Bothell planners present Climate Action Plan survey results; commissioners press for targeted outreach

Cameron Colvin, long‑range planner in Bothell's Community Development Department, and Emily Nielsen, Climate Action Civic Spark fellow, updated the Bothell Planning Commission on the city’s Climate Action Plan study session on April 16, 2025. No formal action was required; the meeting was a staff briefing and question‑and‑answer session.

The presentation reported that the city’s initial community survey drew 93 responses and found broad support for local greenhouse‑gas reduction: “95% of respondents agree that it is important that the city take proactive measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” Emily Nielsen said. Staff said the survey results will feed strategy development, a prioritization framework and outreach planning for the Climate Action Plan.

The discussion focused on three themes: where survey respondents stand on mitigation measures, outreach gaps and next steps. Staff described common interests in home electrification and solar, energy efficiency, zero‑waste programs and greater use of alternative transportation. Colvin said respondents identified cost, lack of information and limited ability to make property changes (for renters and younger residents) as major barriers to adopting measures such as heat pumps and home solar. On electric vehicles, staff reported that 31% of non‑EV users said they were considering buying an EV in the next one to three years and that lack of reliable charging at home was common—particularly among multifamily and mobile‑home residents.

Commissioners pressed staff on representation in the survey sample. Multiple commissioners said outreach underrepresented renters, non‑English speakers, people with disabilities, lower‑income households and other groups likely to be disproportionately affected by climate impacts. Commissioner Robson and other commissioners urged targeted engagement—focus groups, tabling at transit centers, meetings at houses of worship and community centers—so the plan reflects the needs of those groups rather than only homeowners who already engage online.

Colvin and Nielsen said staff used Engage Bothell, social media, email distribution lists, QR‑coded flyers and tabling to promote the survey. Colvin said staff distributed flyers at community centers, religious institutions, bus stops and mobile home parks and that two tabling events (UW Bothell Earth Fair and an Innovation Lab High School climate march) occurred after the survey closed and produced additional qualitative input that will be included in the engagement summary. Staff also said they worked with Cascadia Consulting and King County partners to complete a municipal greenhouse‑gas inventory and a community inventory (years 2022–2023), but the inventory results were not yet delivered for the meeting.

Staff announced two upcoming Climate Action Plan workshops in May: May 3 on energy efficiency and electrification (with PSE and SnoPUD invited) and May 10 on alternative transportation (with King County Metro, Sound Transit and Cascadia Bike Club invited). Staff said workshops will combine short partner presentations with rotating small‑group discussions to solicit input on potential strategies and actions. Staff emphasized that buildings/energy and transportation are the two largest local greenhouse‑gas sectors and that the workshops prioritise those sectors to meet grant deliverables.

On funding, staff said the Climate Action Plan project (development) and the urban forest management plan are funded by state Climate Commitment Act funds; the grant administrator indicated those funds are secure through the current grant cycle and into 2025–2027 for development work. Staff said implementation funding would require separate budget discussions and could draw from multiple sources (grants, impact fees, city funds) when specific measures are prioritized.

Commissioners asked staff to return with the greenhouse‑gas inventory results and options for targets. Staff said the commission would likely see a strategies‑and‑actions discussion in May (when the inventory results are expected) and a draft plan in June for commission feedback before summer recess.

The study session closed with commissioners reiterating the need for targeted outreach to underrepresented groups and for workshops or focus groups that can reach people who do not typically participate in online surveys. Staff said they would include in‑person event feedback in the engagement summary and consider later‑stage focused outreach as the plan proceeds.