The City Council unanimously passed a resolution on July 8 adopting the 2025 Climate Action Plan Update. This update will serve as the City’s guide to reducing the impact of immediate threats to our community that are created and amplified by climate change. The 2025 Climate Action Plan Update will provide guidance to inform City funding, investments, and initiatives to help strengthen our local economy, infrastructure, and the health and well-being of our residents for generations to come.
“The 2025 Climate Action Plan Update reflects our city’s deep commitment to building a more resilient, equitable, and sustainable future,” said Mayor Victoria Woodards. “This plan will guide our investments and initiatives in ways that not only reduce emissions, but also support quality jobs, protect public health, and strengthen our neighborhoods. It’s a blueprint for action that puts people and planet first today and for our children’s future.”
“Tacoma recognized the reality of climate change years ago, and it is more important than ever that we work toward building our resilience to a warming planet,” said Council Member Kristina Walker. “We see the high costs and devastating losses that other cities are incurring from climate impacts, and we need to focus on limiting the risks to our community. Our city is particularly susceptible to flooding, rising sea levels, and urban heat islands and we cannot stand by while these issues threaten the health of our residents and our economic vitality. We also know that transportation is the most significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions in Tacoma, making investment in our green transportation systems vital for improving our air quality. The 2025 Climate Action Plan Update is going to help us take action to protect our city, while also decreasing our own contributions to global climate change.”
The Office of Environmental Policy and Sustainability conducted extensive community engagement to help develop the 2025 Climate Action Plan Update, with a particular focus on how, if at all, community priorities have shifted since 2021. Community engagement included multiple workshops with subject matter experts for each of the Climate Action Plan sectors of focus and a survey of Tacoma residents on climate priorities. The City of Tacoma is also working closely with Pierce County to ensure a streamlined and collaborative regional approach.
More information regarding the City of Tacoma’s work on climate change is available here.