Local Government Climate Change Documents
This page provides an interactive map and listing of plans, resolutions, and other documents that local and tribal governments in Washington State have adopted to reduce emissions and respond to the effects of climate change.
It is part of MRSC’s series on Climate Change.
Please contact us at climateresources@mrsc.org with questions or comments about the resources on this page, including new or updated documents that your jurisdiction has adopted.
Map of Local Government Climate Documents
Below is an interactive map showing local and tribal governments in Washington State that have adopted climate-related documents. These resources include climate action plans, adaptation and resilience plans, and comprehensive plans, hazard mitigation plans, and comprehensive emergency management plans with references to climate change and greenhouse gas emissions. Note that this list is not all-inclusive; rather, it provides examples of climate-related documents throughout the state.
By default the map shows all jurisdiction types (counties, cities, tribes, and other public agencies). However, by using the tabs at the top of the map you may limit the results to just one jurisdiction type.
To view the documents that a specific jurisdiction has adopted, click on the jurisdiction's icon and you will see an option "Click Here to View Document(s)." That link will open in a new window with links to all the climate-related documents listed for that jurisdiction. To reset the view, click on the white area inside the map box but outside the Washington state outline.
Alternatively, you may browse these documents by geography and entity type in the sections below the map.
List of County Climate Documents
Below is a list of climate-related policies, resolutions, and documents adopted by counties or regional/multi-jurisdictional entities in Washington State. Jurisdictions are listed in alphabetical order by geographic region. The regions are based on the Growth Management Hearings Board regions, as follows:
- Eastern Washington consists of everything east of the Cascades
- Central Puget Sound consists of King, Kitsap, Pierce, and Snohomish counties
- Western Washington consists of everything west of the Cascades and outside the Central Puget Sound region
Eastern Washington
- Asotin County Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan
- Benton County Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan
- Chelan County
- Columbia County Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan
- Ferry County
- Franklin County Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan 2018 Revision
- Garfield County Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
- Grant County
- Kittitas County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
- Klickitat County Emergency Management Plans
- Lincoln County
- Okanogan County Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan
- Pend Oreille County Comprehensive Plan Update – Climate change and greenhouse gases are referenced in the Land Use chapter
- Spokane County Hazard Mitigation Plan
- Walla Walla County
- Whitman County Emergency Management
- Yakima County
- Horizon 2040: Comprehensive Plan, Natural Settings Element – References climate change and greenhouse gas emissions
- Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
- Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan
Central Puget Sound
- King County
- Strategic Climate Action Plan and Webpage – Centers all aspects of climate action planning on racial justice and equity
- Greenhouse Gas Emissions webpage
- King County-Cities Joint Letter of Commitment: Climate Change Actions – Members are encouraged to sign the Joint Climate Action Commitments, which outline actions and policies to meet the region's climate targets
- King County-Cities Interlocal Agreement for Climate Collaboration – Modest annual dues based on the member's population size and commitment to provide staff resources for regular meetings
- King County-Cities Climate Action Toolkit
- Comprehensive Plan – Includes numerous goals and policies related to climate change and greenhouse gas emissions (e.g. Chapter 5 Section II)
- Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan
- Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan
- Shoreline Management in King County
- Kitsap County
- Climate Change Resiliency Assessment (2020)
- Comprehensive Plan – Climate change and greenhouse gases are referenced in the Transportation, Environment, and Subarea Plans chapters
- Pierce County
- Sustainability 2030: Pierce County's Greenhouse Gas Reduction Plan – Focuses on energy and the built environment, transportation, consumption and waste reduction, carbon sequestration, and education and outreach
- Climate Change Resilience Plan
- Comprehensive Plan – Climate change and greenhouse gases are referenced in the Environment chapter
- Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan
- Flood Code and Shoreline Master Program Update
- Snohomish County
- Sustainable Operations Action Plan
- Comprehensive Plan: Natural Environment Element – References climate change and greenhouse gas emissions
- Countywide Planning Policies (amended 2021) – Several chapters include references to climate change and greenhouse gases
- Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory for County Government Operations (2018)
- Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan
- Hazard Mitigation Plan
Western Washington
- Clallam County
- Greenhouse Gas Reduction Policy (2021) – Describes actions taken since 2009 and committing to incorporating climate change into all future comprehensive planning and county planning documents
- Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
- Clark County Regional Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan
- Cowlitz County Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan - Basic Plan Section
- Grays Harbor County
- Island County
- Jefferson County
- Greenhouse Gas Inventory Report (2018)
- Comprehensive Plan – Climate change and greenhouse gases are referenced in the Land Use, Natural Resources, Environment, Transportation, and Capital Facilities & Utilities chapters
- Jefferson County-Port Townsend All Hazard Mitigation Plan
- Jefferson County-Port Townsend Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan
- Shoreline Master Program Periodic Review
- Lewis County Emergency Management Plans
- Mason County
- County Plan 2036 – Climate change is referenced in the Utilities chapter
- Hazard Mitigation Plan
- Shoreline Master Program Periodic Review
- Pacific County Shoreline Master Program
- San Juan County
- Resolution to Respond and Adapt to Climate Change (2020)
- Working Toward Climate Resilience in the San Juan Islands (2017)
- Comprehensive Plan Updates – Climate change and greenhouse gases are referenced in the Water Resources and Transportation chapters
- Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan
- Hazard Mitigation Plan
- Skagit County
- Climate Action Plan (2010) – Includes greenhouse gas inventory and policies for daily operations, purchasing, and land use
- Comprehensive Plan – Climate change is referenced in the Environment chapter
- Hazard Mitigation Plan
- Skamania County Multi-Jurisdictional Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan
- Thurston County
- Climate Mitigation Plan (2020), Total Emissions & Targets, and Interlocal Agreement
- Climate Adaptation Plan (2018) – Regional framework includes Thurston County, Lacey, Tumwater, and Olympia
- Comprehensive Plan – Several chapters include references to climate change and greenhouse gases (e.g. Transportation, Environment, and Health)
- County-Wide Planning Policies – Climate change and greenhouse gases are referenced in the Economic Development & Employment and Environmental Quality chapters
- Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan
- Regional Hazards Mitigation Plan
- Creating Places Preserving Spaces: A Sustainable Development Plan for the Thurston Region (2013)
- Wahkiakum County
- Whatcom County
- Climate Action Plan (2021) – Detailed roadmap of actions needed to avoid the worst impacts of climate change and to meet the state's emission reduction targets
- Greenhouse Gas Inventory (2020)
- Comprehensive Plan – Climate change and greenhouse gases are referenced in the Land Use, Utilities, Transportation, and Environment chapters
- Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan
List of City/Town Climate Documents
Below is a list of climate-related policies, resolutions, and documents adopted by cities and towns in Washington State. Jurisdictions are listed in alphabetical order by geographic region. The regions are based on the Growth Management Hearings Board regions, as follows:
- Eastern Washington consists of everything east of the Cascades
- Central Puget Sound consists of King, Kitsap, Pierce, and Snohomish counties
- Western Washington consists of everything west of the Cascades and outside the Central Puget Sound region
Eastern Washington
- Colfax 2035 Comprehensive Plan Update – Climate change and greenhouse gases are referenced in the Natural Environment, Sustainability & Community Health, and Parks chapters
- East Wenatchee Greater East Wenatchee Comprehensive Plan – References greenhouse gases
- Ellensburg Comprehensive Plan: Environment Chapter – References climate change and greenhouse gas emissions
- Spokane
- Sustainability Action Plan (2021) – Plan, centered on equity, identifies strategies and actions to meet the city's 100% renewable energy goals
- Executive Summary to the Spokane Climate Vulnerability and Resilience Assessment
- Walla Walla
- Operations Sustainability Plan (2012-2013) – Plan specific to city operations intended to achieve the city's 2012 greenhouse gas emissions reduction policy
- Comprehensive Plan Update – Climate change is referenced in the Environment and Natural Resources chapter
- White Salmon
- Resolution Declaring a Global Climate Crisis (2021)
- Draft Comprehensive Plan – Climate change is referenced in the Environmental Quality and Critical Areas chapter
Central Puget Sound
- Arlington Comprehensive Plan: Goals and Policies Chapter – References climate change and greenhouse gas emissions
- Auburn Greenhouse Gas Inventory (2010)
- Bainbridge Island
- Climate Action Plan (2020) – Uses the "five milestones" approach created by ICLEI; equity principles guide determining priority actions
- Climate Impact Assessment (2016)
- Sea Level Rise on Bainbridge Island: A Preliminary Assessment (2019)
- Ordinance Establishing the Climate Change Advisory Committee (2017)
- Resolution Declaring the Existence of a Climate Emergency and Reaffirming the City's Commitment to Climate Action (2020)
- Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory (2019)
- Climate Change Adaptation Certification Tool (2018)
- 2016 Comprehensive Plan – Climate change and greenhouse gases are referenced in the Land Use, Environmental, and Transportation chapters
- Shoreline Master Program
- Bellevue
- Environmental Stewardship Plan 2021-2025 – Comprehensive sustainability program, including goals related to climate change; website includes a performance dashboard to track progress
- Comprehensive Plan: Environment Chapter – References climate change and greenhouse gas emissions
- Hazard Inventory and Risk Assessment 2018-2023
- Environmental Performance Dashboard
- Bothell Imagine Bothell Comprehensive Plan – Climate change and greenhouse gases are referenced in the Transportation and Natural Environment chapters
- Bremerton
- Comprehensive Plan – Climate change and greenhouse gases are referenced in the Land Use, Transportation, and Environment chapters
- Shoreline Master Program
- Burien
- Climate Action Plan (2021) – Sets a goal of 50% reduction in GHG emissions by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2050; establishes framework for reaching reduction targets
- Shoreline Master Program
- Duvall 2015 Comprehensive Plan Update: Environment and Sustainability Element – References climate change and greenhouse gas emissions
- Edgewood Comprehensive Plan – Climate change and greenhouse gases are referenced in the Natural Environment, Transportation, and Capital Facilities chapters
- Edmonds
- Climate Action Plan – Project page detailing the city's climate action plan update process; includes greenhouse gas inventory and proposed strategies to reduce emissions
- Community Greenhouse Gas Inventory (2017)
- Comprehensive Plan – Climate change and greenhouse gases are referenced in the Community Sustainability and Transportation chapters
- Shoreline Master Program
- Everett
- Climate Action Plan (2020) – Includes qualitative assessment of potential benefits associated with each implementation action; criteria include public health, feasibility, economic growth, and equity
- Climate Action Plan for Municipal Operations (2011) – Preceded the 2020 Climate Action Plan and focuses on municipal operations
- Comprehensive Plan: Climate Change and Sustainability Chapter and Background Report (2015) – References climate change and greenhouse gas emissions
- City Emergency Plans – Includes comprehensive emergency management plan, hazard inventory and vulnerability analysis, and hazard mitigation plan
- Shoreline Plans
- Federal Way Comprehensive Plan – Climate change and greenhouse gas emissions are addressed in the Transportation and Natural Environment chapters
- Gig Harbor Shoreline Planning
- Issaquah
- Climate Action Plan (2021) – Builds on city's existing Mobility Master Plan, Sustainable Building Action Strategy, and Parks Strategic Plan
- Sustainable Building Action Strategy (2017)
- Comprehensive Plan – Climate change and greenhouse gases are referenced in the Land Use, Transportation, Utilities, and Human Services chapters
- Kenmore
- Climate Action Plan – Will use city greenhouse gas emissions inventory to establish reduction targets and develop strategies; will also address resiliency and adaptation
- Greenhouse Gas Inventory (2020)
- Kent
- Resolution Endorsing and Adopting Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction Policies (2013)
- Comprehensive Plan – Climate change and greenhouse gases are referenced in the Utilities and Capital Facilities chapters
- Kirkland
- Sustainability Master Plan (2020) – Includes measurable and actionable sustainability goals organized by eight focus areas
- 2035 Comprehensive Plan – Climate change and greenhouse gases are referenced in the Environment, Land Use, and Transportation chapters
- Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan
- Lake Stevens Resolution Endorsing and Adopting Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Policies (2012)
- Lakewood
- Sustainability Plan – Establishes sustainability goals and targets; intended to expand on and complement existing comprehensive plan
- 2021 Comprehensive Plan Update: Energy and Climate Change Chapter – Describes potential climate change impacts, energy use and greenhouse gas emissions; highlights key findings and recommendations; defines goals for energy and climate change; and identifies responsibilities for implementation
- Lakewood 2025: Moving Forward Together, Chapter 7 – Climate change and greenhouse gases are referenced in Chapter 7, "Lakewood Sustains"
- Lynnwood Comprehensive Plan – Climate change and greenhouse gases are referenced in the Community Character, Transportation, and Environment chapters
- Marysville 2015 Comprehensive Plan – Climate change and greenhouse gases are referenced in the Environmental chapter
- Mercer Island
- Sustainability Webpage – Includes information on city's sustainability efforts, including its partnership in the King County-Cities Climate Collaboration (K4C), climate goals, and key sustainability milestones. Climate Action Plan in development.
- Comprehensive Plan – Climate change and greenhouse gases are referenced in the Land Use, Transportation, and Capital Facilities chapters
- Mountlake Terrace
- Sustainability Strategy (2008) – Sustainability strategy focused on creating livable communities and improving resource efficiency
- Comprehensive Plan 2017: Environment Element – References climate change and greenhouse gas emissions
- Mukilteo
- Climate Action Committee Final Report (2020) – Includes prioritization matrix, "getting started plan" for council, greenhouse gas emissions dashboard, and cost analysis
- Resolution Establishing a Climate Action Committee (2019)
- Comprehensive Plan 2035 – Greenhouse gases are referenced in the Goals and Transportation chapters
- Normandy Park Comprehensive Plan – Greenhouse gas emissions are referenced in the Parks & Recreation chapter
- North Bend Comprehensive Plan – Climate change and greenhouse gases are referenced in the Transportation, Utilities, and Energy & Sustainability chapters
- Port Orchard Comprehensive Plan – Climate change and greenhouse gases are referenced in the Land Use, Housing, and Transportation chapters
- Poulsbo Resolution Endorsing and Adopting Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction Policies (2012)
- Puyallup Comprehensive Plan: Natural Environment Element – References climate change and greenhouse gas emissions
- Redmond
- Climate Action Implementation Plan (2014) – Intended to guide strategies to minimize household, business, and government emissions and prepare for environmental and economic challenges of climate change
- Environmental Sustainability Plan (2020) – Includes impact and cost assessments, as well as an implementation matrix for all the strategies
- Climate Emergency Declaration
- 2030 Comprehensive Plan – Climate change and greenhouse gases are referenced in the Goals, Vision and Framework Policies, Natural Environment, Transportation, and Utilities chapters
- 2050 Themes - Equity & Inclusion, Sustainability, Resiliency – Includes reducing greenhouse gas emissions, creating a climate resilient community, and leading by example
- Renton
- Comprehensive Plan – Climate change and greenhouse gases are referenced in the Land Use chapter
- Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan
- Sammamish
- Sustainable Strategy (2011) – Funded by Energy Efficiency Community Block Grant and describes policy foundation for city's sustainability efforts
- Comprehensive Plan – Climate change and greenhouse gases are referenced in the Environment and Conservation, Transportation, and Capital Facilities chapters
- SeaTac 2035: Environment Element – References climate change and greenhouse gas emissions
- Seattle
- Climate Action Plan (2018) – Designed to move beyond incremental change and fundamentally reshape city's building and transportation systems; affirms city's commitment to goals established in Paris Agreement
- City Light Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment and Adaptation Plan
- Preparing for Climate Change (2017)
- Understanding Our Emissions Webpage
- 2035 Comprehensive Plan – Several chapters (e.g. Land Use, Transportation, and Environment) include references to climate change and greenhouse gases
- All-Hazards Mitigation Plan
- Shoreline
- Climate Action Plan Update – Update to 2013 Climate Action Plan with more robust emissions reductions and preparedness goals, and a focus on impacts to frontline communities
- Climate Impacts and Resiliency Study (2020)
- Resolution Pledging to Join as Partners in the Puget Sound Regional Climate Preparedness Collaborative (2017)
- Comprehensive Plan: Natural Environment Element – References climate change and greenhouse gas emissions
- Shoreline Master Program
- Snohomish Comprehensive Plan – Climate change and greenhouse gases are referenced in the Environmental Protection, Shoreline, and Utilities chapters
- Snoqualmie Sustainability Strategy (2010) – Includes sustainability actions based on recommendations prepared by University of Washington students
- Sultan Comprehensive Plan 2011 to 2015 – Climate change and greenhouse gases are referenced in the Natural Environment and Transportation chapters
- Tacoma
- 2030 Climate Action Plan (2021) – Centers on frontline communities' priorities
- Climate Adaptation Strategy (2021)
- Executive Summary: Tacoma Climate Change Resilience Study (2016)
- Greenhouse Gas Emissions
- One Tacoma: Comprehensive Plan – Several chapters include references to climate change and greenhouse gases (e.g. Environment & Watershed Health and Transportation)
- Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan
- Tukwila Comprehensive Plan – Several chapters include references to climate change and greenhouse gases (e.g. Natural Environment and Residential Neighborhoods)
- University Place Shoreline Master Program Update
- Woodinville Emergency Management Program
Western Washington
- Anacortes
- Greenhouse Gas Inventory & Proposed Climate Action Plan (2006) – Prepared by ICLEI Local Governments for Sustainability; includes introduction to climate change science, emissions inventory, and proposed measures for community and municipal operations.
- Comprehensive Plan 2016 – Climate change and greenhouse gases are referenced in Environment & Conservation, Transportation, Capital Facilities, and Utilities chapters
- Bellingham
- Climate Protection Action Plan (2018) – Identifies municipal and community greenhouse gas reduction strategies; monitors progress based on emissions reductions targets
- 2016 Comprehensive Plan – Climate change and greenhouse gases are referenced in the Land Use, Housing, Transportation, Environment, and Capital Facilities and Utilities chapters
- Emergency Management Webpage
- Shoreline Master Program
- Lacey
- Comprehensive Plan: Environment Element – References climate change and greenhouse gas emissions
- Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan
- Langley Shoreline Master Plan
- Mount Vernon Comprehensive Plan: Health and Wellness Element – References climate change and greenhouse gas emissions
- Ocean Shores Shoreline Master Program
- Olympia
- Sea Level Rise – Webpage includes Sea Level Rise Response Plan and email sign-up to receive updates on climate responses
- Shoreline Master Program
- Port Angeles
- Resiliency Plan: Recommendations Addressing Climate Change for the City of Port Angeles (2019)
- Resolution Addressing Climate Concerns (2019)
- Comprehensive Plan – Climate change and greenhouse gases are referenced in the Land Use, Transportation, Conservation, and Implementation chapters
- Shoreline Master Program
- Port Townsend
- Port Townsend/Jefferson County Climate Action Plan (2011) – Joint city/county climate action plan with goal of reducing county emissons to 80% below 1990 levels by 2050
- Comprehensive Plan – Climate change and greenhouse gases are referenced in the Land Use, Transportation, and Utilities chapters
- Sequim
- Resolution Adopting Policies that Improve the City's Sustainability and Resilience (2016)
- Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction Policy Annual Report (2020) – Tracks city's progress toward key sustainability and resiliency goals
- Comprehensive Plan 2015-2035 – Climate change and greenhouse gases are referenced in the Urban Growth and Energy & Environment chapters
- Shelton Comprehensive Plan: Shoreline Element – References climate change
- South Bend Shoreline Master Program Periodic Review
- Tumwater
- Climate Change Webpage
- Resolution Accepting the Thurston Climate Mitigation Plan (2020) as a Framework to Guide Future Action
- Comprehensive Plan – Climate change and greenhouse gases are referenced in the Conservation and Transportation chapters
- Vancouver
- Climate Action Framework (2022) – Prioritizes elevating individuals and groups most burdened by climate impacts; focusing on the highest emission sectors and storing carbon in natural systems; growing a green workforce and supporting local businesses; and promoting reuse, recycling, and composting markets.
- Comprehensive Plan 2011-2030 – Climate change and greenhouse gases are referenced in the Community Development and Environment chapters
List of Tribal Government Documents
Below is a list of climate-related policies, resolutions, and documents adopted by tribal governments in Washington State. Tribes are listed in alphabetical order; because there are fewer documents than for cities and counties, we have not divided these by geographic region.
- Colville Tribes Climate Change Page
- Jamestown S'Klallam Tribe Climate Vulnerability Assessment and Adaptation Plan
- Lummi Nation
- Nooksack Tribe
- Port Gamble S'Klallam Tribe Climate Change Impact Assessment (2017)
- Puyallup Tribe Climate Change Impact Assessment and Adaptation Options (2016)
- Quileute Tribe Climate Plan (2017) – Includes vulnerability assessment and adaptation plan focusing on treaty natural resources, but also reservation needs such as infrastructure, food, power, and water
- Quinault Indian Nation
- Shoalwater Bay Tribe Tribal Hazard Mitigation Plan
- Stillaguamish Tribe Natural Resources Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment (2016)
- Swinomish Tribe Climate Change Initiative - Climate Adaptation Action Plan (2010)
- Tulalip Tribes
- Yakama Nation
- Climate Action Plan (2019) – Series of actions within four overarching objectives, including preserving and using traditional knowledge and supporting outreach and education
- Climate Adaptation Plan (2016)
List of Other Public Agency Documents
Below is a list of climate-related policies, resolutions, and documents adopted by special purpose districts or other public entities/partnerships in Washington State.
Jurisdictions are listed in alphabetical order by jurisdiction type; because there are fewer documents than for cities and counties, we have not divided these by geographic region.
Port Districts
- Northwest Ports Clean Air Strategy (2020) – Partnership between Port of Seattle, Port of Tacoma, Northwest Seaport Alliance, and Port of Vancouver (BC)
- Port of Bellingham Roadmap to a Climate Action Plan (2019)
- Port of Olympia 2017 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory Report
- Port of Seattle
- Charting the Course to Zero: Maritime Climate and Air Action Plan – Comprehensive action plan to address climate change and air pollution from maritime sources
- Greenhouse Gas Emissions
- Port of Vancouver
- Climate Action Plan – Provides menu of actions that port can take to reduce GHG emissions
- Resolution Adopting Renewable/Clean Energy Policy (2019)
Water-Sewer Districts
Regional Partnerships
The following documents reflect multi-jurisdictional partnerships in Washington State. Countywide partnerships are listed under the "counties" section above.
- Methow Valley
- Climate Action Plan (2021) – Community-based plan involving local governments, community members, and other groups; guiding principles include resiliency, equity; and working toward carbon neutrality
- Greenhouse Gas Inventory (2021)
- North Olympic Peninsula Development Council Climate Change Report
- Puget Sound Regional Council Vision 2050 Planning Resources – Includes regional plans (i.e. Vision 2050, Regional Transportation Plan, and Regional Economic Strategy) and guidance by policy topic area (e.g. environment and climate change)