Overview
Kauffman & Associates, Inc. (KAI) is working with BERK Consulting and the City of Spokane to support the integration of climate resilience and environmental justice into Spokane’s Comprehensive Plan. This effort is part of the city’s response to Washington State’s Growth Management Act and new climate-focused legislation (House Bill 1181), requiring cities to include greenhouse gas emissions mitigation and resilience planning in their comprehensive updates. KAI’s role focuses on climate vulnerability assessments and equitable community engagement to ensure the voices of vulnerable populations are integrated into Spokane’s long-term climate planning.
Challenges
Spokane is increasingly vulnerable to climate hazards such as extreme heat, drought, and deteriorating air quality, which threaten infrastructure, ecosystems, and the well-being of its most vulnerable populations. The challenge lies in identifying and prioritizing areas most at risk, with particular focus on communities already facing significant health and economic challenges, including local tribal nations and urban Native American populations.
Solution
KAI is actively addressing these challenges through comprehensive community engagement, ensuring the most impacted groups have a voice in Spokane’s climate resilience planning. This includes leading the Tribal Engagement Workgroup, collaborating with tribal nations and urban Native organizations, and facilitating focus groups and public workshops. These efforts integrate community input into the city’s climate policies, emphasizing equitable solutions that address health and cultural preservation needs.
Results
KAI’s work is helping Spokane develop a climate-resilient future that incorporates the needs of vulnerable populations and ensures equitable outcomes. By conducting in-depth climate assessments and fostering inclusive engagement, KAI ensures that the city’s climate strategies are robust, culturally sensitive, and responsive to the Indigenous community’s needs.
