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Bothell staff outline Climate Action Plan timeline, survey results and 2022–23 greenhouse gas inventory
Summary
City staff presented initial results from a community survey and a 2022–23 greenhouse gas inventory, and said a draft Climate Action Plan will be available for review in mid–late June with a fall adoption process after public comment.
City of Bothell planners told the City Council on May 13 that a draft Climate Action Plan will be ready for public review in mid to late June and that early community input shows strong support for proactive local climate measures.
Community engagement and key findings Community Development staff said an online survey (193 responses) run in January–February showed 95% of respondents agreed it is important for the city to take proactive measures to reduce greenhouse‑gas emissions. Emily Nielsen, the city’s Climate Action Fellow, said respondents preferred measurable, cost‑effective actions that co‑benefit ecosystem and public health; top topics of interest included home solar, building energy efficiency and electrification.
Greenhouse‑gas inventory and trends Cameron Colvin, long‑range planner, said the city’s most recent community inventory for 2022–23 shows total emissions of roughly 561,000 metric tons of CO2 equivalent. Transportation accounted for the largest share; staff said core emissions where local government typically has influence (electricity, natural gas, on‑road vehicles and solid waste) represent about 75% of total emissions.
Staff told council members the inventory is based on national industry standards and a mix of direct utility and travel data; consultants remain finalizing details and the city has data spanning 2019–2023 to monitor trends. Colvin said energy‑sector emissions have declined somewhat in recent years, in part because of increased participation in renewable energy credit programs, while transportation emissions have stayed relatively flat.
Timeline and next steps Staff said they will post workshop recordings and project materials online and that a draft plan will be released before summer recess; the council will review a revised draft in the fall and consider adoption later in the year. The results of the survey are being used to prioritize actions and guide education and engagement, staff said.
Quotes are from City of Bothell Community Development staff during the May 13 council meeting.
