The Kenmore City Council unanimously voted to adopt the first City of Kenmore Climate Action Plan on May 16, with the goal of establishing carbon neutrality by 2050.

The Climate Action Plan (CAP) establishes actions the city and its residents can take to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, while providing strategies to adapt to future climate change impacts. Strategies and actions in the CAP include five focus areas: Buildings & Energy, Transportation & Land Use, Consumption & Materials Management, Natural Systems and Water Resources, and Community Resilience & Wellbeing.

“We are excited about the passage of our Climate Action Plan as a great first step in our effort to be a climate and environmental leader among midsize cities in the region,” said Councilmember Debra Srebnik.

Developing a CAP that includes water, air, forest, and habitat restoration has been a primary goal of the city council since 2020 and comes after a two-year-long research, development, and community engagement process.

City staff, residents, and other stakeholders were brought together to advise and offer input on the plan’s goals. Kenmore led a comprehensive engagement process through virtual community workshops and open houses, online surveys, and in-person outreach.

Since the CAP has officially been adopted, additional staffing and new resources will be needed to begin implementation, and discussions on how to add these resources—and which CAP components will be implemented first—will take place during the 2023-2024 biennium budget discussions later in the year.

The city hopes for the continued participation of residents, businesses, and community leaders to achieve CAP goals.

“It’s up to each and every one of us to do our part to ensure a healthy planet for future generations,” said Deputy Mayor Melanie O’Cain. “I’m proud to be a part of the first Kenmore City Council to pass a Climate Action Plan. The time to act is now and this is a critical investment in our future.”

Kenmore residents interested in receiving updates and opportunities for education and engagement can visit the CAP website.