Sunnyside advisory team approves climate public‑participation plan, will continue workbook work

The Sunnyside Climate Resilience Advisory Team voted on Dec. 16 to accept the public participation portion of the city’s climate resilience plan and will continue work on the climate workbook and policy development.

Maria moved to accept the plan and another member seconded the motion; the chair called for a voice vote and the motion carried with two ayes and one abstention. Maria said, "I'll make the motion to accept the plan," and members noted the plan can be revised as staff and the committee refine priorities.

Why it matters: The public participation plan lays out outreach and survey plans the advisory team will use to collect community input as the city develops climate goals and policies. Joe (staff) said the workbook will be narrowed from high‑level UW mapping outputs to local priorities and that subsequent steps will match existing city goals and draft new policies where gaps are identified.

Next steps: Staff will draft survey questions for member review after the new year; Joe will review existing plans; Hector will provide MS4/stormwater and well‑depth information; members recommended inviting local scientists to brief the committee on particulate matter and runoff. The team reaffirmed a timeline that aims to complete the climate resilience element by December 2026, at which point advisory terms will expire upon council adoption.

Ending: The committee set its next meeting for Jan. 20, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. and asked staff to circulate draft surveys and existing‑plan summaries ahead of that meeting.