Council unanimously approves joining King County cities climate collaboration (K4C)

The Des Moines City Council voted unanimously Thursday to authorize the city manager to sign an interlocal agreement to join the King County Cities Climate Collaboration (K4C).

K4C is a voluntary partnership of cities across King County that coordinates climate planning, grant coordination, technical assistance and regional campaigns. County staff who presented the item said joining provides small jurisdictions with access to shared toolkits, grant coordination and regional grant-application support; the council packet listed a typical annual dues range for Des Moines at roughly $1,200.

Why it matters: Members of K4C pool resources for climate planning, grant applications and shared projects such as electrification campaigns and regional heat-pump programs. City staff told council that membership can expand the city’s access to state and county funding opportunities and add technical capacity without hiring more local staff.

Motion and vote: Councilmember Mahoney moved to authorize the city manager to enter the ILA; Deputy Mayor Steinmetz seconded. The vote was 7-0 in favor.

What comes next: Staff will execute the interlocal agreement and will assign a staff contact to participate in monthly staff meetings and the elected-officials briefing series. The council packet included a recommended optional commitment to a “joint Climate Action Commitments” statement; council members discussed but did not add additional obligations tonight.

Ending: Councilmembers who asked about electrified boat infrastructure and EV charging were told K4C staff can assist with grant coordination and regional applications for public charging and other electrification programs.