CRSB Recommendation No. 2026-001
Resolution and Findings of Fact on Climate Policies
Adopted February 12, 2026
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CRSB RECOMMENDATION No.: 2026- 001
CITY OF SPOKANE CLIMATE RESILIENCE & SUSTAINABILITY BOARD
RESOLUTION RECOMMENDING SUPPORT OF THE CLIMATE POLICY
INTEGRATION DOCUMENT IN THE 2026 PERIODIC UPDATE
Resolution to the City of Spokane Plan Commission to include Climate Policy
Integration in the 2026 periodic update of the City of Spokane Comprehensive Plan.
WHEREAS, the Climate Resilience and Sustainability Board (CRSB) spent 2025
evaluate and develop goals and policies to integrate
climate planning into the Comprehensive Plan as part of the PlanSpokane 2046 Periodic
Update, and;
WHEREAS, the City of Spokane has developed climate planning under HB 1181 to
enhance community resilience, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and prioritize
environmental justice to avoid worsening environmental health disparities, which has been
supported by a Washington Department of Commerce climate planning grant which is
funded from Washington’s Climate Commitment Act, and;
WHEREAS the CRSB serves as the Climate Policy Advisory Team for the climate
planning element within the City of Spokane’s Comprehensive Plan and its members have
evaluated and reviewed the draft climate policy integration document; and
WHEREAS, the CRSB held a hearing on whether to recommend approval of the
Climate Policy Integration document to the City of Spokane Plan Commission on February
12, 2026; and
WHEREAS, during the public hearing the CRSB received comment from Kirsten
Angell and deliberated over including an additional recommendation for consideration by
the Plan Commission to amend NE 11.4 Forest Inventory Database as follows:
and wildlife habitat, evaluated for their ecological and climate resilience values,
using Best Available Science. A Natural Area and Habitat Connectivity Network
database in the city’s geographic Information System would disseminate the
information for decision makers and the public in a usable, interactive format.”
WHEREAS, the CRSB, by a vote of 12 Ayes 0 Nays recommends the following:
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NOW, THEREFORE --- it is hereby resolved by the Spokane Climate Resilience &
Sustainability Board to
1. Recommend to the City of Spokane Plan Commission inclusion of the
climate policies listed in the February 12, 2026 memorandum titled “CRSB Draft
Final Climate Policies” in the 2026 periodic update of the City of Spokane
Comprehensive Plan.
2. Further recommend to the City of Spokane Plan Commission consideration of
amended language of NE 11.4 Forest Inventory Database, as outlined above.
3. Authorize the Chair prepare and sign on the Board’s behalf a written decision
consistent with CRSB Rule 6.5 and attached as Attachment A.
ADOPTED by the Spokane Climate Resilience & Sustainability Board by a vote of 12
Ayes & 0 Nays on this 12th
day of February, 2026.
__________________________________
Brian G. Henning, CRSB Chair
Approved as to form:
_________________________________
City Attorney
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Findings of Fact, Conclusion, and Recommendation
1
CITY OF SPOKANE CLIMATE RESILIENCE AND SUSTAINABILITY BOARD
FINDINGS OF FACT, CONCLUSIONS, AND RECOMMENDATIONS
ON CLIMATE POLICIES RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE PLANSPOKANE 2046
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PERIODIC UPDATE
A recommendation of the City of Spokane Climate Resilience and Sustainability Board to the
Spokane Plan Commission for integration of climate policies within the PlanSpokane 2046
periodic update consistent with state laws.
FINDINGS OF FACT:
A. The City of Spokane (City) is required to amend and adopt a Comprehensive Plan that
complies with the requirements of the Growth Management Act (GMA) under RCW
36.70A.040.
B. The City is undertaking a periodic update to the Comprehensive Plan, which is the guiding
document for future growth and includes actions by the City, due at the end of 2026.
PlanSpokane 2046 will identify policies and future regulations to direct the next 20 years of
growth for the City.
C. In 2023, the Washington State Legislature passed HB1181 which added a climate goal to the
GMA under RCW 36.70.70A and requires local comprehensive plans to have a climate
change and resiliency element that is designed to result in reductions in overall greenhouse
gas emissions and enhance resiliency to and avoid the adverse impacts of climate change,
to include efforts to reduce localized greenhouse gas emissions and avoid creating or
worsening localized climate impacts to vulnerable populations and overburdened
communities.
D. The Washington State Department of Commerce (WA Commerce) published the Climate
Element Planning Guidance to help counties and cities planning under the state's GMA
develop the comprehensive plan climate element with goals and policies that align with the
requirements outlined in RCW 36.070.70A.
E. City Council adopted Resolution 2024-0038 to initiate climate planning consistent with the
requirements of HB 1181 under the comprehensive plan periodic update.
F. During the 2023-2025 state biennium, WA Commerce made available through the
Washington Climate Commitment Act (CCA) approximately $30 million in statewide grants to
help counties and cities prepare for the impacts of climate change through 2029. The City was
allocated $700,000.
G. For the 2023-2025 biennium, City Council accepted $420,000 of the allocation (OPR 2024-
0142) for Phase 1 of climate planning, which focused on early community engagement,
climate impacts analysis, policy gap analysis, and the development of a climate risk and
vulnerability assessment with a focus on equity and climate justice.
H. For the 2025-2027 biennium, City Council accepted the remainder $280,000 of the allocation
(OPR 2025-0500) for Phase 2 of climate planning, which focused on ongoing community
engagement, policy development and prioritization, environmental justice review, and
integration into the PlanSpokane 2046 periodic update.
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Findings of Fact, Conclusion, and Recommendation
2 of 4
I. In 2024, the Spokane City Council created the Climate Resilience and Sustainability Board
(CRSB) by Ordinance C36557 to provide advice and recommendations to the Mayor, City
Council, and community on the actions necessary to achieve the community’s sustainability
and climate goals consistent with the City’s Comprehensive Plan, Sustainability Action Plan,
environmental stewardship policies of the City as adopted by the City Council, and within the
requirements and parameters set forth in state law.
J. The CRSB serves as the Climate Policy Advisory Team in alignment with Commerce’s
guidance to assess climate-related hazards and local emissions, consider public input, and
provide goal and policy recommendations.
K. Outreach and public communication began in 2024 and continued throughout 2025 and into
2026 with online and in-person methods, a project website, community surveys, in-person and
virtual workshops, in-person and virtual focus groups, email updates, and online information
sharing through story maps, blog posts, social media, and regular project updates. Key
engagement activities reached over 3,300 Spokane residents.
L. The Tribal Engagement Workgroup (TEW) was launched to ensure that Indigenous voices
and knowledge systems were included climate planning and to inform the City’s 2026
Comprehensive Plan.
M. The Climate Technical Advisory Committee (CTAC) was formed as an interdisciplinary
committee of City divisions and departments to gather input and feedback throughout the
process on priorities, related work, and ideas to inform and shape the climate policies.
N. The draft final climate policies were developed, amended, and refined by the CRSB, CTAC,
TEW, and community engagement between August 2025 and January 2026.
O. The CRSB and Spokane Plan Commission hosted two joint special meetings to discuss
climate planning and integration into the Comprehensive Plan in October 2025 and January
2026.
P. The Draft Final Climate Policy Memo (Memo) provided on February 12, 2026 includes
revisions to and documentation of the draft final policies discussed at the joint meeting on
January 28, 2026. The Memo provides the draft policies for consideration by the CRSB at the
scheduled hearing on February 12, 2026.
Q. The draft final climate policies outlined in the February 12, 2026 Memo and corresponding
policy list include 97 policies aligned with the 11 climate sectors outlined by the WA
Commerce: Agriculture & Food Systems; Built Environment & Energy; Cultural Resources &
Practices; Economic Development; Emergency Management; Health & Well-being;
Ecosystems; Transportation; Waste Management; Water Resources; Zoning.
R. On February 12, 2026, the CRSB held a public hearing on the Draft Final Climate Policies
Memo, including taking of verbal testimony, and closed the public record on that date.
S. Public comment, as well as agency and department comments, received prior to the February
12, 2026 CRSB public hearing were included for consideration. On February 12, 2026, the
CRSB conducted its deliberations on this Memo and voted 12-0 to recommend to the Spokane
Plan Commission the following:
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Findings of Fact, Conclusion, and Recommendation
3 of 4
1. Recommend to the Spokane Plan Commission inclusion of the final climate policies
listed in the February 12, 2026 memorandum titled “CRSB Draft Final Climate
Policies” in the 2026 periodic update of the City of Spokane Comprehensive Plan.
T. During deliberations by the CRSB, recommendations were further made by vote on the
following additional request.
1. Adopt the Draft Final Climate Policy List with an additional amendment to add point
three to the draft Resolution in the packet to further recommend to the Plan
Commission to modify or supplement NE 11.4 to include the considerations in the
public comment received from Spokane Urban Nature (SUN) as attached (attached
as page 3 in the minutes).
U. Except as otherwise indicated herein, the CRSB recommends the final climate policies to the
Plan Commission with above referenced amendment to NE 11.4.
CONCLUSIONS:
Based upon review of the Packet materials, staff analysis and CRSB Draft Final Climate Policies,
which is incorporated into these findings, conclusions and recommendation, agency and public
comments received, and public testimony provided, the CRSB makes the following conclusions
for Climate Policy Integration in the 2026 periodic update of the City of Spokane Comprehensive
Plan.
1. The Draft Final Climate Policies, as contained in the CRSB Draft Final Climate Policies Memo
are consistent with state law requirements, are designed to enhance community resilience,
reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and prioritize environmental justice to avoid worsening
environmental health disparities.
2. The CRSB, as the Climate Policy Advisory Team for the climate planning element within the
City of Spokane’s Comprehensive Plan, evaluated and reviewed the draft climate policies and
recommends to the Spokane Plan Commission integration of the Final Climate Policies in the
2026 Periodic update.
RECOMMENDATION:
The CRSB recommends the Spokane Plan Commission include the final climate policies listed in
the February 12, 2026 memorandum titled “CRSB Draft Final Climate Policies” in the 2026
periodic update of the City of Spokane Comprehensive Plan on a vote of 12-0.
The CRSB further recommends the Spokane Plan Commission consider the written comment
received from Kirsten Angell and attached to these findings and the hearing minutes. Specifically
the recommendation for consideration of amended language to NE 11.4 which calls for a “Forest
Inventory Database” in the Ecosystem section of the Climate Resilience Policy:
“Create and maintain an inventory of existing and potential natural lands and fish and
wildlife habitat, evaluated for their ecological and climate resilience values, using Best
Available Science. A Natural Area and Habitat Connectivity Network database in the city’s
geographic Information System would disseminate the information for decision makers
and the public in a usable, interactive format.”
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Findings of Fact, Conclusion, and Recommendation
4 of 4
These Findings and Conclusions are prepared and signed pursuant to CRSB Rule 6.5 and
approved by a vote of 12 to 0 by the CRSB on the 12thd day of February, 2026.
______________________________________________
Brian G. Henning, Chair
Climate Resilience and Sustainability Board
Date:
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Kirsten Angell, here to represent myself, as well as Spokane Urban Nature (SUN). My goal today is to be helpful. I am deeply grateful for the work of this Board.
Language for identifying and protecting interconnected natural areas and systems is in this document, thankfully. But, if our city doesn’t have data about these areas and systems, collected and accessible, or a rubric for the assessment of ecological values, which goes above and beyond habitat connectivity to include human health and flood mitigation, waste water filtration, etc.., it will be much more difficult to protect the ecological services and cultural riches we currently enjoy or could potentially establish.
If we have suggested language that creates a database for identifying our urban canopy, as the language states in NE 11.4, which calls for a “Forest Inventory Database,” why wouldn’t we also prioritize the gathering of data highlighting our city’s existing and potential habitat connectivity? We need to be careful with places that are undervalued simply because we have no rubric, yet, to define and highlight their value (ecological + cultural value = resilience). This additional database and evaluation criteria would get us one step closer to our city’s capacity to "identify" these areas of significant ecological and cultural value.
So, suggested new language in the Ecosystem section of Climate Resilience Policy could read:
”Create and maintain an inventory of existing and potential natural lands and fish and wildlife habitat, evaluated for their ecological and climate resilience values, using Best Available Science. A Natural Area and Habitat Connectivity Network database in the city’s Geographic Information System would disseminate the information for decision makers and the public in a usable, interactive format.”
This suggestion is highly compatible with other language used in the updated climate resilience policies. For example, in the Land Use section updates, Policy 2-4 specifically states, "Protect, restore, acquire and maintain urban forests, critical areas, shorelines and open spaces as interconnected natural systems that provide flood protection, heat reduction and carbon sequestration benefits." You will also find compatibility in the suggested policy updates for Health and Wellness and in existing chapters, NE 13 and NE 7, Connectivity and Natural Land Form.
To conclude, we encourage you to go a step further and create language that supports a clear pathway for collecting and evaluating important habitat and connectivity data so that the other goals and policies towards building climate resilience in our community will be more likely to be implemented. Without data, and a solid evaluation rubric, changes to policy are much more difficult to support. As a guiding document, this language addresses climate resilience and would be an important addition to our CP.
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Policies that meet the
Climate GMA
requirements
Supportive policies
Unique ID Policy Sector
MCPA_0055 Establish and maintain publicly accessible community gardens on
city property, as appropriate, in partnership with local organizations
to support traditional Indigenous food gardens and culturally
specific growing practices as well as to increase access to local and
culturally diverse food for all residents.
Agriculture &
Food Systems
MCPA_0054 Incentivize rooftop and ground-level gardens, community
composting, and food forest projects within new and existing
development to strengthen local food security and access to nature,
prioritizing access for renters, residents without private yards, and
overburdened communities.
Agriculture &
Food Systems
MCPA_0021 Support farmers’ or public markets, fruit and vegetable stands, food
production services, small-scale farms, and other avenues for local
food production and access such as with simpler permitting
processes or financial incentives, as a means of local food security
and diversity in business opportunities.
Agriculture &
Food Systems
MCPA_0058 Support culturally relevant programs and partnerships that offer
educational resources for healthy cooking, community gardening,
mental and physical health, and other skills related to community
health and resiliency.
Agriculture &
Food Systems
MCPA_0019 Incentivize and enable uses that provide healthy, affordable, and
locally produced food in parts of the city with limited food access,
including by amending land use and zoning designations, as well as
updating code requirements.
Agriculture &
Food Systems
MCPA_0057 Identify and designate areas that are suited for ongoing agricultural
production, while also permitting smaller-scale urban agricultural
uses such as community gardens, home gardens, and small livestock
throughout the city, recognizing urban agriculture as a community
and economic asset that supports food security, local resiliency, and
public health.
Agriculture &
Food Systems
MCPA_0059 Partner with food banks, farmers’ markets, and other organizations
to provide resources, services, and information to improve food
access.
Agriculture &
Food Systems
MCPA_0053 Encourage the use of alternative and emerging agricultural tools and
practices that support regional resiliency to climate change, such as
hydroponics and regenerative farming.
Agriculture &
Food Systems
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Unique ID Policy Sector
MCPA_0066 Partner with energy providers, other regional partners, and state
regulators to offer incentives or rebates for property owners who
make energy-efficient improvements, such as heating, ventilating, air
conditioning and refrigerating installations, operations, and
maintenance, on the condition that cost savings are shared with
tenants.
Buildings &
Energy
MCPA_0065 Implement and support building and energy codes and policies
amendments that reduce energy and fossil fuel use, and air quality
impacts for existing and new residential, commercial, industrial, and
other buildings in a manner that equitably considers energy
transition cost and benefits for overburdened communities.
Buildings &
Energy
MCPA_0069 Encourage the development of heat mitigating roofs and other
passive cooling site and building features by exploring code updates
and incentives in Downtown and other high intensity areas of the
city to reduce energy use and improve resilience.
Buildings &
Energy
MCPA_0070 Expand renewable energy production and storage opportunities
through code updates and incentives.
Buildings &
Energy
MCPA_0068 Regularly monitor progress and update interim targets for the City’s
net zero greenhouse gas emissions goal as set in municipal code.
Buildings &
Energy
MCPA_0067 Preserve and expand renewable energy sources and reduce energy
use, air quality impacts, refrigerant emissions, and potable water
consumption in City buildings and operations.
Buildings &
Energy
MCPA_0062 Protect, enhance, and restore ecosystems in order to support Tribal
rights and conserve culturally important consumptive and non-
consumptive resources including foods, medicinal plants, and
materials that could be adversely impacted by climate change.
Cultural
Resources &
Practices
MCPA_0061 Protect and enhance sacred areas and cultural sites within the
growing urban setting through collaboration with local Tribes,
historians, organizations, and residents to identify features to be
protected.
Cultural
Resources &
Practices
MCPA_0063 Protect significant historic and cultural sites prone to floods or other
hazards worsened by climate change.
Cultural
Resources &
Practices
MCPA_0009 Provide a range of financial and regulatory incentives to encourage
the reuse, renovation, and preservation of historic structures while
disincentivizing demolition.
Cultural
Resources &
Practices
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Unique ID Policy Sector
MCPA_0073 Collaborate with colleges, schools, technical programs, labor
organizations, and other agencies to encourage the development of
an environmentally focused jobs pipeline that benefits
overburdened communities and supports a circular economy.
Economic
Development
MCPA_0075 Incentivize brownfield redevelopment projects that incorporate
resilient and sustainable features through City investments and
technical assistance, particularly in overburdened communities.
Economic
Development
MCPA_0076 Support the long-term usability of commercial buildings in
economically disadvantaged areas through targeted investments
and incentives such as technical assistance, grants, or loans for
revitalization of facades and storefronts, security and accessibility
improvements, and other renovations.
Economic
Development
MCPA_0074 Support, incentivize, and encourage purchasing from businesses that
primarily employ local people, use local materials, and produce and
sell their products and/or services locally to preserve existing
businesses and reduce Vehicle Miles Travelled and Greenhouse
Gases.
Economic
Development
MCPA_0080 Collaborate with Tribal partners to leverage traditional ecological
management strategies for natural areas.
Ecosystems
MCPA_0156 Identify, purchase, preserve, restore, and maintain existing and
potential links between wildlife habitats, seeking to form a network
of wildlife habitats while partnering with regional, community, and
state agencies and programs.
Ecosystems
MCPA_0146 Establish and support programs, codes, and standards that support
the long-term health and maintenance of the urban canopy on
public and private lands, including public awareness campaigns,
incentives, and funding opportunities, prioritizing areas with high
heat risk and overburdened communities.
Ecosystems
MCPA_0083 Implement programs, codes, and standards that increase aquatic
and upland habitat resilience by protecting water quality, increasing
water residence time in streams, implementing natural landscaping
to slow, filter, and store stormwater, conserving water, protecting
groundwater, and keeping waters cool.
Ecosystems
MCPA_0149 Provide educational resources and volunteer opportunities for
environmental stewardship on City-owned property, including with
clean-up events for trails, parks, and swales, and the planting of
street and park trees.
Ecosystems
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Unique ID Policy Sector
MCPA_0093 Develop resilience hubs — community-serving facilities that are
designed to support residents, coordinate communication, distribute
resources, and reduce carbon pollution while enhancing quality of
life — throughout the city, prioritizing investments in areas with
vulnerable and overburdened communities.
Emergency
Management
MCPA_0095 Collaborate with Tribes and Native organizations to facilitate and
identify places where Tribal members and Indigenous people can
interact before, during, and after emergencies that serve as clean air
and cooling centers, charging stations, and evacuation centers.
Emergency
Management
MCPA_0086 Work with Tribes and Native organizations to identify evacuation
routes and tailored emergency management strategies addressing
wildfire, flooding, and other extreme events.
Emergency
Management
MCPA_0091 Develop a comprehensive, communitywide wildfire resilience
strategy that improves emergency response capabilities, promotes a
fire-adapted community, and fosters short- and long-term wildfire
recovery, while building community awareness of the strategy.
Emergency
Management
MCPA_0092 Provide residents living in Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) areas
information about fire prevention and Firewise best practices while
applying WUI best practices to new development through building
code, ventilation, and landscaping provisions.
Emergency
Management
MCPA_0148 Work with community-based organizations to identify, update, and
maintain emergency evacuation routes, locations, and strategies,
focusing on neighborhood and block-level plans tailored to the meet
the needs of the most vulnerable residents.
Emergency
Management
MCPA_0088 Engage with community members and organizations to provide
resources that help residents plan and practice actions that make
evacuation quicker and safer.
Emergency
Management
MCPA_0150 Ensure timely emergency notifications for wildfire, smoke, flooding,
and other extreme events that provide both digital and non-digital
outreach materials in multiple languages.
Emergency
Management
MCPA_0089 Ensure redundancy in emergency routes accessible by multiple
transportation modes including vehicular, non-motorized routes,
and transit services to reduce transportation barriers to effective
evacuation under different climate hazard scenarios.
Emergency
Management
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Unique ID Policy Sector
MCPA_0101 Support Tribes and Native organizations in strengthening
community connectedness and social and economic vitality to help
communities improve their economic prosperity and resilience to
climate impacts, such as by prioritizing funding for Native-led centers
that host multi-generational knowledge sharing, recreation, and
health and wellness services.
Health & Well-
being
MCPA_0100 Foster stronger community connectedness and economic vitality
that helps improve economic prosperity and community resilience to
climate impacts, such as through equitable investments in libraries,
parks, recreation programs, urban green space and ventilation
corridors, multimodal connections and other such areas,
prioritizing overburdened and vulnerable communities.
Health & Well-
being
MCPA_0096 Allocate resources to help all community members, including low-
income residents, in remaining in their homes during extreme
climate events, including extreme heat and wildfire smoke, through
infrastructure and services such as the installation of cooling devices
or high-quality portable air cleaners, utility bill assistance, or
community and Tribal partner collaborations and educational
opportunities.
Health & Well-
being
MCPA_0139 Equitably expand the City's programming and park maintenance and
preservation activities to increase amenities that address comfort
and protection from extreme weather such as shade and drinking
fountains and improve safety, education, and community resources
at parks, prioritizing investments in the most vulnerable parts of
Spokane.
Health & Well-
being
MCPA_0103 Provide all residents with an equitable opportunity to learn about
climate impacts, influence policy decisions, and take actions to
enhance community resilience to promote environmental justice and
support physical and mental health and well-being.
Health & Well-
being
MCPA_0098 Develop and implement an urban heat resilience strategy that
includes land use, urban design, urban greening, and waste heat
reduction actions that benefit overburdened communities.
Health & Well-
being
MCPA_0102 Allocate resources at a consistent and meaningful level for programs
and events focused on Spokane’s youth (18 and under) and their
specific needs for social and emotional health, and cultural
belonging.
Health & Well-
being
MCPA_0111 Apply resilience-focused development standards in high-risk zones,
including the wildland–urban interface (WUI) and flood-prone areas.
Zoning &
Development
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Unique ID Policy Sector
MCPA_0113 Protect, restore, acquire, and maintain urban agricultural lands,
urban forests, critical areas, shorelines, habitats, and open spaces as
interconnected natural systems that provide flood protection, heat
reduction, and carbon sequestration benefits, including through
codes, capital investments, and regional partnerships.
Zoning &
Development
MCPA_0110 Incorporate climate hazard risk and environmental justice criteria
and mitigation into land use and infrastructure planning before
major land use plan or policy changes, or when siting, replacing, or
relocating community assets, such as transportation, civic facilities,
and parks.
Zoning &
Development
MCPA_0157 Reduce impervious surfaces in the city, in areas of drainage concern
mapped by the City, to address urban heat island mitigation, and
promote groundwater recharge and infiltration.
Zoning &
Development
MCPA_0107 Foster transit-oriented development and accessible neighborhoods
by increasing intensity around multimodal transportation options in
order to reduce VMT and GHG emissions and promote community
resiliency.
Zoning &
Development
MCPA_0106 Prioritize infill development, while expanding, protecting, and
maintaining the City’s tree canopy, through zoning regulations and
permitting processes.
Zoning &
Development
MCPA_0105 Plan for and accommodate diverse, affordable, and attainable
housing types to meet demand while avoiding sprawl in order to
decrease emissions and infrastructure costs and preserve open
space.
Zoning &
Development
MCPA_0147 Designate neighborhood- and regional-scale mixed-use areas on the
Land Use Plan Map and provide a compatible mix of housing,
commercial uses, and activities to focus growth, and support
complete, walkable places.
Zoning &
Development
MCPA_0151 Apply parking maximums and consider using parking pricing to
discourage solo driving and encourage shifts to off-peak travel or
other transportation modes.
Zoning &
Development
MCPA_0152 Develop and administer parking policies that encourage shared
parking, reduce excess parking, and reflect the high value of curb
and street right-of-way.
Zoning &
Development
MCPA_0125 Promote natural tree cover, built shade, and cooling infrastructure
along new and existing sidewalks, streets, transit stops, and public
spaces to enhance resilience to extreme heat, prioritizing urban heat
islands and locations where populations susceptible to health
impacts gather.
Transportation
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Unique ID Policy Sector
MCPA_0116 Prioritize public transit expansion, frequency, capacity, reliability, and
coordinated land use and transportation planning that improves
service especially for transit-dependent populations and lower-
income and overburdened neighborhoods.
Transportation
MCPA_0140 Alter traffic patterns and enhance neighborhood streets to provide a
complete transportation network for all users in line with the
Complete Streets Ordinance, ensuring equitable distribution of
innovation, access, choice, and options, and freight and emergency
access throughout the four seasons for people walking, biking, and
rolling, transit riders, and people driving motor vehicles.
Transportation
MCPA_0117 Develop zero-emission vehicle infrastructure and incentives
including E-bikes, prioritizing workplaces, lower-income residents,
and renters.
Transportation
MCPA_0123 Design and site new and expanded roads, rail infrastructure, and
water-crossing structures to minimize environmental impacts,
protect public access, and incorporate climate-resilient features such
as fish-friendly passage.
Transportation
MCPA_0124 Improve street connectivity and walkability, including sidewalks and
street crossings, to support everyday mobility and access to
potential evacuation routes.
Transportation
MCPA_0141
Enhance and maintain sidewalks, trails, and low traffic stress bicycle
facilities to prioritize the safety of the most vulnerable road users
traveling by foot, bicycle and other adaptive or assistive devices.
Transportation
MCPA_0122 Install updated stormwater controls on roadways when capital
improvements are implemented and where surrounding
development is less likely to contribute stormwater improvements.
Transportation
MCPA_0118 Maintain bicycle and pedestrian connectivity during construction of
development or projects that block the right of way.
Transportation
MCPA_0119 Improve active transportation and other multimodal types of
transportation options in concurrency programs – both in
assessment and mitigation.
Transportation
MCPA_0126 Support federal, state, and regional actions, and implement City
actions that align with, direct, and model zero waste principles and
state goals in partnership with the regional solid waste management
system.
Waste
Management
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Unique ID Policy Sector
MCPA_0072 Support a circular economy that increases demand for reused and
recycled materials, reduces demand for new raw materials and their
embodied carbon emissions, and fosters community education and
participation through regulations, incentives, and collaboration.
Waste
Management
MCPA_0129 Encourage and expand home and commercial composting to
increase waste reduction and diversion, reduce the generation and
disposal of organic waste, and increase soil health.
Waste
Management
MCPA_0127 Collaborate with regional and community partners to provide
equitable outreach and engagement and clear and consistent
messaging around waste reduction (including reuse and repair),
recycling, and composting among homes and businesses.
Waste
Management
MCPA_0128 Strengthen and expand programs that enable and incentivize reuse
and recycling of construction, deconstruction, and demolition
materials and waste and the incorporation of such materials into
building and construction designs.
Waste
Management
MCPA_0138 Encourage and support residents and businesses to optimally
manage rainwater, water use, and stormwater on their properties
such as through modeling practices on public properties, adopting
codes and standards that enable and encourage rain gardens,
drought tolerant plants, or permeable pavements.
Water Resources
MCPA_0134 Strengthen and implement a water conservation strategy that leads
to decreases in household, commercial, industrial, and agricultural
water use citywide, commensurate with the true available capacity of
the City’s water supply and effects of a changing climate, including
expanded incentives for drought-tolerant, native plantings and the
use of innovative incentive, communication, and education
programs.
Water Resources
MCPA_0136 Develop, implement, and regularly review a comprehensive drought
resilience strategy that factors in projected climate impacts and sets
action levels for different drought stages in municipal code.
Water Resources
MCPA_0132 Manage water resources for all users sustainably through a “One
Water” concept that manages all forms of water, including through
retaining rainwater strategies, smart irrigation, stormwater
management, preventative maintenance, water conservation,
infiltration and groundwater recharge, plant selection, landscape
management, utility rate structures, and other methods that respect
water rights regulations while supporting a resilient and effective
urban water system.
Water Resources
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[Page 16]
Unique ID Policy Sector
MCPA_0135 Set and regularly monitor progress for short- and long-term targets
for water conservation goals set in municipal code.
Water Resources
MCPA_0133 Develop a program to allow municipal reclaimed water systems,
where feasible considering water rights, and allow onsite non-
potable water systems to reduce water demand in private-sector
commercial and residential buildings.
Water Resources
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[Page 17]
E-signature audit page. Signature record only, no plan content.
CRSB Recommendation No. 2026-001
Resolution and Findings of Fact on Climate Policies
Adopted February 12, 2026
[Page 1]
CRSB RECOMMENDATION No.: 2026- 001
CITY OF SPOKANE CLIMATE RESILIENCE & SUSTAINABILITY BOARD
RESOLUTION RECOMMENDING SUPPORT OF THE CLIMATE POLICY
INTEGRATION DOCUMENT IN THE 2026 PERIODIC UPDATE
Resolution to the City of Spokane Plan Commission to include Climate Policy
Integration in the 2026 periodic update of the City of Spokane Comprehensive Plan.
WHEREAS, the Climate Resilience and Sustainability Board (CRSB) spent 2025
evaluate and develop goals and policies to integrate
climate planning into the Comprehensive Plan as part of the PlanSpokane 2046 Periodic
Update, and;
WHEREAS, the City of Spokane has developed climate planning under HB 1181 to
enhance community resilience, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and prioritize
environmental justice to avoid worsening environmental health disparities, which has been
supported by a Washington Department of Commerce climate planning grant which is
funded from Washington’s Climate Commitment Act, and;
WHEREAS the CRSB serves as the Climate Policy Advisory Team for the climate
planning element within the City of Spokane’s Comprehensive Plan and its members have
evaluated and reviewed the draft climate policy integration document; and
WHEREAS, the CRSB held a hearing on whether to recommend approval of the
Climate Policy Integration document to the City of Spokane Plan Commission on February
12, 2026; and
WHEREAS, during the public hearing the CRSB received comment from Kirsten
Angell and deliberated over including an additional recommendation for consideration by
the Plan Commission to amend NE 11.4 Forest Inventory Database as follows:
and wildlife habitat, evaluated for their ecological and climate resilience values,
using Best Available Science. A Natural Area and Habitat Connectivity Network
database in the city’s geographic Information System would disseminate the
information for decision makers and the public in a usable, interactive format.”
WHEREAS, the CRSB, by a vote of 12 Ayes 0 Nays recommends the following:
[Page 2]
NOW, THEREFORE --- it is hereby resolved by the Spokane Climate Resilience &
Sustainability Board to
1. Recommend to the City of Spokane Plan Commission inclusion of the
climate policies listed in the February 12, 2026 memorandum titled “CRSB Draft
Final Climate Policies” in the 2026 periodic update of the City of Spokane
Comprehensive Plan.
2. Further recommend to the City of Spokane Plan Commission consideration of
amended language of NE 11.4 Forest Inventory Database, as outlined above.
3. Authorize the Chair prepare and sign on the Board’s behalf a written decision
consistent with CRSB Rule 6.5 and attached as Attachment A.
ADOPTED by the Spokane Climate Resilience & Sustainability Board by a vote of 12
Ayes & 0 Nays on this 12th
day of February, 2026.
__________________________________
Brian G. Henning, CRSB Chair
Approved as to form:
_________________________________
City Attorney
[Page 3]
Findings of Fact, Conclusion, and Recommendation
1
CITY OF SPOKANE CLIMATE RESILIENCE AND SUSTAINABILITY BOARD
FINDINGS OF FACT, CONCLUSIONS, AND RECOMMENDATIONS
ON CLIMATE POLICIES RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE PLANSPOKANE 2046
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PERIODIC UPDATE
A recommendation of the City of Spokane Climate Resilience and Sustainability Board to the
Spokane Plan Commission for integration of climate policies within the PlanSpokane 2046
periodic update consistent with state laws.
FINDINGS OF FACT:
A. The City of Spokane (City) is required to amend and adopt a Comprehensive Plan that
complies with the requirements of the Growth Management Act (GMA) under RCW
36.70A.040.
B. The City is undertaking a periodic update to the Comprehensive Plan, which is the guiding
document for future growth and includes actions by the City, due at the end of 2026.
PlanSpokane 2046 will identify policies and future regulations to direct the next 20 years of
growth for the City.
C. In 2023, the Washington State Legislature passed HB1181 which added a climate goal to the
GMA under RCW 36.70.70A and requires local comprehensive plans to have a climate
change and resiliency element that is designed to result in reductions in overall greenhouse
gas emissions and enhance resiliency to and avoid the adverse impacts of climate change,
to include efforts to reduce localized greenhouse gas emissions and avoid creating or
worsening localized climate impacts to vulnerable populations and overburdened
communities.
D. The Washington State Department of Commerce (WA Commerce) published the Climate
Element Planning Guidance to help counties and cities planning under the state's GMA
develop the comprehensive plan climate element with goals and policies that align with the
requirements outlined in RCW 36.070.70A.
E. City Council adopted Resolution 2024-0038 to initiate climate planning consistent with the
requirements of HB 1181 under the comprehensive plan periodic update.
F. During the 2023-2025 state biennium, WA Commerce made available through the
Washington Climate Commitment Act (CCA) approximately $30 million in statewide grants to
help counties and cities prepare for the impacts of climate change through 2029. The City was
allocated $700,000.
G. For the 2023-2025 biennium, City Council accepted $420,000 of the allocation (OPR 2024-
0142) for Phase 1 of climate planning, which focused on early community engagement,
climate impacts analysis, policy gap analysis, and the development of a climate risk and
vulnerability assessment with a focus on equity and climate justice.
H. For the 2025-2027 biennium, City Council accepted the remainder $280,000 of the allocation
(OPR 2025-0500) for Phase 2 of climate planning, which focused on ongoing community
engagement, policy development and prioritization, environmental justice review, and
integration into the PlanSpokane 2046 periodic update.
[Page 4]
Findings of Fact, Conclusion, and Recommendation
2 of 4
I. In 2024, the Spokane City Council created the Climate Resilience and Sustainability Board
(CRSB) by Ordinance C36557 to provide advice and recommendations to the Mayor, City
Council, and community on the actions necessary to achieve the community’s sustainability
and climate goals consistent with the City’s Comprehensive Plan, Sustainability Action Plan,
environmental stewardship policies of the City as adopted by the City Council, and within the
requirements and parameters set forth in state law.
J. The CRSB serves as the Climate Policy Advisory Team in alignment with Commerce’s
guidance to assess climate-related hazards and local emissions, consider public input, and
provide goal and policy recommendations.
K. Outreach and public communication began in 2024 and continued throughout 2025 and into
2026 with online and in-person methods, a project website, community surveys, in-person and
virtual workshops, in-person and virtual focus groups, email updates, and online information
sharing through story maps, blog posts, social media, and regular project updates. Key
engagement activities reached over 3,300 Spokane residents.
L. The Tribal Engagement Workgroup (TEW) was launched to ensure that Indigenous voices
and knowledge systems were included climate planning and to inform the City’s 2026
Comprehensive Plan.
M. The Climate Technical Advisory Committee (CTAC) was formed as an interdisciplinary
committee of City divisions and departments to gather input and feedback throughout the
process on priorities, related work, and ideas to inform and shape the climate policies.
N. The draft final climate policies were developed, amended, and refined by the CRSB, CTAC,
TEW, and community engagement between August 2025 and January 2026.
O. The CRSB and Spokane Plan Commission hosted two joint special meetings to discuss
climate planning and integration into the Comprehensive Plan in October 2025 and January
2026.
P. The Draft Final Climate Policy Memo (Memo) provided on February 12, 2026 includes
revisions to and documentation of the draft final policies discussed at the joint meeting on
January 28, 2026. The Memo provides the draft policies for consideration by the CRSB at the
scheduled hearing on February 12, 2026.
Q. The draft final climate policies outlined in the February 12, 2026 Memo and corresponding
policy list include 97 policies aligned with the 11 climate sectors outlined by the WA
Commerce: Agriculture & Food Systems; Built Environment & Energy; Cultural Resources &
Practices; Economic Development; Emergency Management; Health & Well-being;
Ecosystems; Transportation; Waste Management; Water Resources; Zoning.
R. On February 12, 2026, the CRSB held a public hearing on the Draft Final Climate Policies
Memo, including taking of verbal testimony, and closed the public record on that date.
S. Public comment, as well as agency and department comments, received prior to the February
12, 2026 CRSB public hearing were included for consideration. On February 12, 2026, the
CRSB conducted its deliberations on this Memo and voted 12-0 to recommend to the Spokane
Plan Commission the following:
[Page 5]
Findings of Fact, Conclusion, and Recommendation
3 of 4
1. Recommend to the Spokane Plan Commission inclusion of the final climate policies
listed in the February 12, 2026 memorandum titled “CRSB Draft Final Climate
Policies” in the 2026 periodic update of the City of Spokane Comprehensive Plan.
T. During deliberations by the CRSB, recommendations were further made by vote on the
following additional request.
1. Adopt the Draft Final Climate Policy List with an additional amendment to add point
three to the draft Resolution in the packet to further recommend to the Plan
Commission to modify or supplement NE 11.4 to include the considerations in the
public comment received from Spokane Urban Nature (SUN) as attached (attached
as page 3 in the minutes).
U. Except as otherwise indicated herein, the CRSB recommends the final climate policies to the
Plan Commission with above referenced amendment to NE 11.4.
CONCLUSIONS:
Based upon review of the Packet materials, staff analysis and CRSB Draft Final Climate Policies,
which is incorporated into these findings, conclusions and recommendation, agency and public
comments received, and public testimony provided, the CRSB makes the following conclusions
for Climate Policy Integration in the 2026 periodic update of the City of Spokane Comprehensive
Plan.
1. The Draft Final Climate Policies, as contained in the CRSB Draft Final Climate Policies Memo
are consistent with state law requirements, are designed to enhance community resilience,
reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and prioritize environmental justice to avoid worsening
environmental health disparities.
2. The CRSB, as the Climate Policy Advisory Team for the climate planning element within the
City of Spokane’s Comprehensive Plan, evaluated and reviewed the draft climate policies and
recommends to the Spokane Plan Commission integration of the Final Climate Policies in the
2026 Periodic update.
RECOMMENDATION:
The CRSB recommends the Spokane Plan Commission include the final climate policies listed in
the February 12, 2026 memorandum titled “CRSB Draft Final Climate Policies” in the 2026
periodic update of the City of Spokane Comprehensive Plan on a vote of 12-0.
The CRSB further recommends the Spokane Plan Commission consider the written comment
received from Kirsten Angell and attached to these findings and the hearing minutes. Specifically
the recommendation for consideration of amended language to NE 11.4 which calls for a “Forest
Inventory Database” in the Ecosystem section of the Climate Resilience Policy:
“Create and maintain an inventory of existing and potential natural lands and fish and
wildlife habitat, evaluated for their ecological and climate resilience values, using Best
Available Science. A Natural Area and Habitat Connectivity Network database in the city’s
geographic Information System would disseminate the information for decision makers
and the public in a usable, interactive format.”
[Page 6]
Findings of Fact, Conclusion, and Recommendation
4 of 4
These Findings and Conclusions are prepared and signed pursuant to CRSB Rule 6.5 and
approved by a vote of 12 to 0 by the CRSB on the 12thd day of February, 2026.
______________________________________________
Brian G. Henning, Chair
Climate Resilience and Sustainability Board
Date:
[Page 7]
Kirsten Angell, here to represent myself, as well as Spokane Urban Nature (SUN). My goal today is to be helpful. I am deeply grateful for the work of this Board.
Language for identifying and protecting interconnected natural areas and systems is in this document, thankfully. But, if our city doesn’t have data about these areas and systems, collected and accessible, or a rubric for the assessment of ecological values, which goes above and beyond habitat connectivity to include human health and flood mitigation, waste water filtration, etc.., it will be much more difficult to protect the ecological services and cultural riches we currently enjoy or could potentially establish.
If we have suggested language that creates a database for identifying our urban canopy, as the language states in NE 11.4, which calls for a “Forest Inventory Database,” why wouldn’t we also prioritize the gathering of data highlighting our city’s existing and potential habitat connectivity? We need to be careful with places that are undervalued simply because we have no rubric, yet, to define and highlight their value (ecological + cultural value = resilience). This additional database and evaluation criteria would get us one step closer to our city’s capacity to "identify" these areas of significant ecological and cultural value.
So, suggested new language in the Ecosystem section of Climate Resilience Policy could read:
”Create and maintain an inventory of existing and potential natural lands and fish and wildlife habitat, evaluated for their ecological and climate resilience values, using Best Available Science. A Natural Area and Habitat Connectivity Network database in the city’s Geographic Information System would disseminate the information for decision makers and the public in a usable, interactive format.”
This suggestion is highly compatible with other language used in the updated climate resilience policies. For example, in the Land Use section updates, Policy 2-4 specifically states, "Protect, restore, acquire and maintain urban forests, critical areas, shorelines and open spaces as interconnected natural systems that provide flood protection, heat reduction and carbon sequestration benefits." You will also find compatibility in the suggested policy updates for Health and Wellness and in existing chapters, NE 13 and NE 7, Connectivity and Natural Land Form.
To conclude, we encourage you to go a step further and create language that supports a clear pathway for collecting and evaluating important habitat and connectivity data so that the other goals and policies towards building climate resilience in our community will be more likely to be implemented. Without data, and a solid evaluation rubric, changes to policy are much more difficult to support. As a guiding document, this language addresses climate resilience and would be an important addition to our CP.
[Page 8]
Policies that meet the
Climate GMA
requirements
Supportive policies
Unique ID Policy Sector
MCPA_0055 Establish and maintain publicly accessible community gardens on
city property, as appropriate, in partnership with local organizations
to support traditional Indigenous food gardens and culturally
specific growing practices as well as to increase access to local and
culturally diverse food for all residents.
Agriculture &
Food Systems
MCPA_0054 Incentivize rooftop and ground-level gardens, community
composting, and food forest projects within new and existing
development to strengthen local food security and access to nature,
prioritizing access for renters, residents without private yards, and
overburdened communities.
Agriculture &
Food Systems
MCPA_0021 Support farmers’ or public markets, fruit and vegetable stands, food
production services, small-scale farms, and other avenues for local
food production and access such as with simpler permitting
processes or financial incentives, as a means of local food security
and diversity in business opportunities.
Agriculture &
Food Systems
MCPA_0058 Support culturally relevant programs and partnerships that offer
educational resources for healthy cooking, community gardening,
mental and physical health, and other skills related to community
health and resiliency.
Agriculture &
Food Systems
MCPA_0019 Incentivize and enable uses that provide healthy, affordable, and
locally produced food in parts of the city with limited food access,
including by amending land use and zoning designations, as well as
updating code requirements.
Agriculture &
Food Systems
MCPA_0057 Identify and designate areas that are suited for ongoing agricultural
production, while also permitting smaller-scale urban agricultural
uses such as community gardens, home gardens, and small livestock
throughout the city, recognizing urban agriculture as a community
and economic asset that supports food security, local resiliency, and
public health.
Agriculture &
Food Systems
MCPA_0059 Partner with food banks, farmers’ markets, and other organizations
to provide resources, services, and information to improve food
access.
Agriculture &
Food Systems
MCPA_0053 Encourage the use of alternative and emerging agricultural tools and
practices that support regional resiliency to climate change, such as
hydroponics and regenerative farming.
Agriculture &
Food Systems
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[Page 9]
Unique ID Policy Sector
MCPA_0066 Partner with energy providers, other regional partners, and state
regulators to offer incentives or rebates for property owners who
make energy-efficient improvements, such as heating, ventilating, air
conditioning and refrigerating installations, operations, and
maintenance, on the condition that cost savings are shared with
tenants.
Buildings &
Energy
MCPA_0065 Implement and support building and energy codes and policies
amendments that reduce energy and fossil fuel use, and air quality
impacts for existing and new residential, commercial, industrial, and
other buildings in a manner that equitably considers energy
transition cost and benefits for overburdened communities.
Buildings &
Energy
MCPA_0069 Encourage the development of heat mitigating roofs and other
passive cooling site and building features by exploring code updates
and incentives in Downtown and other high intensity areas of the
city to reduce energy use and improve resilience.
Buildings &
Energy
MCPA_0070 Expand renewable energy production and storage opportunities
through code updates and incentives.
Buildings &
Energy
MCPA_0068 Regularly monitor progress and update interim targets for the City’s
net zero greenhouse gas emissions goal as set in municipal code.
Buildings &
Energy
MCPA_0067 Preserve and expand renewable energy sources and reduce energy
use, air quality impacts, refrigerant emissions, and potable water
consumption in City buildings and operations.
Buildings &
Energy
MCPA_0062 Protect, enhance, and restore ecosystems in order to support Tribal
rights and conserve culturally important consumptive and non-
consumptive resources including foods, medicinal plants, and
materials that could be adversely impacted by climate change.
Cultural
Resources &
Practices
MCPA_0061 Protect and enhance sacred areas and cultural sites within the
growing urban setting through collaboration with local Tribes,
historians, organizations, and residents to identify features to be
protected.
Cultural
Resources &
Practices
MCPA_0063 Protect significant historic and cultural sites prone to floods or other
hazards worsened by climate change.
Cultural
Resources &
Practices
MCPA_0009 Provide a range of financial and regulatory incentives to encourage
the reuse, renovation, and preservation of historic structures while
disincentivizing demolition.
Cultural
Resources &
Practices
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[Page 10]
Unique ID Policy Sector
MCPA_0073 Collaborate with colleges, schools, technical programs, labor
organizations, and other agencies to encourage the development of
an environmentally focused jobs pipeline that benefits
overburdened communities and supports a circular economy.
Economic
Development
MCPA_0075 Incentivize brownfield redevelopment projects that incorporate
resilient and sustainable features through City investments and
technical assistance, particularly in overburdened communities.
Economic
Development
MCPA_0076 Support the long-term usability of commercial buildings in
economically disadvantaged areas through targeted investments
and incentives such as technical assistance, grants, or loans for
revitalization of facades and storefronts, security and accessibility
improvements, and other renovations.
Economic
Development
MCPA_0074 Support, incentivize, and encourage purchasing from businesses that
primarily employ local people, use local materials, and produce and
sell their products and/or services locally to preserve existing
businesses and reduce Vehicle Miles Travelled and Greenhouse
Gases.
Economic
Development
MCPA_0080 Collaborate with Tribal partners to leverage traditional ecological
management strategies for natural areas.
Ecosystems
MCPA_0156 Identify, purchase, preserve, restore, and maintain existing and
potential links between wildlife habitats, seeking to form a network
of wildlife habitats while partnering with regional, community, and
state agencies and programs.
Ecosystems
MCPA_0146 Establish and support programs, codes, and standards that support
the long-term health and maintenance of the urban canopy on
public and private lands, including public awareness campaigns,
incentives, and funding opportunities, prioritizing areas with high
heat risk and overburdened communities.
Ecosystems
MCPA_0083 Implement programs, codes, and standards that increase aquatic
and upland habitat resilience by protecting water quality, increasing
water residence time in streams, implementing natural landscaping
to slow, filter, and store stormwater, conserving water, protecting
groundwater, and keeping waters cool.
Ecosystems
MCPA_0149 Provide educational resources and volunteer opportunities for
environmental stewardship on City-owned property, including with
clean-up events for trails, parks, and swales, and the planting of
street and park trees.
Ecosystems
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[Page 11]
Unique ID Policy Sector
MCPA_0093 Develop resilience hubs — community-serving facilities that are
designed to support residents, coordinate communication, distribute
resources, and reduce carbon pollution while enhancing quality of
life — throughout the city, prioritizing investments in areas with
vulnerable and overburdened communities.
Emergency
Management
MCPA_0095 Collaborate with Tribes and Native organizations to facilitate and
identify places where Tribal members and Indigenous people can
interact before, during, and after emergencies that serve as clean air
and cooling centers, charging stations, and evacuation centers.
Emergency
Management
MCPA_0086 Work with Tribes and Native organizations to identify evacuation
routes and tailored emergency management strategies addressing
wildfire, flooding, and other extreme events.
Emergency
Management
MCPA_0091 Develop a comprehensive, communitywide wildfire resilience
strategy that improves emergency response capabilities, promotes a
fire-adapted community, and fosters short- and long-term wildfire
recovery, while building community awareness of the strategy.
Emergency
Management
MCPA_0092 Provide residents living in Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) areas
information about fire prevention and Firewise best practices while
applying WUI best practices to new development through building
code, ventilation, and landscaping provisions.
Emergency
Management
MCPA_0148 Work with community-based organizations to identify, update, and
maintain emergency evacuation routes, locations, and strategies,
focusing on neighborhood and block-level plans tailored to the meet
the needs of the most vulnerable residents.
Emergency
Management
MCPA_0088 Engage with community members and organizations to provide
resources that help residents plan and practice actions that make
evacuation quicker and safer.
Emergency
Management
MCPA_0150 Ensure timely emergency notifications for wildfire, smoke, flooding,
and other extreme events that provide both digital and non-digital
outreach materials in multiple languages.
Emergency
Management
MCPA_0089 Ensure redundancy in emergency routes accessible by multiple
transportation modes including vehicular, non-motorized routes,
and transit services to reduce transportation barriers to effective
evacuation under different climate hazard scenarios.
Emergency
Management
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[Page 12]
Unique ID Policy Sector
MCPA_0101 Support Tribes and Native organizations in strengthening
community connectedness and social and economic vitality to help
communities improve their economic prosperity and resilience to
climate impacts, such as by prioritizing funding for Native-led centers
that host multi-generational knowledge sharing, recreation, and
health and wellness services.
Health & Well-
being
MCPA_0100 Foster stronger community connectedness and economic vitality
that helps improve economic prosperity and community resilience to
climate impacts, such as through equitable investments in libraries,
parks, recreation programs, urban green space and ventilation
corridors, multimodal connections and other such areas,
prioritizing overburdened and vulnerable communities.
Health & Well-
being
MCPA_0096 Allocate resources to help all community members, including low-
income residents, in remaining in their homes during extreme
climate events, including extreme heat and wildfire smoke, through
infrastructure and services such as the installation of cooling devices
or high-quality portable air cleaners, utility bill assistance, or
community and Tribal partner collaborations and educational
opportunities.
Health & Well-
being
MCPA_0139 Equitably expand the City's programming and park maintenance and
preservation activities to increase amenities that address comfort
and protection from extreme weather such as shade and drinking
fountains and improve safety, education, and community resources
at parks, prioritizing investments in the most vulnerable parts of
Spokane.
Health & Well-
being
MCPA_0103 Provide all residents with an equitable opportunity to learn about
climate impacts, influence policy decisions, and take actions to
enhance community resilience to promote environmental justice and
support physical and mental health and well-being.
Health & Well-
being
MCPA_0098 Develop and implement an urban heat resilience strategy that
includes land use, urban design, urban greening, and waste heat
reduction actions that benefit overburdened communities.
Health & Well-
being
MCPA_0102 Allocate resources at a consistent and meaningful level for programs
and events focused on Spokane’s youth (18 and under) and their
specific needs for social and emotional health, and cultural
belonging.
Health & Well-
being
MCPA_0111 Apply resilience-focused development standards in high-risk zones,
including the wildland–urban interface (WUI) and flood-prone areas.
Zoning &
Development
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[Page 13]
Unique ID Policy Sector
MCPA_0113 Protect, restore, acquire, and maintain urban agricultural lands,
urban forests, critical areas, shorelines, habitats, and open spaces as
interconnected natural systems that provide flood protection, heat
reduction, and carbon sequestration benefits, including through
codes, capital investments, and regional partnerships.
Zoning &
Development
MCPA_0110 Incorporate climate hazard risk and environmental justice criteria
and mitigation into land use and infrastructure planning before
major land use plan or policy changes, or when siting, replacing, or
relocating community assets, such as transportation, civic facilities,
and parks.
Zoning &
Development
MCPA_0157 Reduce impervious surfaces in the city, in areas of drainage concern
mapped by the City, to address urban heat island mitigation, and
promote groundwater recharge and infiltration.
Zoning &
Development
MCPA_0107 Foster transit-oriented development and accessible neighborhoods
by increasing intensity around multimodal transportation options in
order to reduce VMT and GHG emissions and promote community
resiliency.
Zoning &
Development
MCPA_0106 Prioritize infill development, while expanding, protecting, and
maintaining the City’s tree canopy, through zoning regulations and
permitting processes.
Zoning &
Development
MCPA_0105 Plan for and accommodate diverse, affordable, and attainable
housing types to meet demand while avoiding sprawl in order to
decrease emissions and infrastructure costs and preserve open
space.
Zoning &
Development
MCPA_0147 Designate neighborhood- and regional-scale mixed-use areas on the
Land Use Plan Map and provide a compatible mix of housing,
commercial uses, and activities to focus growth, and support
complete, walkable places.
Zoning &
Development
MCPA_0151 Apply parking maximums and consider using parking pricing to
discourage solo driving and encourage shifts to off-peak travel or
other transportation modes.
Zoning &
Development
MCPA_0152 Develop and administer parking policies that encourage shared
parking, reduce excess parking, and reflect the high value of curb
and street right-of-way.
Zoning &
Development
MCPA_0125 Promote natural tree cover, built shade, and cooling infrastructure
along new and existing sidewalks, streets, transit stops, and public
spaces to enhance resilience to extreme heat, prioritizing urban heat
islands and locations where populations susceptible to health
impacts gather.
Transportation
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[Page 14]
Unique ID Policy Sector
MCPA_0116 Prioritize public transit expansion, frequency, capacity, reliability, and
coordinated land use and transportation planning that improves
service especially for transit-dependent populations and lower-
income and overburdened neighborhoods.
Transportation
MCPA_0140 Alter traffic patterns and enhance neighborhood streets to provide a
complete transportation network for all users in line with the
Complete Streets Ordinance, ensuring equitable distribution of
innovation, access, choice, and options, and freight and emergency
access throughout the four seasons for people walking, biking, and
rolling, transit riders, and people driving motor vehicles.
Transportation
MCPA_0117 Develop zero-emission vehicle infrastructure and incentives
including E-bikes, prioritizing workplaces, lower-income residents,
and renters.
Transportation
MCPA_0123 Design and site new and expanded roads, rail infrastructure, and
water-crossing structures to minimize environmental impacts,
protect public access, and incorporate climate-resilient features such
as fish-friendly passage.
Transportation
MCPA_0124 Improve street connectivity and walkability, including sidewalks and
street crossings, to support everyday mobility and access to
potential evacuation routes.
Transportation
MCPA_0141
Enhance and maintain sidewalks, trails, and low traffic stress bicycle
facilities to prioritize the safety of the most vulnerable road users
traveling by foot, bicycle and other adaptive or assistive devices.
Transportation
MCPA_0122 Install updated stormwater controls on roadways when capital
improvements are implemented and where surrounding
development is less likely to contribute stormwater improvements.
Transportation
MCPA_0118 Maintain bicycle and pedestrian connectivity during construction of
development or projects that block the right of way.
Transportation
MCPA_0119 Improve active transportation and other multimodal types of
transportation options in concurrency programs – both in
assessment and mitigation.
Transportation
MCPA_0126 Support federal, state, and regional actions, and implement City
actions that align with, direct, and model zero waste principles and
state goals in partnership with the regional solid waste management
system.
Waste
Management
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[Page 15]
Unique ID Policy Sector
MCPA_0072 Support a circular economy that increases demand for reused and
recycled materials, reduces demand for new raw materials and their
embodied carbon emissions, and fosters community education and
participation through regulations, incentives, and collaboration.
Waste
Management
MCPA_0129 Encourage and expand home and commercial composting to
increase waste reduction and diversion, reduce the generation and
disposal of organic waste, and increase soil health.
Waste
Management
MCPA_0127 Collaborate with regional and community partners to provide
equitable outreach and engagement and clear and consistent
messaging around waste reduction (including reuse and repair),
recycling, and composting among homes and businesses.
Waste
Management
MCPA_0128 Strengthen and expand programs that enable and incentivize reuse
and recycling of construction, deconstruction, and demolition
materials and waste and the incorporation of such materials into
building and construction designs.
Waste
Management
MCPA_0138 Encourage and support residents and businesses to optimally
manage rainwater, water use, and stormwater on their properties
such as through modeling practices on public properties, adopting
codes and standards that enable and encourage rain gardens,
drought tolerant plants, or permeable pavements.
Water Resources
MCPA_0134 Strengthen and implement a water conservation strategy that leads
to decreases in household, commercial, industrial, and agricultural
water use citywide, commensurate with the true available capacity of
the City’s water supply and effects of a changing climate, including
expanded incentives for drought-tolerant, native plantings and the
use of innovative incentive, communication, and education
programs.
Water Resources
MCPA_0136 Develop, implement, and regularly review a comprehensive drought
resilience strategy that factors in projected climate impacts and sets
action levels for different drought stages in municipal code.
Water Resources
MCPA_0132 Manage water resources for all users sustainably through a “One
Water” concept that manages all forms of water, including through
retaining rainwater strategies, smart irrigation, stormwater
management, preventative maintenance, water conservation,
infiltration and groundwater recharge, plant selection, landscape
management, utility rate structures, and other methods that respect
water rights regulations while supporting a resilient and effective
urban water system.
Water Resources
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Unique ID Policy Sector
MCPA_0135 Set and regularly monitor progress for short- and long-term targets
for water conservation goals set in municipal code.
Water Resources
MCPA_0133 Develop a program to allow municipal reclaimed water systems,
where feasible considering water rights, and allow onsite non-
potable water systems to reduce water demand in private-sector
commercial and residential buildings.
Water Resources
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E-signature audit page. Signature record only, no plan content.