Climate and Resiliency Planning

The Climate Resilience and Sustainability Board (CRSB) voted to recommend climate policies to the Plan Commission on February 12, 2026 for consideration as part of the Plan Spokane 2046. This comes after months of discussion and engagement on climate policy development during Phase 2 of the Climate Planning effort. Discussions focused on developing climate policy for the 11 sectors required by the WA Commerce in alignment with HB 1181: Agriculture & Food Systems, Buildings & Energy, Cultural Resources & Practices, Economic Development, Ecosystems, Emergency Management, Health & Well-being, Transportation, Waste Management, Water Resources, Zoning & Development. The climate policies are informed by community engagement, CRSB feedback, and City staff input.

CRSB Resolution and Findings of Fact for Climate Policies – February 20, 2026 (PDF 1.3 MB)

The City of Spokane is embarking on a transformative journey to support community resiliency to growing climate hazards. As part of this effort, we're undertaking a major update to our Comprehensive Plan, a foundational document guiding the city's growth and development. This update, mandated by the Washington State Growth Management Act and due in 2026, presents a unique opportunity to integrate climate considerations into every aspect of our city's future.

Why Does it Matter?

Climate hazards affect everyone, regardless of age, background, or socioeconomic status. By proactively addressing climate risks and vulnerabilities, we can:

	Protect Our Community Climate-resilient infrastructure and policies can help mitigate the impacts of extreme weather events, reduce risks to public health, and safeguard our homes and businesses for our collective wellbeing.
	Preserve Our Environment By reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting sustainable practices, we can protect our natural resources, safeguard biodiversity, and preserve the beauty of our region for future generations.
	Promote Equity and Justice Climate hazards disproportionately impact vulnerable communities, exacerbating existing inequalities and injustices. By centering equity in our climate planning efforts, we can ensure that all residents have access to the resources and support they need to thrive.

How Can You Help?

Scout the Marmot mascot saying "We want to hear from you!"

Stay Informed: Follow us on social media and sign up for email updates to stay up-to-date on the latest developments in our climate planning efforts.
Share Your Voice: Your input is crucial in shaping our city's response to growing climate hazards. Join us for community workshops, town hall meetings, and online surveys to share your ideas, concerns, and priorities.

CRSB Resolution and Findings of Fact for Climate Policies – February 20, 2026 (PDF 1.3 MB)

Why Does it Matter?

Climate hazards affect everyone, regardless of age, background, or socioeconomic status. By proactively addressing climate risks and vulnerabilities, we can:

	Protect Our Community Climate-resilient infrastructure and policies can help mitigate the impacts of extreme weather events, reduce risks to public health, and safeguard our homes and businesses for our collective wellbeing.
	Preserve Our Environment By reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting sustainable practices, we can protect our natural resources, safeguard biodiversity, and preserve the beauty of our region for future generations.
	Promote Equity and Justice Climate hazards disproportionately impact vulnerable communities, exacerbating existing inequalities and injustices. By centering equity in our climate planning efforts, we can ensure that all residents have access to the resources and support they need to thrive.

How Can You Help?

Stay Informed: Follow us on social media and sign up for email updates to stay up-to-date on the latest developments in our climate planning efforts.
Share Your Voice: Your input is crucial in shaping our city's response to growing climate hazards. Join us for community workshops, town hall meetings, and online surveys to share your ideas, concerns, and priorities.

Glossary of Terms

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To assist with community understanding of terms used in climate planning, we have prepared a glossary of the most common terms. Read the Climate Glossary of Terms now.
Project Scope

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The City of Spokane has hired a robust and experienced consultant team to help lead our climate planning efforts. This team is led by BERK Consulting with supporting consultants Cascadia Consulting Group, Kauffman & Associates Inc, Parametrix, and Fehr & Peers.
Coming Up
Throughout 2024 and 2025, we will be working through a process to understanding Spokane's unique climate impacts and hazards, gather data and community feedback, and conduct analysis on our climate risk and community vulnerabilities.
With climate planning, we will work to:
- Reduce greenhouse gas emissions and vehicle miles traveled
- Foster community preparedness, response and recovery efforts to climate impacts and natural hazards
- Prioritize environmental justice to avoid worsening disparities
- Engage overburdened communities who face the greatest risk to climate impacts
Climate change isn't just a distant threat—it's already affecting our community in tangible ways, from more frequent and severe heatwaves to disruptions in our natural landscapes and ecosystems. By integrating climate resilience and greenhouse gas reduction strategies into our Comprehensive Plan, we're taking proactive steps to safeguard our city's well-being and ensure a thriving, sustainable future for all residents.
WA Department of Commerce has published the Final Guidance for Climate Planning that outlines the requirements in greater detail. Visit the Commerce's Climate Program website for more information.
How Does Climate Planning Relate to the Comprehensive Plan?

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Our Comprehensive Plan serves as the roadmap for Spokane's future growth and development. The WA Legislature adopted HB 1181 in 2023 that added a requirement for cities to include a climate element into the comprehensive plan. By integrating climate considerations into this plan, we're not only addressing immediate challenges but also laying the foundation for a more sustainable and resilient city in the years to come. From land use and transportation to housing and economic development, every aspect of the Comprehensive Plan will reflect our commitment to climate action.