that enhances understanding of projected
changes in the region’s climate (e.g., air temperature and precipitation) and their impacts on
communities, municipal services, and infrastructure.
CEIP Action 12. Climate Action Monitoring
Monitor, assess, and publicly report on community-scale GHG emissions (total and per capita) and
VMT (total and per capita) at least every five years. Include emissions from all local sources
associated with resident, business, and local government activit ies. Maintain a list of measures that
demonstrate consistency with climate element requirements and housing goals and policies that
contribute to the climate element; identify progress achieved every five years.
WHY THIS MATTERS
King County, including Auburn, is already
experiencing the impacts of climate change,
such as prolonged heat waves, severe storms,
and impaired air quality from wildfire smoke ,
which are affecting the health and safety of
the community. The City of Auburn chose to
proactively engage in climate planning now
to better prepare for these challenges and
protect residents, infrastructure, and local
ecosystems.
Action 10: Regional Partnerships. Regional
collaboration accelerates climate progress by
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combining expertise, resources, and
advocacy efforts. The King County-Cities
Climate Collaboration (K4C) is one such
partnership, where local governments of all
sizes work together to advance bold and
equitable climate action (King County-Cities
Climate Collaboration, n.d.). K4C helps
members expand staffing capacity and
reduce costs by providing shared tools and
resources, and connecting jurisdictions to
technical and funding assistance that may be
out of reach individually. By joining
partnerships like K4C, Auburn can gain
capacity, stay informed on best practices, and
coordinate more effectively with neighboring
communities.
Action 11: Climate Education. Building internal
staff capacity is essential to implementing
the Climate Element successfully. Supporting
professional development ensures City staff
have the tools and knowledge to plan for and
respond to projected climate changes in air
temperature, precipitation, and their related
impacts on infrastructure, municipal services,
and community well-being. Investment in
climate-related learning for staff builds long-
term expertise and strengthens Auburn’s
ability to adapt to a changing environment.
Action 12: Climate Action Monitoring. As of
June 2025, the Washington State
Department of Commerce is actively
developing rules for required Climate
Element progress reports (Washington State
Department of Commerce). Current guidance
recommends that jurisdictions update their
emissions inventory every five years to
evaluate progress toward GHG reduction
goals and targets (Washington State
Department of Commerce, 2023). Based on
the current rulemaking, it is likely
jurisdictions will be required to prepare a
progress report every five years that includes
a list of measures and progress to GHG
emissions and VMT reductions. Auburn needs
accurate, up-to-date emissions data to
evaluate progress, identify trends, and inform
policy. King County is currently conducting a
2022 GHG inventory for all municipalities,
including Auburn, which will serve as a
valuable baseline. There may also be
opportunities to partner with the County on
future inventories.
Together, Actions 10, 11, and 12 create a strong
foundation for meaningful, measurable
climate action in Auburn. Regional
collaboration increases capacity, staff
development strengthens internal expertise,
and regular monitoring ensures
accountability and alignment with state
guidance and city goals
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COMMUNITY SUPPORT
Actions 10, 11, and 12 were not included in the Auburn Community Survey.
IMPLEMENTATION
Actors and Partners
CEIP Action 10
• Lead: Auburn Community Development
• Partner: King County–Cities Climate Collaboration (K4C), Climate Pierce County
CEIP Action 1 1
• Lead: Community Development
• Support: Economic Development, Human Resources
• Partner: King County Workforce Development, University of Washington Climate Impacts
Group
CEIP Action 1 2
• Lead: Community Development
• Partner: Washington Department of Commerce, Washington Department of
Transportation, King County-Cities Climate Collaboration, Climate Pierce County
Timeline
CEIP
Action
Past Action/To Build
On
Years 1-2 Years 3-4 Year 5
10
✓ Development of
the Climate
Element
Implementation
Plan (CEIP)
✓ Determine staff
delegate and join
K4C and/or
Climate Pierce
County
✓ Staff begin
attending monthly
meetings
✓ Staff continue
attending
monthly
meetings.
✓ Consider
participating
in joint
campaigns,
shared
comment
letters, or town
halls.
✓ Staff continue
attending
monthly
meetings.
✓ Consider
participating in
joint
campaigns,
shared
comment
letters, or town
halls.
11
✓ City of Auburn
2018 GHG
inventory and
Climate
Vulnerability and
Risk Assessment
(Action 1); King
County’s Climate
✓ Conduct a staff
climate knowledge
assessment
✓ Share a list of key
climate resources
✓ Create an internal
climate learning
community
✓ Consider
hosting a
workshop or
training series
✓ Continue
developing
and updating
list of key
✓ Continue
developing and
updating list of
key climate
resources
✓ Monitor and
evaluate
professional
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CEIP
Action
Past Action/To Build
On
Years 1-2 Years 3-4 Year 5
Justice Learning
Series
✓ Initiate
partnerships with
HR, Economic
Development, and
external partners
climate
resources
development
to date
12
✓ City of Auburn
2018 GHG
inventory, City of
Auburn Climate
Element; King
County 2022 GHG
inventory;
Washington State
Department of
Transportation
city-level VMT
tracking
✓ Review final
Commerce
rulemaking on
required reporting
(November 2025)
✓ Develop reporting
framework
consistent with
interjurisdictional
approach if
appropriate
✓ Develop annual
data methodology
✓ Collect and
evaluate data
✓ Prepare report
Key Steps
CEIP Action 10
1. Determine staff delegate to coordinate and join the King County-Cities Climate
Collaboration and Climate Pierce County
2. Optional: Meet with K4C staff contacts and other K4C peer cities for orientation or 1:1 peer
discussion
3. Coordinate presentation by King County to City Council
a. City Council approves resolution to execute the Interlocal Agreement (required)
b. City Council approves resolution to sign onto Joint Climate Action Commitments
(optional, but recommended)
4. Join Climate Pierce County; contact climatepiercecounty.com to share interest in
participating
5. Staff begin attending monthly meetings series; electeds: 1 -2x/year with option for deeper
monthly engagement
6. Consider participating in joint campaigns, shared comment letters, or town halls
CEIP Action 1 1
1. Conduct a staff needs assessment; identify current knowledge gaps and what professional
development formats are most accessible and effective for staff
2. Partner with internal departments and external organizations ; work with Human
Resources, Economic Development, and regional partners (e.g., King County, UW Climate
Impacts Group) to co-develop opportunities
3. Put together a list of resources and include accessible readings, webinars, toolkits, and
training platforms focused on climate projections and sector-specific impacts
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4. Create an internal climate learning community for staff to share ongoing opportunities for
learning
5. Consider hosting a workshop or training series. Focus on localized projections, case studies,
and cross-departmental impacts
6. Monitor and evaluate professional development; collect feedback, measure participation,
and revise learning pathways accordingly
CEIP Action 1 2
1. Track updates from the Washington Department of Commerce to ensure compliance with
HB 1181 requirements for GHG and VMT tracking ; advocate for city priorities during the
rulemaking process; review final Commerce rulemaking on required reporting (November
2025)
2. Develop a reporting framework consistent with interjurisdictional approach if appropriate
a. Coordinate with King County or other local jurisdictions to ensure consistency in
data collection and reporting
b. Define emission and VMT scopes, sources, and roles across departments
3. Develop annual data methodology
4. Access and evaluate available data
a. Coordinate with King County to procure 2022 GHG emissions inventory ; access VMT
data from the Washington State Department of Transportation; Auburn is not
expected to generate or calculate VMT data independently
5. Prepare public-facing progress report every 5 years
Prioritization (All Actions)
Considerations Assessment Comments
Mandated or Required Mixed CEIP action 10 and 11 are voluntary. CEIP Action 12 is
required under RCW 36.70a.130.
Impact NA CEIP action 10 supports collective action within the
County and region. CEIP action 12 allows adaptive
management of City actions to reach aims of GHG and
VMT per capita reduction.
City role/authority to
lead
Yes Auburn has authority to join regional collaborations and
provide professional development for staff. Auburn has a
requirement to monitor emissions.
Synergy/Opportunity
to leverage
High There are multi-agency efforts to leverage actions.
Feasibility (Staff
capacity)
Medium For CEIP action 10, regional coordination is complex,
given Auburn is in two counties. For CEIP action 12,
Auburn can leverage King County’s Commerce funded
GHG evaluation and updated GHG wedge analysis. VMT
estimates are provided by WSDOT.
Cost Medium Auburn can build reporting (action 12) into
Comprehensive Plan, permit tracking, and budgeting
process.
Community support NA These actions were not included in the Auburn
Community Survey.
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Considerations Assessment Comments
Equity impacts NA There are no direct equity impacts.
Other co-benefits High These actions will support the implementation of all
Climate Element policies and actions.
Possible Barriers
• Auburn may lack funding and staff capacity to implement this action.
o This barrier can be addressed by obtaining additional funding and hiring new staff
or external technical support.
• Internal resistance from City council or leadership may make implementation of these
actions difficult.
o This barrier can be addressed by communicating the importance of proactive
climate planning for the safety and well-being of the Auburn community,
emphasizing strong public support for climate measures, and utilizing resources
such as the King County Cities Climate Collaboration (K4C) Communications Toolkit
to craft effective messages.
Funding Sources
• There is limited external funding for program tools, however, Auburn may be able to
leverage funding from other implementation actions to support this work.
• Washington State Department of Commerce climate planning grants are available to local
governments across Washington that must include a Climate Change and Resilience
element in their comprehensive plans. While funds for implementation activities are not
currently available, they may become available through a budget appropriation or due to
other budget savings.
• The FundHubWA portal includes funding sources for individuals, businesses, nonprofits,
public agencies, and tribal governments related to climate and clean energy opportunities.
Resources and Examples
CEIP Action 10
• The ‘King County–Cities Climate Collaboration (K4C)’ webpage offers information about
K4C, how to join, and additional resources, including the K4C 101 briefing and a K4C
Communications Toolkit.
• The Climate Pierce County website provides information about the coalition, relevant plans,
events, and calls to action.
CEIP Action 11
• King County hosted a Climate Justice Learning Series for staff and community centered
around climate justice.
• Columbia Climate School's Professional Learning programs offer working professionals the
chance to enhance and adapt skills in the areas of climate and sustainability .
• The UW Office of Public Lectures hosts speakers on a range of topics, including climate
change.
• The UW Climate Impacts Group supports and advises science-based efforts to adapt to
climate change across the Northwest . Their ‘Learn’ webpage offers resources on climate
change and variability, climate impacts, climate inequities and climate adaptation.
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CEIP Action 12
Report Format
• The King County 2024 Subarea Plan Performance Measures Report is an example of an
indicator performance report on long -range plans.
• The Vancouver 2023 Inventory of Community and Government Operations Greenhouse Gas
Emissions is an example of GHG monitoring.
• The Seattle Community Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory is an example of a community
GHG inventory.
• There are several examples of Climate Action Plan Monitoring Reports from other
jurisdictions:
o The Tacoma 2030 Climate Action Plan 2023 Progress Report captures work that took
place over a year to deepen the city’s commitment to reducing our contribution to
climate change and adapting to real climate concerns facing our community.
o The Issaquah Climate Action Plan Dashboard highlights City progress on achieving
the goals and completing the actions laid out in the ICAP since 2022.
o The Escondido 2023 Climate Action Plan Annual Monitoring Report provides an
overview of the City’s progress in achieving the CAP’s objectives.
o The West Hollywood Climate Action Dashboard tracks and reports progress toward
climate action goals. It includes the status of actions (on track, completed, etc.) and
notes progress.
Data
• King County is currently conducting a 2022 GHG inventory for all municipalities, including
the City of Auburn. Once completed, it is recommended that the City of Auburn use this
new 2022 inventory as its baseline for future updates.
• Auburn can access the VMT data from the WSDOT website. See the table below for 2023
data.
Auburn 2023 Total (All Public Roads)
Centerline Lane Daily VMT Annual VMT
King 222.18 472 846 308,962
Pierce 16.88 39 76 27,786
Total 239.06 511 922 336,748
• Auburn can consider home-based and employment based VMT by census block where
consistently available (see VMT tool commissioned by WSDOT for 2019).
• Auburn can track land use and housing permits using the permit map.
• Auburn can track qualitative efforts on updating plans and regulations focusing on
strategies found to be highly effective.
• The Washington State Department of Commerce Climate Policy Explorer allows
jurisdictions to search and explore the climate Menu of Measures.
• WSDOT VMT Targets Reports are available for 2023 and 2024.
• The California Air Pollution Control Officers Association Handbook for Analyzing
Greenhouse Gas Emission Reductions, Assessing Climate Vulnerabilities, and Advancing
Health and Equity provides methods to quantify GHG emission reductions from a specified
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list of measures, primarily focused on project-level actions. The Handbook also includes a
method to assess potential benefits of different climate vulnerability reduction measures, as
well as measures that can be implemented to improve health and equity.
Future Action
• Designate Climate Element Implementation staff to implement, monitor, and report on
actions consistent with the Auburn Climate Element
• Leverage partnerships to apply for grants to support Climate Element implementation
• Create an interdepartmental climate team to lead and coordinate climate action across city
departments
• Conduct an environmental justice audit and incorporate assessments into the Land Use
and Transportation Elements; seek to address the disproportionate environmental and
health impacts exacerbated by climate change and ensure the equitable distribution of
resources and benefits
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Works Cited
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Works Managers. Retrieved from https://www.apwa.org/resource/urban-forestry-best-
management-practices-for-public-works-managers/
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harm-health-202209072811
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lab/tribal-leaders-host-summit-to-share-climate-change-stories-solutions/
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hosted.civiclive.com/UserFiles/Servers/Server_11470554/File/City%20Hall/Emergency%20Pre
paredness/Local%20Hazards/CEMP.pdf
City of Auburn. (2024). Comprehensive Storm Drainage Plan Update. Retrieved from
https://cdnsm5-
hosted.civiclive.com/UserFiles/Servers/Server_11470554/File/City%20Hall/Public%20Works/St
orm%20Drainage/Final%20Comprehensive%20Storm%20Drainage%20Plan%202024.pdf
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hosted.civiclive.com/UserFiles/Servers/Server_11470554/File/City%20Hall/Community%20De
velopment/Zoning%20and%20Land%20Use/Comprehensive%20Plan/Vol.%209%20Climate%
20Element.pdf
City of Auburn. (2024). Comprehensive Transportation Plan.
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hosted.civiclive.com/UserFiles/Servers/Server_11470554/File/City%20Hall/Community%20De
velopment/Zoning%20and%20Land%20Use/Comprehensive%20Plan/Vol.%206%20Economi
c%20Development%20Element.pdf
City of Burien. (2023). Burien Climate Vulnerability Assesment Policies and Strategies. Prepared by
BERK Consulting, Inc. and others. Retrieved from https://connect.burienwa.gov/wp-
content/uploads/2023/08/Burien-Climate-Vulnerability-Assessment.pdf
City of Issaquah. (2024). Climate Change Vulnerability & Resilience. Retrieved from
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City of Lakewood. (2023). Retrieved from https://cityoflakewood.us/trees/
City of Seattle. (2024). Environmental Justice Fund Grantee Story. Retrieved from Office of
Sustainability & Environment: https://greenspace.seattle.gov/2024/10/environmental -justice-
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fund-grantee-story-windz-of-change-alliance-on-the-connection-between-trees-people-
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Appendix A: City of Auburn CEIP Engagement Summary | 88
Appendix A: City of Auburn CEIP Engagement
Summary
See next page.
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Appendix A: City of Auburn CEIP Engagement Summary | 89
City of Auburn Climate Program
Engagement Summary
Overview
The City of Auburn (the City) developed a Climate Element (CE) in 2024, in
compliance with Washington State House Bill 1181, which requires cities to
integrate climate mitigation/resilience policies in their comprehensive plan
updates. The City then sought to engage the Auburn community to gather
meaningful input and encourage participation in the development of a Climate
Element Implementation Plan that will incorporate climate strategies and
measures.
The Auburn Climate Commitment Program
is supported with funding from
Washington’s Climate Commitment Act
(CCA). The CCA supports Washington’s
climate action efforts by putting cap-and-
invest dollars to work, thus reducing climate
pollution, creating jobs, and improving
public health. Information about the CCA is
available at www.climate.wa.gov.
Engagement Objectives
The project team was composed of consultants from Cascadia Consulting Group
(Cascadia for short) and City staff. They identified the following engagement
objectives to ensure the successful development of a Climate Element
Implementation Plan (implementation plan for short) that reflects community
priorities for climate policy implementation:
●Provide the opportunity for all who live and work in Auburn to participate in
guiding the Climate Element Implementation Plan.
●Ensure a process that is open and transparent, culturally relevant, and
accessible.
●Ask for input where public feedback can authentically influence plan
development.
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Appendix A: City of Auburn CEIP Engagement Summary | 90
Engaging the Auburn community for development of the implementation plan
was important to the City to ensure that community priorities and collective vision
for a sustainable future were reflected, as well as inspire ongoing community
participation.
Engagement Timeline & Key Activities
Through the development of the Engagement Plan, the project team outlined an
engagement timeline that included five main activities over the course of nine
months. The engagement timeline was created in coordination with the broader
project timeline.
Community input was split into two main engagement phases: Build Awareness
and Refine Based on Feedback. Each engagement activity asked for specific
feedback and input on certain implementation plan elements.
The first engagement phase, Build Awareness, included the creation of a factsheet
in five languages (English, Spanish, Tagalog, Ukrainian, and Russian) and the
development of an online community survey available in both English and Spanish.
During phase two, Refine Based on Feedback, we analyzed results from the Auburn
community survey, verbal feedback from tabling events, and integrated them into
the 5-year implementation plan.
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Appendix A: City of Auburn CEIP Engagement Summary | 91
Tabling Auburn Community
Survey
Open Houses and Board
Meeting Presentations
January and February 2025 February and March 2025 January and February 2025
Tabling at various
community events helped
to establish connection
with community members,
spread the word about the
community feedback
survey, raise awareness of
the program plan, and seek
direct feedback on
priorities for climate policy
implementation
strategies.
The Auburn community
survey was hosted online,
received 129 total
responses, and gathered
feedback from people
regarding the City’s
ongoing climate program.
The survey helped us gain
a better understanding of
priorities for climate
actions and
implementation strategies.
City staff led an open
house and presented at
two community
organization board
meetings to provide
additional mediums to
promote the survey and
leave space for interested
groups and community
members to voice
feedback and preferences
for which implementation
strategies to prioritize.
City staff pivoted from using the Engagement Tracker, a spreadsheet initially
proposed as a way to document interactions during engagement events, preferring
to record all notes in an open format engagement journal/Microsoft Word
document.
How to navigate this document
The following pages include summaries of feedback received throughout the
engagement process.
• Summary of Findings (Page 92): Compilation of key themes heard across all
engagement activities.
• Auburn Community Survey (Page 92): Overview of the survey and detailed
analysis of survey responses.
• City-Led Engagement Touchpoints (Page 113): Summary of City-led
engagement activities, including an open house and tabling.
• Attachment A: Survey Open-ended Responses (Page 117)
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• Attachment B: Tabling Activity Notes on Individual Comments (Page 126)
• Attachment C: Engagement Activity Posters and Factsheets (Page 127)
Summary of Findings
Across all the engagement activities, we heard the following key themes:
Theme #1: Support for climate resilience and greenhouse gas emissions
strategies
• Many community members have experienced climate impacts such as poor
air quality and extreme heat and agree that the City should prioritize
resilience strategies such as wildfire preparedness, evacuation planning, and
water quality conservation
• The protection/preservation of trees, urban green spaces, and open spaces
as well as natural spaces is another resilience strategy that was supported
across all engagement activities
• There is strong collective support for GHG reduction policies surrounding the
promotion and education of food waste diversion, organics and recycling
programs
Theme #2: Improve communication, inclusive engagement, and trust with the
community
• Community members desire plain and simple language, frequent, and
relatable communication
• Climate policies that are developed must be communicated through their
implications to real-life impacts (health, bills, daily routines)
• Community members encouraged the city to strengthen outreach through
HOAs, schools, tribes, local community groups, and digital platforms to
advance collective impact
Theme #3: Ensure accountability, affordability, and transparency
• Community members want adopted climate actions to have clear
accountability tracking mechanisms and contingency plans in case of
instability from political or funding changes
• Individuals highlight financial constraints as a barrier to action, suggesting
that city-led actions are cost-efficient and accessible to all residents
• They also emphasize transparency of funding sources and project outcomes
Auburn Community Survey
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The purpose of the online survey was to gather insights from a diverse range of
Auburn community members to inform the 5-year program plan through
prioritization of climate resilience and greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction
goals and policies identified in the climate element. Survey objectives included the
following:
• Community-driven identification of priorities for climate resilience and GHG
emission reduction policy and implementation
• Understand current climate awareness and experience among Auburn
community members
• Get input on a vision for a climate resilient future
The survey was promoted through a series of several in-person tabling events
throughout Auburn by city staff, posted on the City’s social media channels, and
sent to residents through email newsletters and blogs.
The survey received 129 total responses. The survey was available online for from
February 5th to March 16th, 2025, in both English and Spanish.
Survey Key Themes
Based on the input received, the following are key themes emerged from survey
feedback:
• Many shared they have experience climate impacts, most notably poor air
quality from wildfire smoke and increased temperatures and heat waves.
• Respondents would like to see the prioritization for implementing resilience
policy that:
o Create natural disaster evacuation plans
o Build community wildfire preparedness
o Improve and expand urban forest management to minimize heat
island effects
o Strengthen water conservation efforts to protect quality and quantity
o Adopt an urban forest master plan to build climate resilience
• Respondents would like to see the prioritization for implementing GHG
emission reduction policy that:
o Expand local residential composting programs for food waste
diversion
o Expand commercial recycling and organics collection
o Support the development of construction recycling
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Appendix A: City of Auburn CEIP Engagement Summary | 94
• There are contradictory viewpoints on the urgency of climate change and
the role of the city to take action.
• Respondents appear most likely to engage with the city through
polls/surveys and newsletters.
• Actions that the city of Auburn chooses to take must be focused, practical,
and cost-efficient.
• Respondents mainly struggle with financial constraints. Over half of
respondents (56%) indicated that cost or resources or other competing
economic demands prevented them from taking climate action.
Detailed Survey Results
Below is a detailed summary of the responses for each of the questions, organized
by each survey section.
DEMOGRAPHICS AND COMMUNITY INFORMATION
Q1: How would you best describe how you interact with the
Auburn community? (number of respondents (n) = 129)
Respondents were able to select all that applied. Most who participated in this
survey owned residences in Auburn (73%), followed by those who work in Auburn
(19.4%).
Answer choice Response
P ercentage
Individual response
counts
I own a residence in Auburn 72.1% 93
I rent a residence in Auburn 9.3% 12
I work in Auburn 19.4% 25
I go to school in Auburn 3.9% 5
I own a business or property in Auburn 10.1% 13
I live, work, or go to school just outside
Auburn city limits 11.6% 15
I frequently visit Auburn for recreation
purposes 14.7% 19
I frequently visit Auburn for shopping
purposes 28.7% 37
Other (please specify) 6.2% 8
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Q2: How would you prefer to participate in the City of Auburn's
climate program? In other words, what would be the best way for
the City to involve you in the future? Please select your top three
methods. (n = 124)
Respondents could select all that apply. The top three preferred methods of
involvement selected were taking surveys/polls (77%), email newsletters (44%), and
online submission of feedback and questions through online workshops,
recordings, comment platforms (40%). Notably, another 31% of respondents
indicated that they preferred in-person meetings and events, such as workshops,
open houses, and tabling events.
Answer choice Response
P ercentage
Individual
count
At in person meetings and events (e.g. workshops,
open houses, tabling at community events) 30.7% 38
Take surveys/polls 76.6% 95
Email newsletters 43.6% 54
Invitations to board/committee meetings and be
able to provide public comment 18.6% 23
Call or email City staff or elected officials directly 12.9% 16
Submit questions and feedback online (e.g. online
workshops, recordings, and comment platforms) 39.5% 49
Other (please specify) 4.0% 5
Q3: How did you hear about this survey? (n = 128)
Most respondents (56%) selected the “other” choice, of which 63 specified an
email/newsletter from the city of Auburn or email from the mayor. The second
highest response category (22%) indicated that they heard about the survey from
social media.
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Q21: Where do you live? (Zip Code) (n=93)
93 respondents answered this question. As shown in the figure below, the majority
of zip codes represented in the survey respondents are concentrated in the 98002
and 98092 area codes of Auburn, WA, with 34 and 35 responses respectively.
Auburn’s 98001 area code received the next highest count, with 13 responses. Seven
other zip codes were represented in the survey with four or fewer responses from
Bonney Lake, Federal Way, Kent, and Puyallup. Two zip codes, one from Seattle
(98126) and another from Tacoma (98403), were omitted from the map to make it
easier to display.
See figure on next page.
Community Flyer
9%
In-person event
6%
Speak-up Auburn
Website
7%
Social Media (e.g.,
Facebook, Instagram)
22%
Other (please specify)
56%
Q3: How did you hear about this survey?
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Q22: What is your gender? (n = 92)
Of those who answered this question (92 answered), most survey respondents
identified as female (41%), followed by male (39% responses).
Answer choice Response Percentage Individual Count
Female 41.3% 38
Male 39.1% 36
Non-binary or non-conforming 1.1% 1
Genderqueer 1.1% 1
Prefer not to answer. 13.0% 12
Other (please specify) 4.4% 4
98003 , 0
98047 , 0
98391 , 4
98023 , 1
98030, 1
98042 , 1
98374 , 2
98001 , 13
98002 , 34 98092, 35
Count of Survey Participants Location
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Q23: Which of the following best represents your race and/or
ethnicity? (n= 94)
Most survey respondents identified as white or Caucasian (64%). Other top answer
choices included prefer not to answer (17%) and other (10%). Other identities of
survey takers included multiracial (8.5%), Asian or Asian American (4.3%), and Black
or African American (2.1%).
Notably, this deviates from the proportions of racial demographics in the U.S.
Census Bureau’s community profile of Auburn, where 55% identify as white, 15%
identify as Black/African American, 21% as Hispanic/Latino, and 15% as Asian.
Answer choice Response
Percentage
Individual
Count
Asian or Asian American 4.3% 4
Black or African American 2.1% 2
Hispanic or Latino 2.1% 2
Middle Eastern, North African, or Arab
American
0.0% 0
Native American, American Indian, or
Alaska Native
2.1% 2
Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander 0.0% 0
White or Caucasian 63.8% 60
Multiracial 8.5% 8
Prefer not to answer 17.0% 16
Other (please specify) 10.6% 10
Q24: What language do you primarily speak at home? (n=93)
English was overwhelmingly the main response of survey respondents, with 92%
indicating that English is the primary language spoken at home. Some declined to
answer (6.5%), and other languages including Spanish, Russian, Tagalog, Ukrainian,
Vietnamese all had at least one person indicate that it is their primary language at
home. One person also specified that they spoke Thai at home.
Answer choice Response Percentage Individual Count
Arabic 0.0% 0
Chinese 0.0% 0
Dari 0.0% 0
English 92.5% 86
Korean 0.0% 0
Marshallese 0.0% 0
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Appendix A: City of Auburn CEIP Engagement Summary | 99
Answer choice Response Percentage Individual Count
Pashto 0.0% 0
Punjabi 0.0% 0
Russian 1.1% 1
Spanish 2.2% 2
Swahili 0.0% 0
Tagalog 1.1% 1
Ukrainian 1.1% 1
Vietnamese 1.1% 1
Prefer not to answer 6.5% 6
Other (please specify) 3.2% 3
Q25: What is your age? (n = 95)
Most respondents (36.8%) indicated they were over the age of 65, followed by
nearly a quarter (24.5%) of respondents were ages 50 to 64. Only one respondent
was under the age of 21, despite nearly 22% of Auburn’s population being under 19
years of age. This deviates from the demographics listed in Auburn’s Community
Profile, shared in the Auburn’s Engagement Plan, where only 13% of Auburn’s
population is over the age of 65, a fifth of the population are between the ages of
45-64.
Answer choice Response Percentage Individual Count
Under 21 1.1% 1
21 to 34 9.5% 9
35 to 49 15.8% 15
50 to 64 24.2% 23
65 or older 36.8% 35
Prefer not to answer 12.6% 12
Q26: Do you identify as having a disability? This can include
physical, mental, emotional, or sensory disabilities. (n = 94)
More than half (58.5%) of respondents did not identify as having a disability, with
some (23.4%) identifying as having a disability and the rest declined to answer.
Answer choice Response Percentage Individual
Count
Yes 23.4% 22
No 58.5% 55
Prefer not to answer 18.1% 17
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CONCERNS & EXPERIENCES WITH CLIMATE CHANGE
Q4: Generally, how concerned are you about extreme weather and
the impacts of climate change in your community? (n=128)
More than half of respondents (56%) indicated that they were concerned, 32%
noting extremely concerned and 24% being moderately concerned. Notably, 27% of
respondents noted they were not at all concerned about extreme weather and
climate impacts.
Answer choice Response Percentage Individual Count
Extremely concerned 32.0% 41
Moderately concerned 24.2% 31
Neutral 8.6% 11
Slightly concerned 8.6% 11
Not at all concerned 26.6% 34
Q5: How soon do you think extreme weather and climate change
impacts will be a challenge the City of Auburn will face? (n = 127)
Most respondents (40.2%) indicated that climate change is a current challenge that
Auburn faces. Contrarily, a little over a quarter of responses (26.8%) indicated that it
not and never be a challenge. Responses were fairly distributed between the rest of
the answer choices (10 to 11.8% each).
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26.8%
40.2%
11.8%
10.2%
11.0%
0.0%5.0%10.0%15.0%20.0%25.0%30.0%35.0%40.0%45.0%
It is not and will never be a challenge
It is a challenge right now
It will be a challenge very soon (next 5 years)
It will be a challenge in the future (10-20 years out)
It will be a challenge for future generations
Q5: How soon do you think extreme weather and climate
change impacts will be a challenge the City of Auburn will face?
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Q6: Which of the following extreme weather and climate change
impacts have affected you personally in the past 5 years? (n = 113)
Respondents were allowed to select as many choices that applied. More than two
thirds (68%) of respondents were affected by poor air quality from wildfire smoke.
More than half of respondents (55%) indicated that they had been affected by
increased temperatures and heat waves, with another third (32%) of respondents
being affected by reduced snowpack and less water in streams. Exactly 15% of
respondents were distributed amongst drought, flooding, and wildfire. Notably,
around 27% of respondents selected the “other” category and most of these
responses indicated sentiment that they were either not at all aware of any impact
to their lives, in denial or dismissive of climate change, or critical of too much
money being spent towards climate.
54.9%
31.9%
15.0%
15.0%
15.0%
68.1%
26.6%
0.0%10.0%20.0%30.0%40.0%50.0%60.0%70.0%80.0%
Increased temperatures and heat waves
Reduced snowpack, resulting in less water in
streams
Drought
Flooding (from rivers and rain events)
Wildfire
Poor air quality from wildfire smoke
Other (please specify)
Q6: Which of the following extreme weather and climate
change impacts have affected you personally in the past 5
years? Select all that apply.
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Q7: Please share any details or personal experiences related to
extreme weather events or climate change impacts you have
experienced in Auburn.
The following major themes appeared from the set of open responses. Please see
Attachment A: Survey Open-ended Responses for all submitted open-ended
responses.
• Many shared that they are experiencing direct and growing impacts to their
livelihood due to heat, smoke, and air quality.
• These climate impacts are affecting health and accessibility, disrupting
lifestyles, and home modifications.
• There were expressed concerns for vulnerable populations who weren’t
represented in the survey responses.
• Responses also included general climate change skepticism and dismissal.
• Many expressed doubts about the reality of climate change and its
relationship to human activities. Specifically, some expressed distrust in
climate policy and the government’s choice of spending and focused on
potential economic consequences.
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PRIORITIES FOR BUILDING CLIMATE RESILIENCE
Q8: Please review and indicate how you would prioritize
implementation for the following actions related to infrastructure
and emergency preparedness. (n = 112)
Half of respondents (51%) indicated that the action to develop community wildfire
preparedness is a top priority. Respondents also felt similarly (52%) about creating
evacuation plans and outreach materials for residents being a top priority. Notably,
respondents were relatively divided on how to prioritize the action to create
educational resources and outreach on climate change risks, with 43% indicating
that it should be a top priority and 32% indicating that it should not be a priority.
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Q9: Please review and indicate how you would prioritize
implementation for the following actions related to natural
habitats & urban greenspaces actions. (n = 111)
Most respondents (44%) indicated that adopting an urban forest master plan
should be a top priority. Nearly 40% of respondents also indicated that ensuring
equitable access to greenspace and identifying opportunities to expand habitat
protection were top priorities, but a significant fraction (21% and 26% respectively)
also indicated that these same actions should not be a priority.
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Q10: Please review and indicate how you would prioritize
implementation for the following actions related to water
conservation & stormwater management. (n = 110)
Most respondents (45%) identified the action of strengthening water conservation
efforts to protect quality and quantity from climate change as a top priority, while
22% thought that it is not a priority within the next 10 years. The action to upgrade
stormwater infrastructure saw a little less divided support from survey participants,
with 35% selecting it as a top priority and another 26% selecting it as a short-term
priority.
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Q11: Please review and indicate how you would prioritize
implementation for the following actions related to economic
development. (n = 111)
The action to support local businesses’ on-site renewable electricity generation and
storage saw 34% of respondents indicating that it should be a top priority and
another 27% indicating that it should be a short-term priority. Nearly a quarter of
respondents (23%) indicated that it should not at all be a priority. A third of
respondents (32%) indicated that the action to develop a green jobs strategy was
not a priority within the next 10 years, though 22% saw it as a top priority and
another 25% view it as a short-term 3 to 5-year priority.
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Q12: Please review and indicate how you would prioritize
implementation for the following actions related to cultural
resources and practices. (n = 111)
Nearly a third of respondents (32%) indicated that this action should not be a
priority, though similar to the previous questions, 23% of respondents indicated
that it should be a top priority with another 27% of respondents indicating it should
be a short term 3–5-year priority.
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Q13: Please review and indicate how you would prioritize
implementation for the following actions related to public health
and community resilience. (n = 111)
Conducting a climate vulnerability and risk assessment was an action with one of
the most relatively divided results, with 35% of respondents indicating that it
should be a top priority but 33% indicating that it should not be a priority in the
next 10 years. However, another 21% of respondents selected it as a short-term
priority, further bolstering sentiment that a vulnerability assessment can be
prioritized.
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PRIORITIES FOR REDUCING GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS
Q14: Please review and indicate how you would prioritize
implementation for the following actions related to transportation
and planned development. (n = 101)
Support for each of these actions saw somewhat divided opinion amongst Auburn
respondents, with 30 to 34% of respondents marking each of the three actions as
not a top priority in the next 10 years. However, the prioritization of expanding
accessible multi-modal and low-carbon transportation options was marked as a
top priority by 32% of respondents, with a further 24% identifying it as a short-term
priority. Similarly, 29% of respondents viewed the prioritization of dense, mixed-use
development with affordable housing in Auburn’s downtown as a top priority and
another 26% selecting it as a short-term priority. The action to update City code to
expand electric vehicle infrastructure saw slightly less positive support, with only
24% selecting it as a top priority and another 23% selecting it as a short-term
priority.
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Q15: Please review and indicate how you would prioritize
implementation for the following actions related to renewable
energy and energy efficiency. (n = 100)
In a similar trend to Q14, the three renewable energy/energy efficiency actions saw
slightly more divided support. A quarter of respondents (26%) identified supporting
and building energy efficiency retrofit programs as a top priority, 30% saw it as a
short-term priority, and 24% saw it as not a priority within 10 years. The actions to
explore and promote financial incentives to upgrade energy efficiency and expand
local renewable energy production and community-based partnership programs
were viewed by 30 to 31% of respondents as not a priority. However, the financial
incentives action was supported by 26% of respondents as a top priority and
another 34% as a short-term priority. Expanding local renewable energy production
was viewed slightly more ambivalently, with only 21% of respondents believing that
it should be a top priority and 35% of respondents selecting it as a short-term
priority.
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Q16: Please review and indicate how you would prioritize
implementation for the following actions related to natural
habitats and urban greenspace. (n = 100)
Respondents more strongly viewed the natural habitats and urban greenspace
actions as top priorities, however. A significant number of respondents (41%)
identified improving and expanding urban forest management to minimize heat
island effects as a top priority, with 20% viewing it as a short-term priority and 24%
indicating that it should not be a priority. The action to require new developments
to include open space set-asides was supported by 37% of respondents as a top
priority, 22% as a short-term priority, and 21% as not a priority.
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Q17: Please review and indicate how you would prioritize
implementation for the following actions related to waste
management and circular economy. (n = 100)
Respondents were also more in agreement with waste management and circular
economy actions. The action to expand commercial recycling and organics
collection saw strong support as a top priority amongst all other actions, with
nearly half of respondents (47%) agreeing that it should be a top priority. Only 16%
saw it as a short-term priority and 19% as not a priority. The actions to expand local
composting programs for single and multi-family properties for food waste
diversion as well as supporting development and implementation of construction
recycling had similar distributions of support, as 39% and 37% of respondents
respectively viewed them as a top priority, 22% and 18% as a short-term priority, and
24% viewed each as not a priority. Supporting a circular economy through take-
back programs saw a more evenly distributed split of support, with 28% indicating
it as a top priority, 27% indicating it as a short-term priority, and 25% indicating it
should not be a priority.
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ANTICIPATED CHALLENGES & BARRIERS
Q18: Personally, what are some barriers that might prevent you
from taking climate action? (n = 95)
Most respondents (56%) indicated that cost, resources, or other competing
economic demands prevent them from taking climate action. Many others (33.7%)
indicated that outside forces and larger-scale changes need to be made and that
individual action would have limited impact.
Answer choice Response
Percentage
Individual
Count
Time commitment - I do not have enough time to
think about climate change.
19.0% 18
Lack of educational resources - There are not
enough educational resources that can inform me
about how to take action.
22.1% 21
Cost or Resources - I have other competing
economic demands in my life that are more
important to me and my family.
55.8% 53
Realizing benefits - I don't plan to live in my current
home long enough to recover the costs of making
changes to my home to reduce its carbon footprint.
OR I live in an apartment and cannot make the
types of changes that are needed to reduce my
carbon footprint.
26.3% 25
Level of care and interest - I do not think there is
enough of a crisis that I personally need to do
anything to reduce the risks of climate change.
27.4% 26
Outside forces - I feel that the changes need to be
at larger scale than what I can do as an individual-
nothing I do will make any difference
33.7% 32
Other (please specify) 20.0% 19
Q19: Please describe any challenges or barriers you and/or your
household/family may face in addressing extreme weather and
climate change.
The top themes that emerged from respondents’ open responses were related to
financial constraints and a lack of education resulting in skepticism towards
climate change and government action. Please see Attachment A: Survey Open-
ended Responses for full submissions.
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• Many respondents cited barriers such as the high cost of energy efficiency
upgrades and permitting and regulatory processes that seemed complex
and daunting.
• Some residents noted that they were in lower-income situations or were
older adults with fixed incomes that limited their ability to do more than
basic home repairs.
• From these responses, a sentiment for greater tax credits and local
incentives began to emerge.
• Many reflected viewpoints that government action was more performative
than impactful, calling for more critical and efficient use of spending.
• The other portion of these types of responses voiced viewpoints that climate
change and extreme weather is nothing new and that nothing could be
done as a result, or reflected conspiracy theories such as “chemtrails” or
viewpoints that climate change discussions were “political scare tactics” or
“fearmongering”.
Q20: Is there anything else you would like us to consider for the
development of the City of Auburn's Climate Element 5-year
program plan?
Open-ended responses included desires for focused, practical, and cost-efficient
action, or viewpoints that Auburn has other priorities. Key themes are summarized
below, and please see Attachment A: Survey Open-ended Responses for full
submissions.
• Respondents’ calls for these measurable and cost-effective actions wanted
to avoid performative, non-measurable actions,
• There was support for specific actions, such as tree planting, effective and
fiscally responsible clean energy, and infrastructure upgrades.
• Themes similar to the previous two open responses of opposition to climate
action were also present amongst responses, with denial of the climate crisis,
desire for Auburn to focus on other visible problems such as crime, public
safety, and homelessness instead, or concern that the government would
waste money due to past ineffective programs.
• Other sentiments shared were simple words of encouragement, support for
the climate program, and excitement that some form of action was in
motion.
City-Led Engagement Touchpoints
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With support from Cascadia, Auburn used the City’s official social media accounts
and website to provide regular updates about the project and upcoming
engagement activities to all interested community members and partners.
Frequent communications through emails, website updates, and social media
posts proved to be an effective way to promote other engagement activities like
the survey and tabling events to the public (see Survey Results: How did you hear
about this survey?).
Supplemented by engagement posters and factsheets made by Cascadia, City staff
led a series of engagement activities between January through February 2025 to
seek community input and promote the survey. City staff tabled at various
community events, presented at two community organization board meetings, and
led one open house.
Open House
The city held one in-person open house to further engage Auburn community
members. This open house served as an opportunity to educate the community on
the Climate Element, gather feedback to inform the Climate Element
Implementation Plan, and promote the Auburn community survey. Cascadia
provided engagement materials, including factsheets and project posters. The City
of Auburn led one open house event and presented at two board meetings, with
specific dates listed below:
Table 1. Open House and Briefing Date and Locations
Date Event Audience Total
Interactions
2/04/2025 City of Auburn Tree Board Briefing City of Auburn Tree Board
members N/A
2/04/2025 City of Auburn Parks Board Briefing City of Auburn Parks Board
members N/A
2/19/2025 Open House at City Council
Chambers (4 – 6 pm)
Public 6
WHAT WE HEARD
Below are key pieces of feedback that Auburn community members shared during
the Tree and Parks board meetings as well as the open house at City Council
Chambers. These themes reflect both verbal points shared as well as sticky notes
from open house attendees for the posters. Please see Attachment B: Tabling
Activity Notes on Individual Comments for notes.
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Theme #1: Ensure accountability and long -term practicality of climate policies
• Community members desire clear accountability and compliance
mechanisms of climate goals and programs
• Open house attendees voiced concerns over political or funding changes
destabilizing climate initiatives and highlighted the importance of
contingency planning
Theme #2: Preserve open spaces and maintain environmental protections
• Participants voiced a desire particularly to protect the Segale/old mine site
• They also want to maintain tree retention codes and encourage
development that seeks to preserve green spaces in both private and public
sectors
Theme #3: Improve inclusive community engagement and communication
• Attendees suggested working with tribes, HOAs, schools, and neighborhood
groups to build trust, education, and awareness of climate-related
information
• The climate program must promote and connect with people who volunteer
at Earth Day cleanup events
• Communication should connect high level climate actions to people’s
everyday lives to make policies personal and tangible (example: water
quality, utility bills, missed important life events)
• Use plain, accessible, frequent, and transparent language when
communicating
• Proactively combat misinformation and maintain transparency on funding
sources
Tabling
Promoting the project survey at places where Auburn residents already gather was
a key strategy in the Engagement Plan. Posters displaying the Climate Element
and project information, half-sheets, and the public survey feedback opportunities
were all promoted at in-person events and local gathering spaces through tabling.
The posters and factsheets used at tabling events to support City staff can be found
in Attachment C: Engagement Activity Posters and Factsheets.
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Tabling at various events and locations was the main form of in-person
engagement for the City of Auburn. Tabling occurred between January and
February 2025. City staff identified and staffed eight events or locations for tabling.
Attendance/the number of interactions was not tracked at these tabling events.
Individuals engaged in conversation and stopped by the tables to learn more from
city staff, as reflected in the takeaways below.
The City of Auburn led the following tabling events on specific dates:
Table 2. Tabling Event Date and Locations
Date Event
1/29/2025 City of Auburn Les Gove Community Center
2/08/2025 King County Library in Auburn during Puget Sound Energy Event
2/11/2025 Green River College Auburn Center
2/12/2025 King County Library
2/13/2025 Green River College Auburn Center
2/18/2025 Green River College Main Campus
2/20/2025 Green River College Main Campus
2/21/2025 White River Valley Museum
WHAT WE HEARD
Below are key pieces of feedback that Auburn community members shared at
various tabling events:
Theme #1: Enhance green infrastructure
• Strong community interest in increasing tree canopy, developing and
preserving more parks and open greenspaces, and protecting natural spaces
such as wetlands and streams
• Incorporate green space into new housing projects and keep trees in private
developments
• Address cost barriers to solar energy and other renewable energy expansion
Theme #2: Improve waste reduction and recycling
• Some individuals voiced a desire for better recycling education, particularly
in multifamily households
• Suggestions to provide clearer information on recycling rules
Theme #3: Expand community climate awareness and collaboration
• Calls from the community for more public information sharing on climate
emergency preparedness and hazards
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• Many called out potential partnerships between businesses and programs
such as EnviroStars, Climate Alliance of the South Sound, neighboring cities,
and local Tribes
Next Steps
Throughout the project, community feedback compiled in this summary report has
incrementally been and will continue to be integrated into the draft Climate
Element Implementation Plan. The feedback collected through each engagement
activity can continue to inform talking points in the implementation plan, future
plans, continued engagement, partnership, and dialogue between Auburn and its
community.
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Attachments
Attachment A: Survey Open-ended Responses
The following are verbatim submissions to the open-ended questions included in
the survey. These responses do not necessarily reflect any official position held by
the city.
Q7: Please share any details or personal experiences related to
extreme weather events or climate change impacts you have
experienced in Auburn.
Answers similar to “none” or “not sure” omitted.
I have been above the arctic circle. That region used to be temperate. Well before Halliburton,
General Motors or mankind. It is pretty arrogant, and ignorant, to think man can change the
climate.
Mostly lengthy heat "waves" with higher temperatures than I have ever experienced in my 61 years
Firstly, there is no such thing as 'climate change'. What exists is properly termed as "Meteorological
(Meteorologic) Transition". Draining oil and water from subterranean sources establishes duress on
the planet in that its ability to dispel energy (heat) is lessened. Think what will occur should your
automobile engine be without oil & water! Meteorological Transition is a solely man-made dilemma.
The deforestation of the Earth surface, concomitant with adversities of oil/water welling worldwide,
and illogical use of construction & repair materials bring about dire unfathomable - perhaps
irresolvable - consequences in finality.
Just feels like there are more weather extremes
Vegetable/fruit gardening has been a challenge over the past 20 or so years. Early warm weather,
heavy spring rains and late season freezes ruin crops.
wildfire smoke and ash in the air
Poor air quality/new chronic congestion/increased allergic reactions/trouble breathing
Deteriorating air quality due to wildfires.
Too many trees have been cut down--and lots of concrete and warehouses
Unhealthy conditions for breathing wildfire smoke. Inability to be outside because of excessive heat
and unhealthy air quality. Inability to exercise outdoors due to heat and smoke.
The Auburn Black Diamond Road constantly closed due to soil erosion and trees coming down.
Every year we have at a few weeks of poor, smokey air quality that keeps us indoors with our
windows closed.
Also, more and more we’re getting weather so hot that we run our air conditioning, something we
didn’t do for years living in the same house.
Green River flooding of Isaac Evans Park
We have had many days of being unable to leave the house due to the poor air quality from
wildfires
Unable to recreate due to smoke. (Advised against outdoor activities.)
1) The climate is always changing. Once upon a time Auburn was under several feet of ice.
Connected to extreme weather, all areas have an extreme weather event. They are a minor blip. My
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family has lived in this general area since 1940. We have an odd hot summer, or heavy snow event,
and wind event.
Heat and drought in the summer have killed my established plants and bushes.
Climate is always change and humans have minimal impact. This is all a political scare tactic to
impose tax revenue. 1
Wildfire smoke has caused work to be cancelled (outside activity). Electric bill increase when
temperatures require A/C for comfort in sunmer
I remember fluctuations over the last 70 years of times of a few years of more snow and colder
temperatures, then times of much hotter spells of weather. Then more in the middle. I also
remember many years of flooding of the Green River that pretty much happened every year.
For the most is the out control of plastic that is in the surrounding areas and along the rivers. This
could contribute to any fires in a heat wave. I am referring to the trash you can find esaly in
inhabitant land or behind a bush. It has been already difficult go true a lot with the housing issue,
Auburn seems to have people living in the woods.
Community leaders in Auburn, Washington, should take a balanced and pragmatic approach to
climate change while addressing the city's broader challenges, such as economic development,
housing, and infrastructure. Auburn, like many mid-sized cities, faces pressures from population
growth, affordability concerns, and the need for sustainable job creation. Rather than prioritizing
expensive, symbolic climate policies, leaders should focus on practical, cost-effective solutions that
improve resilience while keeping the local economy strong. Investments in infrastructure upgrades,
efficient public transportation, and energy-efficient buildings can help reduce emissions without
burdening taxpayers or businesses. Auburn's economy is closely tied to manufacturing, logistics,
and retail, meaning leaders should prioritize policies that protect and grow jobs while considering
environmental impacts. Instead of heavy-handed regulations that could drive businesses away,
they should support smart incentives for businesses to adopt cleaner technologies. Encouraging
research into innovative, market-driven solutions—like more efficient freight systems or sustainable
manufacturing practices—would allow Auburn to reduce its environmental footprint while
maintaining economic vitality. Another key focus should be on community preparedness and
adaptation. Climate models suggest the Pacific Northwest will experience more intense rain events
and occasional heatwaves, but Auburn is not at risk of the catastrophic weather events seen in
other parts of the country. Leaders should invest in better stormwater management, urban tree
planting for cooling effects, and emergency preparedness plans that address extreme weather
without exaggerating the threat. These targeted measures would improve Auburn’s climate
resilience without wasting resources on unrealistic carbon reduction goals that have little local
impact. Finally, leaders should ensure that climate policies do not overshadow urgent social issues,
such as homelessness, crime, and public health. Auburn must prioritize helping vulnerable
populations find housing and jobs rather than funneling resources into expensive green initiatives
with questionable returns. If sustainability efforts are tied to broader economic and social
improvements—such as making housing more energy-efficient while keeping it affordable—then
the community can benefit from environmental progress without unnecessary trade-offs. In short,
Auburn’s leadership should embrace a commonsense, cost-effective approach to climate change—
one that prioritizes resilience, innovation, and economic well-being over alarmist, one-size-fits-all
policies. By focusing on local needs and leveraging technology and private-sector solutions, the city
can prepare for future environmental shifts without sacrificing growth or quality of life. Here are
some key takeaways from UN-backed studies, particularly the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate
Change (IPCC) reports, that suggest adaptation and innovation are more practical than extreme
measures: 1. Climate-Related Deaths Have Declined Sharply According to data cited in IPCC reports
and research compiled by Our World in Data, deaths from climate-related disasters (heatwaves,
floods, storms, droughts, and wildfires) have declined by over 90% in the last century. Source: IPCC
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AR6 Synthesis Report (2023) and Our World in Data (Rosling, 2021) Why it matters: This shows that
human resilience and adaptation (better infrastructure, early warning systems, improved
agriculture) have dramatically reduced climate risks, contradicting apocalyptic claims of rising
deaths. 2. Economic Growth Outpaces Climate Costs The IPCC AR6 (2023) report notes that while
climate change has economic costs, global GDP is still projected to grow substantially under most
climate scenarios. The estimated global GDP reduction from climate change by 2100 is projected to
be between 2-4%, even in worst-case scenarios (IPCC, 2021). Meanwhile, global GDP is expected to
triple or quadruple over the same period. Why it matters: This suggests that while climate change
will have costs, they are manageable within overall economic growth, especially if investments in
adaptation and innovation continue. 3. Extreme Weather Events Are Not Increasing in Frequency
(Only Impact is Growing Due to More Development in Risk Areas) Hurricanes and Tropical Cyclones:
The IPCC AR6 (2023) acknowledges no significant increase in global hurricane frequency—only
changes in intensity for some regions. Floods and Droughts: Data from UN reports show that
flooding damage has increased not because floods are becoming more frequent, but because more
people and assets are in flood-prone areas. Source: IPCC AR6 (2023), WMO (World Meteorological
Organization) Report (2021) Why it matters: Climate models predicting runaway disaster frequency
have not been supported by observational data, reinforcing the idea that adaptation (e.g., better
infrastructure, land-use planning) is more effective than extreme emissions cuts. 4. The "Net-Zero"
Approach Is Costly and Has Limited Impact According to the UN Environment Programme (UNEP),
achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 would require annual global spending of $4-6 trillion per
year—an enormous financial burden. The IPCC acknowledges that even if all Paris Agreement goals
are met, it would only reduce global temperatures by about 0.17°C by 2100. Source: IPCC AR6 (2023),
UNEP Emissions Gap Report (2021) Why it matters: This suggests that drastic carbon-cutting
policies would cost trillions while yielding minimal climate benefits, making innovation and
adaptation a more pragmatic strategy. 5. Renewable Energy Alone Is Not a Viable Short-Term
Solution IPCC reports acknowledge that solar and wind energy are intermittent and require
massive infrastructure investments to ensure reliability. The IEA (International Energy Agency)
states that fossil fuels will still supply over 50% of global energy demand in 2050, even under
optimistic renewable scenarios. Source: IPCC AR6 (2023), IEA World Energy Outlook (2022) Why it
matters: This reinforces the need for a diversified energy strategy, rather than rushing into
unreliable renewables at the expense of economic stability. Conclusion: A More Measured Approach
is Warranted The UN’s own reports do not support alarmist narratives that claim we are on the
brink of catastrophe. Instead, the data suggests that human adaptation, economic growth, and
technological progress are already mitigating many climate risks. Investing in resilience, innovation,
and smarter policies is a more practical and cost-effective approach than radical decarbonization
efforts that impose high costs with minimal benefits.
Extremes on heat and cold; I worry about seniors and low income being able to live and work in
that
Too hot a few days of the year for this Sr. Citizen. Watched a few yrs back as a fire started coming
down the Sumner hills.
Had to add Air Condition to my home, had to add drainage around home to absorb water flows
from rain,
Power keeps going out due to what seems minimal weather conditions
price increases for food and goods and services!!
Cold homes, more homeless and sparse food resources
Better response to extreme winter weather would be much appreciated. Buy plow vehicles in the
summer if they're cheaper?
Hotter summers with less rain. Bad air quality because of wild fires, making it unsafe to go outside. I
have family in Winthrop and southern CA that have been severely impacted.
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I have lived in washington my whole life and auburn since 1980. The weather is the same, it has
cycles. We are over crowded with people though.
Poor air quality from wildfire smoke has directly impacted asthmatic household members..
Several members of my family have impaired breathing, and the air and water quality has been
declining for years.
The 2021 heat dome is a great example - temps reached 115 degrees, making it unsafe to be outside,
unsafe to be anywhere without A/C, putting massive strain on the power grid, destroying crops, and
100 heat-related deaths across WA (according to DOH). I'd love to provide more personal info, but
honestly I think the people who are able to respond to this survey, largely, are less affected by these
things than the folks who are most at risk from climate change.
Stop wasting tax money on this.
Multiple severe windstorms that cause multi-day power outages.
we know that natural gas emits far less emissions than fossil fuels, and that previous state statutes
have required cities to consider natural gas vehicles. The opportunity to use natural gas was
preserved by voters last November. So, why don't we start there: all new city passenger vehicles
(police, human services, permitting, inspections, Parks and Recreation, etc.) to be LNG, as well as
conversions where economically and functionally reasonable to do so. Seems like everybody wants
to change the world, but nobody wants to change themselves. Maybe the best thing we could do
as a city is look in the mirror.
I moved to Auburn three years ago and I am still astonished at how often I hear “it’s normally much
nicer this time of year,” or, “it normally doesn’t pour down rain for so long like this,” or, “normally no
one needs air conditioning.” I just wonder when people will realize that how it is now IS normal and
it won’t go back to the way it was. One of my first summers was miserable because I didn’t have air
conditioning and I couldn’t open the windows because of wildfire smoke. I was told that it didn’t
actually rain that often just drizzled, but I’ve experienced so many atmospheric rivers that pour
down rain for days. If it’s like this now, what will it be like in 5 years? 20?
110 degrees with no air conditioning was unsafe.
Unable to walk to the bus stop due to ice. Not enough trees in downtown to provide shade walking
or waiting for bus.
Water rationing and horrible air quality for humans and animals over extended periods of time.
Major negative impact on quality of life.
I have not been impacted by climate change, but have been by government. I am more impacted
by agencies who think diverting electricity for electric cars is more important than power for my
house. We have a terrible power grid and now they want to take away my natural gas. Climate
change is a natural occurrence and humans aren't the cause or the fix.
The roads get flooded and make driving hard, my yard also floods frequently
I have breathing issues and I’m concerned about air quality with all the fires over the last several
years.
I am an American who has lived throughout the US. Weather is something to adapt to, not humanly
modified or affected by us. Give me better leaders who help people not force non common sense
solutions. So be it!
Lawn burn like no other times before
Q19: Please describe any challenges or barriers you and/or your
household/family may face in addressing extreme weather and
climate change.
Answers similar to “not sure” or “none” omitted.
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Chicken Little types crying "the sky is falling". Total crap. When I was a little kid the CLs were all
pushing the new Ice Age.
Political adversity brings about the principle barriers. That, together with the (topical) abysmal
ignorance of elected officials, create real and unforeseen challenges in addressing meteorological
transition.
We have updated our forever home over the past 20years to be energy efficient while adapting to
climate changes. Generator and home batteries for the power outages that used to be days but
now just hours. We would like to add solar but the costs and permitting process is ridiculously
overburdening.
Physically handicapped 75 year old in assisted living. Also have 2 SF. rentals rented to family
members. No spare funds to devote to anything but necessary repairs.
Better insulation in the house
Cost
Finding cooling centers and keeping house cool during summer
High property taxesa
There is no real proof of a climate, heat crisis. It is ignorance of the truth of holy God, believing the
lies of the left and satan.
As stated before, my family has lived in the area since the 1940s. We have had windstorms in the
past such. The 1962 windstorm killed many and cause 1.8 billion (adjusted for inflation). The 1993
windstorm left many without power for weeks. The 2006 storm also left many without power. We
have had days at or below 0F in in 1950, 1955, 1957, 1964, 1968, 1975, 1983, and 1989. It is something
that we address when an extreme weather event occurs. Blaming "climate change" is silly. The
Puget Sound was cut and shaped by glaciers. What were the human impacts that melted the
glaciers that formed the Sound and the Cascades?
It is difficult to afford ANY repairs to the home, let alone costs for things related to addressing
climate change. Most of us are trying to get through each day
Cost of improving energy efficiency in our home.
80-year-old health issues.
We are limited on the use of public transportation because of accessibility issues and time
constraints for available schedules.
Transportation gridlock, evacuation efforts to and from, effect in surrounding neighborhoods and
region as a whole.
The natural resources as rivers are more contaminated with trash debris, in the summer time many
families head to enjoy.
stop spraying us with "chemtrails,' is a good start for our state and let the natural jet stream of
weather flow instead of modifying it.
Lack of water, increased fires resulting in loss of life & property. Delay in business or lack of
businesses related to fires/lack of water. All the obvious.
Cost. If rebates or incentives were better, I would make upgrades to my home.
I do not have air conditioning. My heat source is not that great.
Lack of leadership and resources in Goverment to implement any practical solutions to these
problems. Examples are the LA fires and Carolina Hurricane recovery. Either implementing
preventive measures or immediate problem solving solutions
The Federal government rolling back environmental protections and firing federal employees in
watchdog positions.
financial and timely options
Thermostat prices.
Lack of good public transit.
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This isn't something Auburn needs to spend money on.
Dont feel we have extreme weather. Just mismanagement of our natural resources
Too many funds wasted on climate issues. Don't
The biggest impacts need to happen at the state and local level - e.g. if we want to reduce VMT (we
should), giving an e-bike credit is great! But if you expect people to replace car trips with biking or
walking, you need to make those modes safe. Protected bike lanes, etc. A citizen can choose to ride
a bike, but they can't choose how the city protects them when they do.
I am very sensitive to heat, and much of my family is breathing impaired. My wife has developed
extreme allergies in outdoor spaces from the last few years.
We are currently under extreme economic constraints and it's difficult to dedicate more of our
resources to mitigation efforts.
There has been complete lack of focus on upgrading of our power distribution network. Focus on
clean energy and electric vehicles is nothing but talk if residents face multiple power outages every
year.
I’m frustrated that my home is only electric. If homes were build with a diversified heat source, that
would be beneficial. (Eg. fire stove, electric, plus gas furnace)
There's a whole lot of "political correctness" in the structure of these questions, which sound like
trends surfing and pandering, not hard science and hard-nosed financial analysis of ROI. That's
disappointing.
I live in a heat island in central Auburn.
Expense, I would love to reuse some water for my garden but systems are pricey
Physical mobility challenges
I don't believe man caused it nor can man fix it.
Not enough money
I am not a believer
We are fortunate to be able to personally adjust to extreme weather, and have not been impacted
by major weather events.
Cost of permits and lack of police and DA’s ability to respond to my needs.
Cost
Q20: Is there anything else you would like us to consider for the
development of the City of Auburn's Climate Element 5-year
program plan?
I'd like consideration given: at 88 years of age, I'm not sure I can expect to face a Five-Years Program
Plan (The FYYP).
Let's look at Root Cause and how best to plan for mitigating the risk of climate change impacts.
Keep it simple. Don’t go rocketing off in all directions. What is the minimum that MUST be done?
SHOULD be done? Would be nice to do? That’s the hierarchy to follow.
Plant more trees
Abolish fireworks
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Don’t do it, it’s not necessary and there isn’t a crises or need for a 5 year plan. It would be a waste of
time and valuable city taxpayer funds. The city of Auburn has too much crime and many failing
businesses. Do something about that.
Focus on eliminating crime in Auburn and not this pseudo-science. Crime is real. This BS is not.
I love that Auburn cares, let’s do it!
As we look for solutions that will work for families, our community and the region, we need to make
sure that the changes implemented are solidly based on best practices and sustainable financially.
Economics must be taken into consideration and the impact on a lower income community. And
incentives should be considered for those who might find this more difficult to accomplish than it is
for others.
Quit wasting money. The State and County are broke and broken.
STOP STOP wasting money and resources on this. Find ways to make our lives better and safer here
in Auburn. Lower crime. Lower property tax. Keep the homeless from messing up the area.
I believe climate change is real and important. The level of understanding this survey supposes is a bit
aspirational. ... in addition to the survey being rather long. A number of the questions in this survey
should be addressed by professionals, not lay people.
Every home we have seen bought in the last 5 years has cut down the trees, especially in the front
yards. Then the rent the home out. So the owners are reducing the tree cover and natural shade in
housing areas, without living there to even feel the effects. Would love for the City to see what it can
do to help preserve trees in neighborhoods
Please pay attention to what actual scientists are saying and the data they're reporting, not just
sensational headlines. 1. Climate-Related Deaths Have Declined Sharply Data from the
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) indicates that deaths from climate-related
disasters have significantly decreased over the past century. This decline is attributed to improved
infrastructure, early warning systems, and better disaster response. Source: IPCC Sixth Assessment
Report (AR6) Synthesis Report, 2023 https://knowledge4policy.ec.europa.eu/publication/ipcc-ar6-
synthesis-report-climate-change-2023_en 2. Economic Growth Outpaces Climate Costs The IPCC AR6
Synthesis Report (2023) projects that while climate change will have economic impacts, global GDP is
still expected to grow substantially throughout the 21st century. The estimated reduction in global
GDP by 2100 due to climate change is relatively modest compared to overall projected economic
growth. Source: IPCC AR6 Synthesis Report, 2023
https://knowledge4policy.ec.europa.eu/publication/ipcc-ar6-synthesis-report-climate-change-
2023_en 3. Extreme Weather Events and Their Impacts The IPCC AR6 Synthesis Report (2023) notes
that while certain extreme weather events have increased in intensity, there is no significant global
trend in the frequency of hurricanes and tropical cyclones. Increased damages from events like floods
are often due to more assets being located in vulnerable areas, rather than an increase in the events
themselves. Source: IPCC AR6 Synthesis Report, 2023
https://knowledge4policy.ec.europa.eu/publication/ipcc-ar6-synthesis-report-climate-change-
2023_en 4. Costs and Impact of "Net-Zero" Policies The United Nations Environment Programme
(UNEP) Emissions Gap Report 2021 highlights that achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 would
require significant global investment. However, even with full implementation of current pledges, the
projected reduction in global temperature rise by 2100 is limited, suggesting that the costs may
outweigh the benefits. Source: UNEP Emissions Gap Report 2021
https://www.unep.org/events/publication-launch/emissions-gap-report-2021 5. Renewable Energy
and Energy Demand The IPCC AR6 Synthesis Report (2023) acknowledges that while renewable
energy sources like solar and wind are essential components of a sustainable energy future, they
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currently face challenges related to intermittency and infrastructure requirements. Fossil fuels are
projected to continue supplying a significant portion of global energy demand in the coming decades.
Source: IPCC AR6 Synthesis Report, 2023 https://knowledge4policy.ec.europa.eu/publication/ipcc-
ar6-synthesis-report-climate-change-2023_en These reports suggest that while addressing climate
change is important, strategies should be balanced, economically viable, and consider the broader
context of human development and resilience.
Keep, the education on place until you see good results.
Coordinated efforts with Natural Disaster planning and programs.
Not necessarily from your organization, but I constantly hear from various gov't depts, companies,
etc. that we're 'talking about it.' Do something. Stop talking.
I live in an urban separator area on 1-acre lots. There are a lot of deer in our area, but they are
trapped by city all around them. I wish urban planners had done better by creating east/west paths so
that animals could travel without having to cross as many roads. I wish you would require, like
Redmond, a certain percentage of trees to remain when developers put in houses. I wish you would
require a certain asthetic on those developments, requiring not just short bushes, but trees, in the
landscaping. I realize that we have to cram houses together to accommodate all of the people, but
can we please do it with some style so I'm not embarrassed to live here?
There needs to be a significant emphasis put on the ROI of any program. Auburn families cannot
continue to absorb costs for new programs. If the ROI is sufficient the City needs to address other
programs that are not affective to shift any funds appropriations.
Again, stop the "chemtrails," cloud seeding or whatever you want to call it.
Mt Rainier volcanic activity and the “big one” earthquake. Also, sudden and violent loss of the “grid”
Plant more trees.
Clean renewable energy from simple programs such as green houses, wind turbines, water streams
and more eclectic foot traffic resources
How can I help?
I saw no mention of residential solar energy collection. I think this is a potentially good energy
source. Am I wrong about that?
I live near the Muckleshoot casino & firework stands. A strong plan to keep the stands from a fire
accident or explosion, that could put all the surrounding homes at danger.
Making the Sounder train 24/7, both ways.
Our climate is running in normal weather cycles. Common sense is all that is needed, not throwing
our stolen tax dollars at it.
This doesn't need to be complicated - the 2 key climate change factors that city policy can impact are
VMT and affordability. Do everything you can to get people out of their cars, and remove the barriers
to building dense housing options in optimal locations. If that's ALL you did, the city would be the
envy of the region in 10 years. No more suburban sprawl, no more single-lot drive-thrus, etc.
City does not need to be involved.
Clean up all the garbage and graffiti that makes Auburn look like third world country. Eliminate
homeless camps and drugs.
This isn't something Auburn needs to spend money on.
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Prioritize education of “no littering”. Also our recycling in our state is a joke. I make my due diligence
to recycle correctly but then I see my neighbor’s recycling bin filled with garbage. What’s the point of
me doing it correctly? There should be recycling auditing, similar to how they do it in Germany. Also
have this be taught in early education.
Please prioritize upgrading of Auburn’s west hill power distribution network as well as considering a
waste water/storm water system on West Hill (majority of houses still on septic). This area was one
of the city’s most recent but still has 1950’s infrastructures infrastructure and we do pay stormwater
and sewer fees to the city each month but don’t have any infrastructure in return?
Don't be a "me too" lemming. Find three things that will make a gigantic, effective, discernible and
measurable difference, evaluated under a "full-cost" analysis, and then do those things. For
example, Walmart significantly reduce the number of laundry detergent containers entering the
ecosystem by requiring all of its vendors to double the strength of laundry detergent, so that
households would only have to use half as much detergent for a load of clothes, thereby potentially
cutting the number of laundry detergent containers by 50%. State government has demonstrated it
has accomplished exactly nothing for climate change (but has funded lots of political pork) at
enormous expense, and then Ecology refused (in violation of state statute) to release the damning
data for two years, until the governor left office and the state was sued by the Washington Policy
Center. That litigation continues. Similarly, the state spent a ton of money on culvert replacements
that opened up maximum upstream areas... except that the stream areas that were opened-up had
little-to-no fish value/populations. They were just a way to "cook the books" to make it look like
something meaningful was happening, while the streams with fish populations blocked by expensive
projects (and which would produce the most benefit) were not addressed, leaving a huge gap
between what was accomplished, and what the federal courts have required. So the message is
really simple, and straightforward: Do something that makes a big difference, that can be measured,
and proved objectively, and accomplished expeditiously in a cost-effective manner with
demonstrable ROI. And leave all the feel-good political correctness babble in Seattle. This is Auburn.
Keep it real, with measurable results, and cost-effective
The forthcoming results of the Heat and Health study.
Don't spend tax dollars on it
Thank you for all your efforts for this important cause!! Keep up the good work
The time is now. Clock is ticking.
Reduce the amount of grass that needs to be maintained, plant more native and environmentally
friendly plants and trees.
Every city has to be involved. Just not one or two and then the next five don’t participate. People
need to see physical change and everyone is doing their part. It will take decades. Population
explosion will make it difficult.
Nature controls climate, not people.
I would like to see homelessness and crime prioritized over climate change.
More pain for those who endanger the climate loving citizens.
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Attachment B: Tabling Activity Notes on
Individual Comments
• More recycling options and education needed for households and
multifamily developments. Ex: Styro Recycle Center in Kent. Perhaps
encouraging this type of use/business in Auburn city limits.
• Connect with business regarding recycling programs and locations
• More trees throughout city (two individuals shared this)
• School district to electrify fleet/buses
• Increase information sharing programs and build more awareness of the
potential impacts/hazards and how to prepare personally (family, home,
etc.)
• Connect business with EnviroStars
• Build and strengthen community partnerships
• More trash cans around the city to prevent littering
• Consider cost barriers to solar/renewable energy
• More urban green space
• Information sharing about recycling rules and opportunities
• Get rid of plastic
• Plant more trees
• Partner with the Tribe
• Protect streams, rivers, and wetlands
• Tree retention on private developments
• Create more parks
• Incorporate parks into new housing projects
• Integrated parks and open space throughout the city and region
• Plant and keep more trees x2
• Manage stormwater
• Preserve open space
• Work with neighboring cities
• Join/look into Climate Alliance of the South Sound
• More trees throughout city (two individuals shared this)
• School district to electrify fleet/buses
• Increase information sharing programs and build more awareness of the
potential impacts/hazards and how to prepare personally (family, home,
etc.)
• Connect business with EnviroStars
• Build and strengthen community partnerships
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Attachment C: Engagement Activity Posters and
Factsheets
Engagement Activity Climate Resiliency Policy Sticky Dot Poster:
Engagement Activity Greenhouse Gas Reduction Policy Sticky Dot Poster:
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Open House Poster Public Sticky Note Comments:
• “Define a specific vision of climate goals we can work towards”
• “What outreach programs via HOA’S could be leveraged?”
• “Put Alyssa’s contact info in the Climate Element brochure”
• “Communicate to general public how these polices are relevant to their personal daily lives.
Examples: “Will my water be clean?”, “Will I miss my son’s football game because of climate
change?”, “How does this affect my water/electricity bill?””
• “Communication strategies to resist misinformation regarding the city’s plans, polices, and
actions:
• Be quick to clarify
• Focus on transparency on where the funds go
• Show receipts!!”
• “Frequent and robust communication strategies for successful outreach and community
awareness about climate resiliency polices and plans
• Tailor your messaging depending on the severity of issues you want to address
• The more severe = more aggressive messaging and publicity
• “Security and safety to infrastructures targeted by bad-faith actors”
• “Accessible Language, use simple words so general public understand concepts”
Open House Individual Talking Points and Notes:
• Affordability concerns with potential neighborhood improvements
• Contingency plans for climate related work and programs due to political fluctuations. Ex:
what is funding is lost or unavailable to complete actions/programs/plans
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• Citizens near Segale/old mine site are concerned with losing open space and they desire a
portion of the future PUD to be set aside for a wilderness park or to be donated to King
County Conservation District
• Stronger tree retention codes
• Consider the “teeth” of climate policies and programs. How can compliance be enforced?
How can we ensure these goals are being worked towards and fulfilled
• Connect with HOAs and community organizations regularly about climate projects and
initiatives
• Use Nextdoor, neighborhood engagement mobile application, to share information and
gather feedback
• Connect with school district and students throughout Auburn
• Connect with Lions Club, Rotary Club, Business Cooperative, and other community groups
to share information and gather feedback
• More of an aggressive approach is needed for online engagement. CD should actively work
with Multimedia Department to continuous share information related to planning work and
initiatives, specifically about climate change. Messaging should be relatable, clarify
information, and address the potential direct impact on citizens
• Consider safety for staff/community organization members in case of community
opposition during outreach efforts in the face of political discourse
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City of Auburn Climate Program Factsheets (front and back):
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Appendix B: Example Medium-Scale Scope for
Risk and Vulnerability Assessment
City of Auburn
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP)
Climate Change Risk and Vulnerability Assessment
The City of Auburn (City) Dept. of Community Development is soliciting proposals from qualified
consulting firms to provide project management services for X. The estimated implementation is
anticipated over a X-month timeframe.
One electronic copy (PDF) of the Proposal Package shall be emailed to ateague@auburnwa.gov on
or before 4:00 pm, [DATE] with a subject line “Proposal – Climate Change Risk and Vulnerability
Assessment”. Questions regarding this solicitation should be directed to Alexandria Teague,
Planning Services Manager, by email only at ateague@auburnwa.gov.
For specific instructions on information to include in the Proposal and the evaluation/selection
process, refer to the sections below entitled Proposal Elements and Selection Process & Evaluation
Criteria. Additional information related to this RFP is posted on the City’s website at
http://www.auburnwa.gov/bids.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The City of Auburn seeks proposals from qualified and experienced consultants to provide a
detailed Climate Risk and Vulnerability Assessment (CRVA)to inform the City’s climate adaptation
and resilience planning efforts.
The consultant shall prepare a CRVA that identifies projected climate hazards and their impacts, as
well as gaps in City resilience information and planning. The CRVA should summarize County and
City-level vulnerability data, plans, and policies related to the top climate hazards for the City of
Auburn, including, but not limited to, extreme heat, wildfire , wildfire smoke, extreme precipitation,
and flooding. The CRVA should assess the climate vulnerabilities of the built environment,
communities, and natural systems. The CRVA shall summarize findings and recommendations for
integrated resilience planning in Auburn.
Scope of Work
The consultant will develop a comprehensive Climate Risk and Vulnerability Assessment (CRVA) to
support the City of Auburn’s climate resilience planning. The firm will collaborate with City staff to
ensure successful delivery of the CRVA. Responsibilities will include:
•Identify, gather, and review existing documents, datasets, plans, policies, and studies
relevant to Auburn’s climate risks and vulnerabilities.
•Utilize the best available regional and local climate projections to identify and describe
future climate hazards relevant to Auburn, including but not limited to, extreme heat,
wildfire, wildfire smoke, extreme precipitation, and flooding. Apply multiple emissions
scenarios to evaluate a range of potential impacts. Analyze historic climate trends and
recent extreme events to contextualize future projections.
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•Assess environmental exposure, sensitivity, adaptive capacity, and overall vulnerability of
critical sectors and systems, including the built environment, communities, and natural
systems.
•Summarize existing County and City-level vulnerability data, plans, and policies related to
Auburn’s top climate hazards. Identify and document gaps in existing vulnerability and
resilience data, planning efforts, and adaptive capacity.
•Prepare a comprehensive summary of findings with actionable recommendations to inform
the City’s climate resilience planning. Provide insights into strategies to improve the City’s
preparedness, reduce climate risks, and build long -term resilience.
Proposal Submission Requirements
Interested consulting firms must submit one electronic copy (PDF) of their proposal to
ateague@auburnwa.gov by the specified date and time. The subject line should read: “Proposal –
Climate Change Risk and Vulnerability Assessment.” Late submissions will not be accepted.
Proposal Elements
Each proposal is limited to a maximum of 5 numbered letter sized pages of content (including
cover and cover letter, if provided) (minimum font size 10 Arial) and should address each criteria
listed below. Proposals must include the following information:
•Project understanding and Scope of Services.A description of the proposed services to be
performed,including by any subcontractors.
•Project schedule.
•Project budget.
•The project team with detailed resumes including education, overall work experience, and
descriptions of relevant recent experience performing similar services.
•Descriptions of comparable project experiences for public agencies.
Selection Process & Evaluation Criteria
Proposals will be evaluated by a selection committee based on the criteria outlined above. Each
submittal will be evaluated and given a score based upon the quality of response to each of the
following topic areas. Maximum total number of points achievable is 100.
•Project understanding and Scope of Services (35 points maximum)
•Expertise & qualifications (30 points maximum)
•Related experience in similar projects for public agencies (25 points maximum)
•Responsiveness and clarity of submittal (10 points maximum)
The City will interview up to three top-rated firms, providing an opportunity for presentations. The
selection schedule is as follows (subject to change):
•Issue RFP: [DATE]
•Proposal Deadline: [DATE]
•Preliminary Selection of Firms: [DATE]
•Notify Firms Chosen for Interviews: [DATE]
•Interviews with Selected Firms: [DATE]
•Final Selection: [DATE]
•Execute Contract: [DATE]
Terms and Conditions
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The City of Auburn reserves the right to reject any and all Proposals and to waive irregularities and
informalities in the submittal and evaluation process. This solicitation for Consultant Services does
not obligate the City of Auburn to pay any costs incurred by respondents in the preparation and
submission of a Proposal. This solicitation does not obligate the City of Auburn to accept or
contract for any expressed or implied services. Furthermore, the City of Auburn reserves the right
to award the contract to the next most qualified Consultant if the selected Consultant does not
execute a contract within thirty 30 days after the award of the proposal.
The City of Auburn in accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (Section 504) and the
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), commits to nondiscrimination on the basis of disability, in all
of its programs and activities. This material can be made available in an alternate format by calling
253-931-3010.
The City of Auburn, in accordance with the provisions of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (78
Stat. 252, 42 U.S.C. §§ 2000d to 2000d-4) and the Regulations, hereby notifies all bidders that it will
affirmatively ensure that any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, disadvantaged
business enterprises will be afforded full and fair opportunity to submit bids in response to this
invitation and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of race, color, or national origin in
consideration for an award.
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AUBURN
VALUES
SERVICE
ENVIRONMENT
ECONOMY
CHARACTER
SUSTAINABILITY
WELLNESS
CELEBRATION
PLANNING COMMISSION
CLIMATE ELEMENT 5-YEAR
IMPLEMENTATION PLAN
PRESENTED BY
ALYSSA TATRO, SENIOR PLANNER AND
CASCADIA CONSULTING GROUP
JULY 8, 2025
Department of Community Development
Planning Building Development Engineering Permit Center
Economic Development Code Enforcement
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The City adopted the Climate Element as part of the 2024 Comprehensive Plan
update
This Climate Element Implementation Plan (CEIP) will serve as an educational
resource and strategic roadmap, guiding Auburn in executing a prioritized set of
actions outlined in the Climate Element for the next five years (2025-2030) and
beyond.
BACKGROUND
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For each theme in the Climate Element, in addition to a newly added overarching
implementation section, at least one action was prioritized for inclusion in the CEIP
(Action 5 addresses themes 5 and 10)
To identify these priority actions and inform effective implementation, the project
team engaged both the public and City staff.
ACTION PRIORITIZATION
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The project team conducted engagement to ensure that community priorities were
reflected in the CEIP, and to inspire ongoing community participation.
Engagement was conducted in 2 phases
PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT
Phase 1: Build Awareness
•Factsheet in five
languages
•Tabling at community
events
•Online community survey
•Open house
•Board meeting
presentations
Phase 2: Refine Based on
Feeback
•Analyzed results from
engagement and
integrated them into the
CEIP
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Finding #1: The community supports climate resilience and greenhouse gas
emissions strategies
Community priorities include wildfire preparedness, evacuation planning, water quality
conservation, protection/preservation of trees and green spaces
Finding #2: The community desires improved City communication, inclusive
engagement, and trust
Opportunities to strengthen outreach through HOAs, schools, tribes, local community
groups, and digital platforms to advance collective impact
Finding #3: The community wants to accountability, affordability, and
transparency
Have clear tracking mechanisms for implementation
Financial constraints as a barrier to individual action, support for City -led action
ENGAGEMENT FINDINGS
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City staff from multiple departments contributed feedback and key implementation
considerations through feedback forms and meetings.
City departments engaged:
Planning Services
Building Services & Permitting
Public Works
Economic Development
Parks
Finance
CITY STAFF ENGAGEMENT
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CEIP ACTIONS
Page 153 of 176
OVERVIEW OF ACTIONS
6 Resilience Actions
Public Health and Community
Resilience
Infrastructure and Emergency
Preparedness Cultural Resources and Practices
Water Conservation and Stormwater
Management
Natural Habitats and Urban Green
Space Economic Development
3 GHG Reduction Actions
Transportation and Planned
Development
Renewable Energy and Energy
Efficiency
Waste Management and Circular
Economy
3 Overarching Actions
Program Tools Program Tools Program Tools
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Requirements
Supports requirements. A VA is optional under HB1181. Jurisdiction are required to address
natural hazards created or aggravated by climate change. Attention to environmental justice is
required under HB118, which a VA can support.
City Lead
Auburn Department of Community Development
Funding
Washington State Climate Commitment Act
Coalition for High Ambition Multilevel Partnerships
THEME 1: PUBLIC HEALTH AND COMMUNITY
RESILIENCE
CEIP Action 1. Conduct and periodically update a climate risk and vulnerability assessment (CRVA)
that includes the built environment, community, and natural systems. Support enhanced data
collection for hazard events to provide a more complete understanding of the community’s hazard
characteristics, including identifying demographic groups and community members most
vulnerable to climate impacts. Use assessment findings to evaluate changes to Comprehensive
Plan goals and policies, enhance resilience, and integrate into Local Hazard Mitigation Plan.
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CEIP ACTION 1. VULNERABILITY AND RISK
ASSESSMENT
Action & Key Steps
Proposed Schedule
2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030
3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2
Develop the scope for a Request for Proposals
for the VA
Identify staff to oversee the VA
Secure funding for a VA
Hire a consultant or expert with VA experience
Conduct the VA
Public and internal engagement
Use VA to refine programs and the other actions
identified in the CEIP
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Requirements
Supports requirements. Jurisdictions are required to address natural hazards created or
aggravated by climate change, including heat and smoke and prioritize actions that benefit
overburdened communities that will disproportionately suffer from compounding
environmental impacts and will be most impacted by natural hazards due to climate change.
City Lead
Auburn Department of Community Development
Funding
FEMA Hazard Mitigation Assistance Grants
THEME 2: INFRASTRUCTURE AND EMERGENCY
PREPAREDNESS
CEIP Action 2. Develop and distribute tools and resources for the community to stay safe during
extreme heat and wildfire smoke events, with a focus on reaching vulnerable communities
disproportionately impacted by climate change.
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CEIP ACTION 2. CLIMATE SAFETY RESOURCES
Action & Key Steps
Proposed Schedule
2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030
3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2
Identify additional support form local agencies
Audit current materials, tools, and resources related
to heat and wildfire smoke preparedness and access
current community awareness and gaps
Partner with local organizations, businesses, and
frontline communities to ensure materials are
accessible and to support outreach
Plan: set objectives, timelines, and key deliverables
for outreach efforts
Create and distribute materials related to heat and
wildfire smoke preparedness and mitigation
Create and administer in-person and virtual trainings
Track distribution metrics
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Requirements
Supports requirements. While it is not mandated that jurisdictions collaborate with Tribes on
climate planning, it is legally required for jurisdictions to respect Tribal legal sovereignty.
City Lead
Community Development
Funding
Limited external/grant funding sources for the City specific to G2G meetings and consultation
Funding may be available for specific efforts, from the USDA, Bureau of Indian Affairs, private
foundations
THEME 3: CULTURAL RESOURCES AND PRACTICES
CEIP Action 3. Maintain government-to -government relations with the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe,
other local Tribes, and native organizations as relevant, to strengthen climate resiliency
collaboration—including for the preservation of archaeological sites and traditional cultural
properties that are vulnerable to climate impacts.
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CEIP ACTION 3. GOVERNMENT TO GOVERNMENT
COORDINATION
Action & Key Steps
Proposed Schedule
2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030
3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2
Refine agenda items that introduce climate
impacts and resilience as a topic for G2G
meetings
Set a recurring meeting agenda item related to
clime action; track meeting outcomes
Optional: Identify actions or areas to collaborate
(e.g. funding, engagement)
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Requirements
Supports requirements. Auburn is required to comply with its NPDES permit; however, explicit
attention to climate resilience is not required.
City Lead
Public Works Department
Funding
The City has identified potential funding sources in Table 10 of its Stormwater Management
Action Plan (SMAP) for the Olson Creek Catchment Area.
THEME 4: WATER CONSERVATION AND STORMWATER
MANAGEMENT
CEIP Action 4. Review and update development codes and design standards for requirements for
stormwater facility sizing and low -impact development. Adopt nature-based solutions and
minimize impervious surface areas in private development and city capital improvements to be
consistent with the requirements of the city’s NPDES Phase 2 Permit and to prepare for climate
impacts like increased flooding.
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CEIP ACTION 4. STORMWATER CODES AND DESIGN
Action & Key Steps
Proposed Schedule
2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030
3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2
Conduct a code and standards review to identify
any that do not align with the SMAP and need
updating
Assess the impacts of increased flood risks –
using the most up-to-date data- as well as
updates needed in the next SMAP to address
those increased risks
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Requirements
Supports requirements. Encouraged by Washington state RCW 76.15, Urban Forest Management. The Parks Element of Comprehensive Plan needs to address tree canopy. GHG Reduction goals (which tree planting supports) are required for 5-year reporting to Commerce on Climate Element implementation. Specific actions to enhance community resilience are required by HB 1181.
City Lead
Public Works and Community Development
Funding
Can allocate some Storm and Surface Water Utility Fees
Could established a Tree Fund that is funded through penalties and fees related to tree maintenance throughout the city. Could consider allocating a percentage of General Fund revenues to UFP activities, like the 1% that the city currently allocates to Human Services.
Grants from King Conservation District, WA DNR
THEME 5: NATURAL HABITATS AND URBAN GREEN
SPACE
CEIP Action 5. Adopt an Urban Forest Master Plan and implement ordinances to maintain and
expand tree canopy cover, improve tree and watershed health, prioritize carbon sequestration, and
build climate resilience.
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CEIP ACTION 5. URBAN FOREST MASTER PLAN
Action & Key Steps
Proposed Schedule
2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030
3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2
Engage key community leaders like
Sustain Auburn and Auburn Urban
Tree Board
Apply for grant funding and/or
technical support
Develop the UFMP
Draft and approve regulatory
components and develop
programmatic components
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Requirements
No direct requirements. Commercial buildings of certain sizes must comply with the Clean Buildings
Performance Standards.
City Lead
Economic Development
Funding
Washington State Department of Commerce’s Solar plus Storage for Resilient Communities
Program.
King County C-PACER financing is an alternative loan program that allows owners of eligible
commercial properties to seek long-term financing from a private capital provider for qualified
improvements related to energy and building resiliency.
New Roots Fund provides microloans to refugee, immigrant, and low -income entrepreneurs
THEME 6: ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
CEIP Action 6. Support local businesses’ efforts to generate and store renewable electricity on-site,
which can provide back-up power during emergencies and help ensure continuity of operations.
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CEIP ACTION 6. BUSINESS ENERGY RESILIENCE
Action & Key Steps
Proposed Schedule
2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030
3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2
Engage with local businesses
Collaborate with PSE and other actors
(including business organizations e.g.,
Chamber of Commerce)
Identify actions to include in next
Comprehensive Emergency
Management
Identify and seek to address
regulatory and permitting challenges
(Obtain City Council approval)
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Requirements
Required. Implementing actions that reduce per capita vehicle miles traveled and overall GHG
emissions reductions are a requirement for Auburn under HB 1181.
City Lead
Community Development and Public Works
Funding
The Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) program and the Transportation Alternatives
Program (TAP); federally funded programs administered through PSRC
WSDOT’s Pedestrian & Bicycle Program, Regional Mobility Grant Program
Transportation Improvement Board’s annual grants that fund roadway and active
transportation projects
U.S. Dept of Transportation’s Reconnecting Communities Pilot (RCP) Grant Program
THEME 7: TRANSPORTATION AND PLANNED
DEVELOPMENT
CEIP Action 7. Identify how the Climate Commitment Program can support Transportation Element
policies and actions to (1) reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the transportation sector
and (2) support reduction of per capita vehicle miles traveled (VMT) throughout the region.
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CEIP ACTION 7. TRANSPORTATION ACTION
COORDINATION
Action & Key Steps
Proposed Schedule
2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030
3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2
Coordinate with King County on city GHG
inventory
Assess base year and monitoring year total and
per capita VMT data available to Auburn
Establish a running meeting and/or partnership
with public works
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Requirements
Supports requirements. Required under HB 1181 to identify actions that will result in
reductions in overall GHG emissions generated by land use within the jurisdiction.
City Lead
Community Development
Funding
PSE’s Solar Grant program
WA Department of Commerce’s State Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates Program
(HEAR) program, Building Efficiency and Clean Operations Network (BEACON) Fellowship
Project, CDBG General Purpose Grants, Energy Programs in Communities (EPIC) grants
THEME 8: RENEWABLE ENERGY AND ENERGY
EFFICIENCY
CEIP Action 8. Develop an electrification and energy efficiency program to incentivize and educate
community members and businesses about existing programs for emerging alternative energy
technology.
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CEIP ACTION 8. ELECTRIFICATION AND ENERGY
PROGRAM
Action & Key Steps
Proposed Schedule
2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030
3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2
Review existing incentives, programs, and technical
support opportunities
Engage frontline and overburdened early and often to
ensure materials, assistance, and programs are
accessible and equitable
Create and distribute educational materials on
electrification, weatherization, and energy efficiency,
including their importance, benefits, and available
incentives
Explore options for creating a City -led program or
partnering with experienced organizations to expand
capacity
Determine next steps for programmatic development
Develop metrics and a system to track participation,
energy savings, and equity outcomes over time
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Requirements
Supports requirements. Required under HB 1181 to identify actions that will result in
reductions in overall GHG emissions generated by land use within the jurisdiction.
City Lead
Community Development
Funding
NextCycle Washington Circular Accelerator Program
King County Re+ (zero waste) grants
WA Department of Ecology Local Solid Waste Financial Assistance
THEME 9: WASTE MANAGEMENT AND CIRCULAR
ECONOMY
CEIP Action 9. Support development, implementation, and enforcement of construction and
demolition (C&D) recycling and deconstruction ordinances to ensure the program enables
recycling of construction and demolition debris.
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CEIP ACTION 9. CONSTRUCTION AND DEMOLITION
Action & Key Steps
Proposed Schedule
2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030
3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2
Review code language
Consider creating incentives or fee structures to
promote deconstruction and recycling
Assess capacity across staff that could enforce and
manage the code; hire or designate staff
Draft and adopt code language aligning with State
RCW regulations and the Regional Code Collaboration
template
Create and distribute educational materials to support
C&D waste reduction, reuse, and recycling; leverage
King County resources
Collaborate with King County and area cities to develop
end-use markets for recyclable/recycled C&D
materials
Track and report diversion rates from C&D projects to
monitor progress and inform adjustments
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Requirements
CEIP Action 10 and 11 are voluntary. Action 12 is required.
City Lead
Community Development
Funding
Can leverage funding from other implementation actions for reporting.
OVERARCHING ACTIONS
CEIP Action 10. Select a staff delegate and join regional climate collaboratives (e.g., King County -Cities Climate
Collaboration, Climate Pierce County) to accelerate climate action.
CEIP Action 11. Enable staff investment in professional development that enhances understanding of projected
changes in the region’s climate (e.g., air temperature and precipitation) and their impacts on communities,
municipal services, and infrastructure.
CEIP Action 12. Monitor, assess, and publicly report on community -scale GHG emissions (total and per capita) and
VMT (total and per capita) at least every five years. Include emissions from all local sources associated with
resident, business, and local government activities. Maintain a list of measures that demonstrate consistency with
climate element requirements and housing goals and policies that contribute to the climate element; identify
progress achieved every five years.
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CEIP ACTION 10. REGIONAL PARTNERSHIPS
Action & Key Steps
Proposed Schedule
2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030
3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2
Determine staff to represent the City of Auburn
Optional: Meet with K4C staff contacts and other
K4C peer cities for orientation or 1:1 peer
discussion
Coordinate a presentation by King County to City
Council; City Council approves resolution to
execute the Interlocal Agreement (K4C)
Join Climate Pierce County
Optional: City Council approves resolution to sign
onto Joint Climate Action Commitments (K4C)
Staff begin attending monthly meetings series;
consider participation in joint campaigns, shared
comment letters, or town halls.
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CEIP ACTION 11. CLIMATE EDUCATION
Action & Key Steps
Proposed Schedule
2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030
3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2
Conduct a staff needs assessment
Partner with internal departments and external
organizations
Create an internal climate learning community/
channel for staff to share ongoing opportunities
for learning
Create a catalogue of climate resources or
“climate action library”; update annually
Consider hosting a workshop or training series
Collect feedback, measure participation, and
revise learning pathways accordingly
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CEIP ACTION 12. CLIMATE ACTION MONITORING
Action & Key Steps
Proposed Schedule
2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030
3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2
Track updates from the Washington Department
of Commerce
Develop/refine reporting framework consistent
with interjurisdictional approach if appropriate
Develop annual data methodology
Access and evaluate data
Prepare public-facing progress report at least
once every 5 years
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