King County public health presents Auburn-focused heat adaptation model; community group prioritizes cool kits, energy assistance

Public Health—Seattle & King County officials presented the Climate and Health Adaptation Modeling Project (CHAMP) findings to the Auburn City Council study session on June 23, outlining community‑driven solutions to rising extreme heat in South King County.

The project convened 15 Auburn residents and local service providers over six half‑day workshops from July through April to map heat vulnerabilities and prioritize interventions, Public Health Project Manager Kat Hartbell said. The work group identified cooling support for people experiencing homelessness, energy assistance for low‑income households and extended cooling‑center hours among its top recommendations.

Why it matters: King County temperature projections show the Puget Sound region could warm roughly 5.5°F by mid‑century, Public Health officials said, raising health risks in places with limited air conditioning and high nighttime temperatures. The CHAMP effort paired heat‑island mapping with local knowledge to shape place‑specific responses the county is offering to share with Auburn.

Project approach and findings Public Health used a participatory group model‑building method to help…