Washington’s Big, Bold Investment in Local Climate Action
For only $180, get a full year of unrestricted access to APA's extensive learning library. Kickstart your journey by subscribing to Passport, then take the next step by enrolling in the courses that pique your interest.
Certification Maintenance
SR | 1
Course Details
Increasingly severe and disparate impacts of climate change have propelled multiple states to take legislative action. Successful climate adaptation and mitigation require coordinated efforts by agencies at all levels of governance. Actions at the local level are particularly important because cities and counties are at the frontline of implementing solutions for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and building resilience.
Washington State’s climate law (House Bill 1181, Laws 2023) fosters long-term planning for climate change at the local level. This presentation focuses on the state’s role in supporting cities’ and counties’ efforts to create a climate element in their comprehensive plans per the law. Discover the role of Washington’s growth management framework and the evolving nature of requirements and incentives to promote local climate action. Understand the state’s inclusive approach toward developing planning guidance for local jurisdictions and learn about ongoing partnerships with federal and state agencies to develop more comprehensive resources.
Leave with an overview of planning grant programs focusing on diverse and equitable participation and a snapshot of the climate law’s early implementation.
Learning Outcomes
- Comprehend the benefits of collaborating with multiple agencies, as demonstrated by the program in Washington State.
- Learn about communicating the benefits of climate action from different perspectives and testing programs and resources to build confidence among target audiences.
- Adopt a science-based framework for integrating climate mitigation and adaptation measures into local comprehensive plans.