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Consultants outline new climate element for University Place comprehensive plan
Summary
Kimley Horn and Triangle Associates presented the Growth Management Act–required climate element: a GHG inventory, risk & vulnerability assessment, environmental justice analysis, and a public engagement plan. Draft data reports are expected in September; council asked for tree‑canopy, heat‑mapping and cost options.
City planning consultants (Kimley Horn, with Triangle Associates) introduced the draft approach to a new climate element to be added to University Place’s comprehensive plan, required under recent Growth Management Act rules.
Erin O’Kelly (Kimley Horn) explained the climate element will include a greenhouse gas sub‑element (mitigation), a resilience/adaptation sub‑element (risk and vulnerability assessment), and an environmental justice analysis. The element will integrate with existing comprehensive plan elements and carry implementation milestones and five‑year progress reporting for greenhouse‑gas reductions.
Consultants said the project schedule includes two draft data reports with a first draft expected in September: a GHG inventory (to set baseline emissions and support 2030/2050 reduction targets) and a risk & vulnerability assessment that maps hazards, critical assets and vulnerable populations. The team proposed forming a climate advisory team (stakeholders, service organizations, fire/rescue, business and community groups) to advise on priorities and local implementation.
Engagement lead Bridget Mullins (Triangle Associates) outlined an outreach approach combining public events, surveys (FlashVote), pop‑ups and a climate advisory team meeting between late August and October to refine policy ideas and prioritize implementation strategies.
Council members asked specific questions about tree canopy, urban heat‑island mapping, pedestrian and equity impacts, and costs. Councilmember Figueroa asked that recommendations include cost estimates at different ambition levels (minimum compliance vs. aspirational investments). Consultants said they would supply data‑driven options and coordinate with regional agencies including Pierce County and the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency.
Quote: "This new element has a heavier emphasis on implementation... there are specifically milestones that the state expects us to identify," Erin O’Kelly said.
