Bothell council adopts Climate Action Plan and joins regional K4C commitments
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Summary
The Bothell City Council unanimously adopted a Climate Action Plan setting greenhouse-gas reduction goals of 50% by 2030, 75% by 2040 and 95% by 2050 and approved King County regional K4C joint commitments. Staff said the plan is aligned with state and neighboring-city work and will guide future budgets and programs.
Bothell’s City Council voted unanimously Nov. 18 to adopt a new Climate Action Plan and to join the King County K4C joint climate commitments, formalizing emissions reduction targets and a framework for local implementation.
Long-range planner Cameron Colvin summarized the plan as “Bothell's vision for a greener and more sustainable future,” describing a new municipal operations greenhouse-gas inventory and citywide targets that mirror state and regional goals. Colvin said the city’s 2023 inventory and 2019 baseline data show early progress, noting “we're already seeing a downward trend, with a 7% decrease even as Bothell's population has increased.”
The plan sets targets of reducing emissions 50% below 2019 levels by 2030, 75% by 2040 and 95% by 2050 and identifies strategies across transportation, building energy, waste reduction, incentives, and education. Colvin told council the plan is designed as a “living document” to be updated as new data and best practices emerge and that much implementation will require cross-departmental work and future budget decisions.
Supporters in public comment framed the adoption as overdue. David Ortiz, a member of the city's Climate Planning Committee, urged full backing for the plan, saying it provides “mitigation, resilience, and hope.” Council members thanked staff and volunteers for the work; Council Member Kurt noted grant funding supported much of the plan’s preparation and staff capacity.
The council adopted the plan by roll-call vote (4–0) and separately approved the K4C joint climate commitments, a voluntary regional framework that staff said does not bind the city to prescriptive timelines but strengthens coordination and joint funding opportunities.
Next steps include integrating plan priorities into departmental work plans and future budget proposals and presenting a project update from Sound Transit (unrelated to the plan) at an early 2026 council meeting. The council also noted that some implementation measures will require additional local funding or partnerships.
Outcome: Resolution adopting the Climate Action Plan — approved 4–0; resolution approving K4C joint commitments — approved 4–0.