HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025.09.18 PC Meeting PacketAGENDA
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
City Hall - Council Chambers
525 North Third Avenue
Pasco, Washington
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2025
6:30 PM
This meeting is broadcast live on PSC-TV Channel 191 on Charter Cable and streamed at www.pasco-wa.com/psctvlive.
Audio equipment available for the hearing impaired; contact staff for assistance.
Please silence your cell phones. Thank you.
I. CALL TO ORDER
II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGENCE
III. ROLL CALL: Declaration of Quorum
IV. WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
V. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
• Meeting Minutes from August 21, 2025, meeting
VI. OLD BUSINESS
None
VII. PUBLIC HEARINGS
None
VIII. WORKSHOP
• Climate Planning Presentation by Cascadia Consulting Group
IX. OTHER BUSINESS
None
X. ADJOURNMENT
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES
City Hall - Council Chambers
525 North Third Avenue
Pasco, Washington
THURSDAY, AUGUST 21, 2025
6:30 PM
Page 1 of 3
CALL TO ORDER
City of Pasco Planning Commission meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m., by Vice Chair Lehrman.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Vice Chair Lehrman led the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL
Commissioners Present: Pat Jones, Kim Lehrman, Rob Waites, Rosa Torres, and Jay Hendler, a quorum was
declared.
Commissioners Excused: Austin Crawford, Dana Crutchfield, Rachel Teel, Jerry Cochran
Staff Present: C& ED Deputy Director Craig Raymond, CDBG Administrator Kristin Webb, Administrative
Assistant II Carmen Patrick
DECLARATIONS
Vice Chair Lehrman asked if there were any Planning Commission members who have a declaration at this
time regarding any of the items on the agenda.
No declarations were heard.
Vice Chair Lehrman asked if anyone in the audience objected to any Planning Commission member hearing
any of the items on the agenda.
No declarations were heard.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Commissioner Jones moved to approval of minutes from the July 17, 2025, meeting, seconded by
Commissioner Waites, motion passed unanimously.
OLD BUSINESS
• 2026 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program Allocation and Annual Work Plan-
MF#BGAP2025-003
Staff presented the background and intent of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
program, which provides annual grants to support housing, suitable living environments, and economic
opportunities for low- to moderate-income residents.
Applications were reviewed against Council goals (quality of life, financial sustainability,
transportation, safety, economic vitality, city identity), the 2025–2029 Tri-Cities Consortium
Consolidated Plan, and HUD regulations.
Consolidated Plan goals include:
• Affordable Housing: down payment assistance, owner-occupied rehab
• Community & Economic Development: façade improvements, public works, ADA park upgrades,
incubator kitchen equipment
• Homeless Interventions/Public Services: YMCA and Arca Tri-Cities
Page 2 of 3
Staff emphasized that all funded activities must meet a CDBG national objective to remain compliant.
Three funding options were presented:
1. Mix of housing, economic development, and public services
2. Housing and economic development only
3. Mix of all three (housing, economic development, public services)
The Commission was reminded they may amend or propose alternatives beyond the three options
presented.
Commissioner Jones motioned to remove option 2 from the discussion and continue with options 1 and
3. Seconded by Commissioner Torres, passed unanimously.
Commissioners requested clarification on specific applicants and additional explanation of program
purposes. They emphasized the importance of the City funding essential staff positions directly, rather
than relying on CDBG grant funds.
Commissioner Jones moved to approve Option 1 for recommendation to City Council. The motion was
seconded by Commissioner Hendler. The motion passed 3–2, with Commissioners Jones, Hendler, and
Lehrman voting Aye and Commissioners Waites and Torres voting Nay.
• 2026 HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME) Program Allocation and Annual Work Plan-
MF#BGAP2025-004
Staff presented the 2026 HOME Program Work Plan and Allocation. Pasco participates in a HOME
Consortium with Kennewick and Richland (established 1996), which makes the cities eligible for
federal HOME funds. Each city receives an equal share after a 10% set-aside for program administration
(lead agency) and a 15% set-aside for the Community Housing Development Organization (CHDO –
currently Habitat for Humanity).
Funding Overview
• Pasco’s estimated entitlement: $163,000
• Estimated program income: $100,000 (from repaid down payment assistance)
• Budget includes:
o $10,000 for Pasco program administration
o $10,000 for one down payment assistance loan (HUD purchase limit currently $368,000,
pending update)
o $121,500 Tenant-Based Rental Assistance (administered through CAC for all three cities)
o $121,500 for rehabilitation projects (requiring homes to be brought to current code
standards)
Staff noted that HOME funds do not require a public hearing.
Commissioners discussed the rules and regulations affiliated with this program. Kristin Webb stated
under the City’s Citizen Participation Plan, both the HOME Program and CDBG require public hearings
to ensure transparency and keep the public informed. The Planning Commission reviews and
recommends actions to City Council, providing additional opportunity for public input. As with the
Consolidated Plan, the City engages multiple agencies and stakeholders, and all processes follow HUD
regulations.
Page 3 of 3
Commissioner Jones made a motion to approve and forward as proposed from the Planning
Commission to the city council. Seconded by Commissioner Hendler, motion passed unanimously.
• Project Updates presented by Craig Raymond
Transportation System Master Plan, consultant DKS Associates
The plan is underway, with the consultant focused on data collection and analysis of existing
conditions. Due to significant recent development in Pasco, updates are needed since the last
study. Public engagement opportunities will be introduced as the project progresses.
Regional Climate Planning/GHG Plan
Pasco, along with neighboring jurisdictions, is participating in a state-mandated regional effort to
integrate climate planning and resiliency into comprehensive plan updates. A consultant has been
assisting with greenhouse gas analysis, vulnerability assessments, and draft policies. Upcoming
presentations include a Planning Commission briefing on February 18 and a community open house
on February 23 (6–8 PM at City Hall). Community input has been gathered throughout the process via
meetings, surveys, and open houses.
Energy Resilience Study, consultant Scott Madden Management Consultants
The study is complete, and the final report has been received. Elements of the study will be
incorporated into the Comprehensive Plan update where appropriate. The full report is available upon
request.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
None
WORKSHOP
None
OTHER BUSINESS
None
ADJOURNMENT
Vice Chair Lehrman stated with no other business, I recommend a motion to adjourn.
Commissioner Jones made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Commissioner Waite, motion carried
unanimously.
Meeting adjourned at 7:06 pm.
YouTube link to watch full meeting: Pasco Planning Commission, August 21, 2025
Respectfully submitted,
Carmen Patrick, Administrative Assistant II
Community & Economic Development Department
This work is supported with funding from
Washington’s Climate Commitment Act (CCA).
The CCA supports Washington’s climate action
efforts by putting cap-and-invest dollars to work
reducing climate pollution, creating jobs, and
improving public health. Information about the
CCA is available at www.climate.wa.gov.
Tri-Cities Climate
Element Policies –
DRAFT
September 2025
Element Policies – DRAFT
Guidance for Review – Please Read! | 2
Contents
Guidance for Review – Please Read! .................................................................................................. 3
Key Questions for Review ..................................................................................................................... 3
Adding Input ................................................................................................................................................. 3
Guide to Policy Tables ............................................................................................................................. 3
Draft Climate Element Goals and Policies .................................................................................... 5
Regional ............................................................................................................................................................ 5
Overarching ............................................................................................................................................... 5
Climate Resilience ................................................................................................................................ 6
Transportation, Buildings, Energy, and Land Use ..................................................... 6
Water Resources, Ecosystems, Agriculture, and Food Systems ...................... 7
Economic Development and Cultural Resources ................................................... 10
Health & Wellbeing and Emergency Management ............................................... 11
GHG Emission Reductions ............................................................................................................ 13
Buildings & Energy ........................................................................................................................ 13
Transportation, Zoning & Development, and Land Use ...................................... 15
Waste Management ..................................................................................................................... 19
Element Policies – DRAFT
Guidance for Review – Please Read! | 3
GUIDANCE FOR REVIEW –
PLEASE READ!
Key Questions for Review
As you read through the draft policies, please consider the following
questions:
Strong policies: Which policies seem particularly strong or effective?
What do you like about them?
Weak policies: Do any policies seem weak or unnecessary? Please
advise if they should be revised or removed.
Missing content: Are there any major gaps in the policies? Is there
something important that’s not addressed? Should it be added to an
existing policy or developed as a new one?
Feasibility: Could the Tri-Cities Region realistically implement these
policies? Please share your thoughts if any are unrealistic, or if
wordsmithing is needed to ensure they are actionable.
Goals: The policies are currently organized under goals. Goals are
provided at both the sub element level and at the sector level. Please let
us know if you like this format, or would you prefer one or the other.
Policy language: Should any policies be reworded for clarity or
strength?
Adding Input
Please add your feedback on the draft policies by:
- Using the Word doc “comment” feature
- Adding your notes to the “feedback” column in the draft policies table
with your initials or jurisdiction
Guide to Policy Tables
The following pages contain draft the Draft Climate Element Goals and
Policies for the Tri-Cities Region. The draft goals and policies list is organized
Element Policies – DRAFT
Guidance for Review – Please Read! | 4
by regional draft goals and policies first, followed by Benton County specific
policies. See the diagram below:
Element Policies – DRAFT
Draft Climate Element Goals and Policies | 5
DRAFT CLIMATE ELEMENT GOALS AND POLICIES
Policies were drafted from existing policies identified in the policy audit and influenced by findings from engagement (Climate Policy Advisory
Team (CPAT), public meetings, public survey, staff policy workshops) and reports (greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions analysis summary and
vulnerability assessment (VA)). Additional policies were inspired by Commerce Policy Explorer.
Regional
Overarching
Draft CE Goal 1: Integrate climate resilience and GHG emissions reduction into local and regional planning, resource allocation, and overall
strategy to ensure compliance with state guidelines and meaningful alignment with current and future priorities.
Draft Policy Rationale
CE-1.1: Develop and maintain staff expertise, skills, and capacity to implement Climate
Element policies equitably across the region.
Ensuring subject matter expertise/ understanding
to guide climate resilience work is important in
developing the most effective policies and actions
to address climate change
CE-1.2: Strengthen and invest in regional capacity to track and report on climate
resilience and GHG emissions reduction policy implementation across the Tri-Cities area.
Develop and maintain shared progress reports, dashboards, and other tools to monitor
and communicate progress on climate goals over time.
Discusses staff/government capacity, coordination,
and engagement across jurisdictions for
implementation of both resilience and mitigation
policies.
CE-1.3: Comprehensive plan policies and implementing development regulations should
be consistent with defensible science.
Based on Benton County WR Goal 3 Policy 3 -
which was tagged as a policy to be amended. It
was focused on water sector and seems like this
Element Policies – DRAFT
Draft Climate Element Goals and Policies | 6
Draft Policy Rationale
policy guidance is useful for all sectors. Policy
builds community knowledge.
Climate Resilience
Draft Overarching Climate Resilience Goal: Build a healthier and more resilient region by preparing for the impacts of climate change,
protecting vulnerable communities and natural systems, supporting clean economic development, and strengthening agriculture,
infrastructure, and emergency response.
TRANSPORTATION, BUILDINGS, ENERGY, AND LAND USE
Draft CE Goal 2: Ensure policies and development regulations result in land use patterns and built environments that support resilience to
extreme weather and climate-related impacts.
Draft Policy Rationale
CE-2.1: Support retrofitting homes with low-cost cooling solutions that meet current
building standards, for example by exploring partnership and funding opportunities for
programs to provide HVAC units and installation to residents most vulnerable to extreme
temperature events (e.g., low-income seniors).
Informed by Kennewick Policy Workshop
discussion - can be reworded to imply more
general support / helping low income and
senior access to cooling units/ removing
financial and code barriers etc.
CE-2.2: Monitor implementation of the state building code and consider whether additional
development standards would be helpful to encourage the integration of exterior building
features that reduce the impacts of extreme heat and precipitation.
Helps address extreme heat and wildfire smoke
impacts- concerns identified in public meetings
and survey.
CE-2.3: Encourage local utilities and fire departments to implement wildfire mitigation best
practices such as undergrounding and vegetation management in fire-prone areas.
Public meeting priority; staff workshop priority;
Specific policy opportunity and key
consideration noted in the Policy Audit.
However, may apply to all jurisdictions.
Element Policies – DRAFT
Draft Climate Element Goals and Policies | 7
Draft Policy Rationale
CE-2.4: Implement the BFCOG Metropolitan Transportation Plan and Active Transportation
Plan as well as multimodal transportation plans developed by the cities and counties to
enhance the safety and security of the region's transportation system, improve access for
motorized and non-motorized users--especially currently underserved populations--and
increase the resilience of the transportation network to climate hazards.
Identified as policy opportunity in policy audit
community wellbeing section. CE policy
opportunity: "Specifically promote and improve
transportation options and access for
disadvantaged communities (e.g., people with
disabilities, the elderly)"
CE-2.5: Explore ways to protect transit-users from extreme heat, such as working with
Benton Franklin Transit to install shaded bus shelters and considering additional cooling
features such as fans or misters.
Identified as policy opportunity in policy audit
extreme heat section.
CE-2.6: Coordinate with utility providers and partners such as TRIDEC Energy Forward
Alliance to encourage expansion of non-emitting infrastructure that provides reliable and
affordable power, diversifying sources of energy.
Based on opportunity in policy audit and
comments from CPAT/public meetings.
WATER RESOURCES, ECOSYSTEMS, AGRICULTURE, AND FOOD SYSTEMS
Draft CE Goal 3: Protect the viability of the region’s water resources, ecosystems, and agricultural economy by promoting resilience to extreme
weather and climate-related hazards, while balancing regional water needs and ecosystem health.
Draft Policy Rationale
CE-3.1: Promote sustainable water storage, irrigation, and water practices that help
agricultural producers adapt to changing conditions while balancing regional water
needs. Consider operational modernization and enhanced water conservation
strategies such as those in the Yakima Basin Integrated Plan, and coordinate with
conservation and irrigation districts.
Address adaptation measures to sustain agriculture
in face of climate impacts (e.g. heat, drought, etc.).
CE-3.2: Promote innovation, investment, and management regimes that address
trends for reduced precipitation and increased extreme heat, drought, smoke, and
extreme precipitation. This includes supporting research and partnerships on
reducing input costs, energy demand, water demand, and greenhouse gas emissions,
as well as plant varieties suited to changing weather conditions.
Policy audit: Consider agricultural policies that
support carbon capture and soil health. Policy audit:
Policies lack recognition of the threat climate
impacts have to the local agricultural economy,
including crop adaptation; resilient power and water
Element Policies – DRAFT
Draft Climate Element Goals and Policies | 8
Draft Policy Rationale
utilities; and protections for outdoor workers to avoid
heat/smoke impacts
CE-3.3: Encourage carbon sequestration and conservation of agricultural and open
space land through existing programs such as the Open Space Taxation Program and
Voluntary Stewardship Program, and consider new multijurisdictional tools such as
conservation futures, transfers or purchase of development rights, or other strategies.
Policy audit: Consider agricultural policies that
support carbon capture and soil health. Increase the
capacity of natural environments to help capture
carbon
CE-3.4: Consider compatible urban and institutional lands for renewable energy
infrastructure opportunities. Protect long-term viable agricultural lands and
environmentally sensitive lands while allowing least conflict with renewable energy
siting.
Policy Audit: Consider policies that allow for co-
location of compatible agricultural uses and
renewable energy infrastructure.
CE-3.5: Preserve or expand natural areas that help control flooding and provide shade,
prioritizing projects for locations that frequently flood, have high heat conditions, or
have community groups that are lower income or more sensitive to high heat
(children, seniors, people with chronic health conditions).
Based on public survey results, informed
by/consistent with SMP policies
CE-3.6: Manage trees and other vegetation in both urban and rural areas to decrease
risks from severe wildfires, preserving vegetation where possible and improving
ecosystem health and habitat function.
Meets resilience requirements and improves the
overall air quality and habitat health of forests
CE-3.7: Collaborate with partner agencies and groups to protect aquatic ecosystems
and increase their resilience to extreme weather and climate-related impacts such as
algal blooms and increased threat of invasive species.
protects regional wetlands, streams, and riparian
corridors from the impacts of climate change and
development that may damage the habitat and
increases the resilience of the region by ensuring that
ecosystem processes can continue
CE-3.8: Protect and enhance resilience of surface and groundwater quantity and
quality, recognizing that water resources are essential to the public health, safety and
welfare, economic growth, and prosperity of the Tri Cities Region and its jurisdictions,
as well as the health of native fish.
Based on opportunity in policy audit. Informed by
Benton County WR Goal 2 Policy 2.
Element Policies – DRAFT
Draft Climate Element Goals and Policies | 9
Draft Policy Rationale
CE-3.9: Coordinate with regional, state, federal, and tribal partners on plans to manage
water resources and hydropower generation in the Yakima River Basin and Columbia
River Basin. Advocate for long range planning that considers at least 20 years of
projected demand, and needs for increased storage capacity given increasing trends
in intense precipitation, reduced snowpack, and severe drought.
Based on opportunity in policy audit. Incorporates
review of Yakima Basin Integrated Plan and
Columbia River System Operations Plan, per
feedback heard during Policy Audit Workshops.
Informed by Benton County WR Goal 1 Policy 3 and
Kennewick Water Comp Plan Chapter 7 Supply
policies.
CE-3.10: Ensure development regulations conserve water resources and support the
Tri-Cities region's ability to have a high quality of life and a vibrant economy in a semi-
arid climate. This includes implementing, monitoring, and possibly updating
development regulations for water efficient buildings, landscaping, irrigation systems,
water systems, and stormwater management.
Based on Benton County Goal NR 1 Policy 4, applied
to full region and reframed to reflect climate element
context
CE-3.11: Allow and incentivize private water management practices that recycle water
for uses that require less treatment than drinking water. This could include reclaiming
waters used for food processing to irrigate crops or reclaiming greywater to irrigate
landscaping or golf courses (greywater is used potable water from sources such as
sinks that does not include toilet water).
Informed by Benton County WR Goal 1 Policy 5.
Consistent with input heard during stakeholder
engagement.
CE-3.12: Work with the Benton Conservation District to develop acceptable native
plant species for new developments and restoration projects, to increase resilience
and reduce maintenance costs and demand for irrigation water.
Based on opportunity in policy audit and comments
from engagement efforts.
CE-3.13: Provide outreach or incentive programs to promote the voluntary
conservation of water and energy. This could include raising public awareness of best
practices such as switching from lawns to drought-tolerant landscaping or working
with utilities to explore demand pricing structures that do not unfairly burden low-
income households.
Based on West Richland Utilities Policy C,
expanded/adapted for Climate Element. Also
incorporates conservation ideas heard during public
engagement and staff workshops.
Element Policies – DRAFT
Draft Climate Element Goals and Policies | 10
Draft Policy Rationale
CE-3.14: Consider developing a comprehensive, local drought resilience strategy that
complements state and federal water basin plans and that factors in projected climate
impacts and sets action levels for different drought stages.
Based on opportunity in policy audit. Incorporates
review of Yakima Basin Integrated Plan and
Columbia River System Operations Plan, per
feedback heard during Policy Audit Workshops.
Informed by Kennewick Water Comp Plan Chapter 7
Supply policies.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND CULTURAL RESOURCES
Draft CE Goal 4: Ensure that the local economy, cultural resources, and cultural traditions are resilient to extreme weather and climate-related
impacts.
Draft Policy Rationale
CE-4.1: Build on existing coordination with Tribal governments to strengthen community
resilience and protect cultural resources from climate impacts. This includes supporting
tribal efforts to increase knowledge collection and sharing about ways to protect cultural
resources and build climate-adaptive systems related to food, health, and the economy.
Identified in policy audit
CE-4.2: Collaborate with community partners to explore ways to expand entry level jobs
and career development pathways in low-emission industries that align with the needs
and strengths of Tri-Cities communities. Potential partners include local schools, labor
unions, the Tri-City Development Council (TRIDEC), chambers of commerce, community-
based organizations, and business leaders in light industrial uses and nuclear, solar, and
hydropower energy.
Community workshop priority
CE-4.3: Ensure regional multijurisdictional hazard mitigation plans for Benton and Franklin
counties include information about the impacts of extreme weather and climate-related
hazards, and mitigation strategies for preparing for and managing post climate disaster
hazards to protect community health, economies, and ecosystems.
Integrating climate considerations into
emergency planning ensures a coordinated
response, minimizes economic disruptions, and
supports a sustainable recovery for local
businesses and communities.
Element Policies – DRAFT
Draft Climate Element Goals and Policies | 11
HEALTH & WELLBEING AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
Draft CE Goal 5: Protect community health and well-being and enhance emergency preparedness, response, and recovery from the impacts of
climate-related hazards, focusing resources on the people and places most at risk to these hazards.
Draft Policy Rationale
CE-5.1: Ensure critical infrastructure is resilient to natural hazards such as
flooding and extreme heat and implement related area-wide and
jurisdiction-specific mitigation actions in the regional hazard mitigation
plans.
Informed by Benton County HMP West Richland Flood MAI No. 1
and Richland Flood MAI No. 1. Consistent with input heard during
engagement.
CE-5.2: Collaborate at the regional, state, and federal levels on updating
floodplain maps to reflect best available information and update local
development codes as needed to mitigate for impacts of changes in the
floodplain over time.
Noted as a gap and a policy opportunity to respond to extreme
precipitation risk in Policy Audit.
CE-5.3: Work with the community and funding partners to raise
awareness of and expand programs that provide cooling and warming
centers and other types of emergency shelter and resource distribution
during extreme weather, focusing on supporting the people who are
most at risk.
Climate resilience hubs, a concept from the Urban Sustainability
Directors Network, are everyday community spaces that serve
broader purposes than emergency shelters alone. They are often
led by community-based groups and promote social connection
and offer a reliable place for accessing information, gathering, and
receiving assistance before, during, and after emergencies.
Washington State’s Environmental Justice Guidance emphasizes
that frontline communities prioritize having trusted, accessible
places for shelter and resources during extreme weather and
disaster events.
CE-5.4: Continue to mitigate risk of wildfires in the Wildland-Urban
Interface (WUI), consistent with the regional multijurisdictional hazard
mitigation plans for Benton and Franklin counties. This includes public
education for private owners and residents and ensuring wildfire risk
Public meeting priority; Specific policy opportunity and key
consideration noted in the Policy Audit. However, may apply to all
jurisdictions.
Element Policies – DRAFT
Draft Climate Element Goals and Policies | 12
Draft Policy Rationale
reduction strategies are incorporated into public land management
practices and local development standards.
CE-5.5: Expand community outreach and training programs focused on
preparedness and response to floods, fire, poor air quality, extreme
temperatures, and utility outages, including support for Community
Emergency Response Teams (CERT) and Long-Term Recovery Groups
(LTRGs).
LTRG or long-term recovery groups are vital for preparedness for
wildfire risks
CE-5.6: Strengthen communication with non-English-speaking
communities by continuing to build relationships with local groups and
exploring the most effective methods for raising awareness and
engaging people on climate issues.
City staff workshop priority; may apply to other jurisdictions
CE-5.7: Recognize that parks support climate resilience by providing
public access to cool places such as water or shaded areas, and by
providing public gathering places where community members can
connect and support each other. Promote equitable access to parks,
creating inclusive and connected recreational spaces, and supporting
culturally responsive, community-driven park development that reflects
local needs and values.
Noted as a consideration and priority in the Policy Audit
Summary., Noted as a consideration and priority in the Policy
Audit Summary. Aligns with Pasco Parks and Rec plan.
CE-5.8: Ensure all residents have access to information about climate
impacts and an opportunity to participate in public decision-making
processes on plans and the use of public resources to address those
impacts.
1) Collaborate with community groups to connect local concerns with
regional and statewide efforts and help guide policies, programs, and
investments.
2) Seek input from populations that are typically most at-risk to climate
impacts such as seniors, children, low-income households, and those with
Enhances resilience, enhances resilience, builds community
knowledge, promotes equity and justice.
Element Policies – DRAFT
Draft Climate Element Goals and Policies | 13
Draft Policy Rationale
chronic health conditions. Also seek input from community service
providers regarding people who are homeless.
CE-5.9: Protect the health and well-being of agricultural, construction,
recreation, first responders, and other outdoor workers exposed to
extreme heat, poor air quality, and other weather-related hazards.
Coordinate with the Benton Franklin Health District, the State
Department of Labor and Industries, and labor unions to consider
strategies such as conducting outreach to employers and workers to
promote awareness of worker protection laws and best practices such as
scheduling heavy routine outdoor work during cooler times of day and
providing breaks and shelter during extreme weather events.
Policy audit finding: Policies lack recognition of the threat climate
impacts have to the local agricultural economy, including crop
adaptation; resilient power and water utilities; and protections for
outdoor workers to avoid heat/smoke impacts
GHG Emission Reductions
Draft Overarching GHG Emission Reductions Goal: Support clean growth and climate-smart development in the region by reducing
greenhouse gas emissions across all sectors, advancing clean energy, and integrating sustainable land use and transportation strategies.
BUILDINGS & ENERGY
Draft CE Goal 6: Improve building performance and energy resilience by reducing energy use, supporting cleaner energy choices, and making
energy-saving upgrades more accessible and affordable.
Draft Policy Rationale
CE-6.1: Follow state building and energy code development and
implementation specific to decarbonization. Educate and support
building officials, partners, and staff to integrate energy and building
codes for new and remodeled buildings that reduce energy use,
expand EV charging infrastructure, and support a variety of energy
sources, including renewable sources.
Buildings contribute 23% of Benton County’s preliminary GHG
Inventory. Natural gas alone accounts for 17%. The policy audit
identified a gap in regulations addressing building performance. This
measure directly closes that gap. Please note that this policy has been
slightly modified to specify supporting state building and energy
codes, rather than requiring net zero greenhouse gas features, as
originally written in the Commerce Menu of Measures.
Element Policies – DRAFT
Draft Climate Element Goals and Policies | 14
Draft Policy Rationale
NOTE: modeled in GHG analysis
CE-6.2: Enhance energy resilience and reduce energy consumption in
existing buildings by:
-Supporting public programs that incentivize or encourage energy
efficiency retrofits for commercial and residential buildings.
-Advancing energy efficiency initiatives across residential,
commercial, and municipal sectors, such as weatherization.
-Prioritize programs that serve low-income, senior, and historically
marginalized communities.
NOTE: modeled in GHG analysis
Buildings contributed 23% of Benton County's inventory. Natural gas:
17%, electricity: 4%, others (propane, fuel oil): 2%. The policy audit
includes this as an opportunity to improve building energy
performance in vulnerable communities. Retrofits will lower building
energy use and emissions. The audit highlighted this as a clear
opportunity across all jurisdictions.
CE-6.3: Promote the use of sustainable building materials to improve
energy and environmental performance through:
-Incentivized green building certification,
-Building code and other development regulations.
Buildings contributed 23% of Benton County's inventory. Natural gas:
17%, electricity: 4%, others (propane, fuel oil): 2%. The audit noted a
gap in incentives for improving performance in new development.
This policy encourages energy efficiency through certification (e.g.,
LEED), though we would need to tailor the language to better reflect
local development context. (Note: Cities and counties could provide
structural and financial incentives (e.g., density bonuses and tax
credits) to developers to certify projects under a third-party standard)
CE-6.4: Consider creating a regional resource hub of federal, state,
county, and local incentives available to residents interested in
building electrification, insulation, and weatherization, to improve
energy efficiency, resilience, and affordability. Prioritize low- and no-
cost home retrofit packages for low-income and marginalized
communities.
Combines efforts -i.e. increase knowledge and awareness of
incentives/requirements at all levels and integrating into local policy +
equity focused
Element Policies – DRAFT
Draft Climate Element Goals and Policies | 15
TRANSPORTATION, ZONING & DEVELOPMENT, AND LAND USE
Draft CE Goal 7: Collaborate regionally to promote transportation and land use patterns that support reductions in emissions and Vehicle Miles
Traveled (VMT), aiming to reduce regional VMT by at least 5% below 2022 levels by 2050. City actions may focus on promoting dense, mixed-use,
multimodal development. County actions may focus on directing urban growth to cities and future annexation areas, on strategic updates to
rural transportation systems, and on managing rural lands to support emissions reduction consistent with policies under Goal 3
Draft Policy Rationale
CE-7.1: Implement complementary, mixed-use land use patterns
at the neighborhood scale by integrating housing, retail, parks,
and schools to support walkability, daily convenience, and
reduce reliance on driving.
CE-7.2: Prioritize infill development through zoning and
permitting process, including reducing or minimizing
regulatory burdens. Continue to concentrate development in
the urban area, minimizing expansion into urban growth areas,
by raising maximum building heights to reduce VMT.
On-road vehicles contributed 33% of Benton County’s 2022 GHG emissions.
Reducing VMT depends on increasing housing and employment density.
This policy supports that by accommodating growth within existing urban
areas and reducing sprawl. Almost half of survey respondents supported
"build denser communities with shorter distances between destinations."
Recommended in VMT study.
CE-7.3: Foster higher-density, mixed-use development in urban
villages and transit corridors by supporting transit-oriented
development and aligning zoning and permitting processes to
facilitate compact growth near transit and amenities.
NOTE: modeled in GHG analysis
On-road vehicles are 33% of Benton County's GHG emissions. Increasing
land use intensity reduces vehicle miles traveled (VMT). The audit identified
a gap in anti-sprawl policies. Almost half of survey respondents supported
"build denser communities with shorter distances between destinations."
Recommended in VMT study.
Modeling in wedge. Vetted by client team. , On-road vehicles are 33% of
Benton County's GHG emissions. Increasing land use intensity reduces
vehicle miles traveled (VMT). The audit identified a gap in anti-sprawl
policies. Almost half of survey respondents supported "build denser
Element Policies – DRAFT
Draft Climate Element Goals and Policies | 16
Draft Policy Rationale
communities with shorter distances between destinations." Recommended
in VMT study.
CE-7.4: Support shorter commutes and reduced reliance on
driving for low-income community members by prioritizing
integrating affordable and below market rate housing in
developments.
Gap noted in policy audit for Benton County - policies do not explicitly
address affordable housing and transit-oriented development as it relates
to community wellbeing and environmental justice. However, this can
apply to all jurisdictions.
CE-7.5: Create a safe, well-connected, and attractive bicycle and
pedestrian transportation network to encourage active
transportation and improve street connectivity and walkability.
Ensure improvements integrate with transit networks and
increase accessibility for people with disabilities and the elderly.
NOTE: modeled in GHG analysis
- This policy addresses the 33% of emissions from on-road vehicles.
- Aligns with policy audit feedback emphasizing mode shift via
infrastructure.
- Over half of survey respondents support "Increasing options for people to
walk, bike, or take transit."
- Recommended in VMT study.
CE-7.6: Prioritize, develop, and maintain mobility hubs in
transportation-efficient locations, especially in overburdened
communities experiencing a scarcity of transportation
alternatives. Incorporate mobility choices (including multimodal
transportation and rideshares) for people with special
transportation needs, including persons with disabilities, the
elderly, the young, and low-income populations.
As feasible, identify and implement protections for tenants and
low-income residents (such as rent stabilization, anti-
displacement measures, and affordable housing requirements)
to ensure that these investments do not lead to displacement or
additional cost burdens.
Mobility hubs are centralized locations where people can access multiple
transportation modes (e.g., bike share, transit, and micromobility devices).
Mobility hubs need to be adapted to specific contexts and settings both in
terms of the type of components and their scale. For example, a city center
rail hub may offer more space to public transport and bike share bikes
whereas a hub in a market town center or transport corridor interchange
may focus on providing a smaller number of vehicles but greater choice of
flexible travel options between housing and jobs.
Mobility hubs should be planned as network-integrated with public
transport and other active transportation components as a key part of
planning strategy for optimal impacts. The development of mobility hubs
may be an incremental upgrade of sites as opportunities arise such as: new
or refurbishment of middle and multifamily housing plus commercial
development; upgrade of rail, trolley, bus or rapid-bus route stops; utility
service work; introduction of electric vehicle infrastructure.
Element Policies – DRAFT
Draft Climate Element Goals and Policies | 17
Draft Policy Rationale
Recommended in VMT study.
Promotes equitable access to transportation; mobility choices for
disadvantaged populations was flagged as an opportunity in policy audit.
CE-7.7: Implement and seek alignment with the following plans
to support regional transportation GHG emissions reductions, as
required by the state: BFCOG Regional Active Transportation
Plan; BFCOG Metropolitan Transportation Plan (Transition 2045);
BFCOG Regional Bicycle Plan; BFCOG Comprehensive
Economic Development Strategy; other Comprehensive Plan
elements.
Align Climate Element with relevant existing documents/policy
CE-7.8: Support the improvement of transit speed, frequency,
coverage, and reliability, including improving number of
desirable destinations reachable by transit.
NOTE: modeled in GHG analysis
Transit emissions accounted for less than 1%, but on-road vehicles
accounted for 33% of GHG emissions. Improving transit is critical as the
region grows. The travel demand model preliminarily shows a 23% carpool
mode share, indicating opportunity to expand transit use. Jurisdictions
could invest in new routes, more frequent service, and last-mile strategies.
- Over half of survey respondents support "Increasing options for people to
walk, bike, or take transit."
- Recommended in VMT study. Although it is going to take a lot of
improvement to have a significant impact on VMT, it is going to be critical
as the region grows to provide additional transit and work to increase use of
transit. The travel demand model shows a less than 1% use of transit for the
region. It shows that as the region grows carpooling increases and there is a
23% carpool mode share for the region. This high carpool indicates there is
opportunity for more transit and it will be important for the cities and
counties to work with Benton Franklin Transit (BFT) to improve service as
well as for the jurisdictions to plan for transit with infrastructure and first
and last mile connections.
Element Policies – DRAFT
Draft Climate Element Goals and Policies | 18
Draft Policy Rationale
Modeling in wedge.
CE-7.9: Encourage the private sector and other partners to
provide subsidies for low-income residents to purchase or lease
electric vehicles and bicycles. Encourage these partners to
provide EV charging infrastructure, especially in areas that serve
low-income populations and renters.
On-road vehicles are a major GHG source (33% of Benton County
emissions). The policy audit identifies a gap in policies supporting EV
adoption. EV adoption helps reduce GHGs but may not significantly reduce
VMT unless combined with broader strategies. Inclusion of e-bikes helps
expand access to low-carbon travel.
CE-7.10: Encourage (or require when mandated by state
building code) EV charging infrastructure in major building
remodels and retrofits where feasible.
Encouraging private businesses and property owners to implement EV
charging infrastructure helps encourage community-wide use of EVs and
reduce GHG emissions from vehicles. Jurisdictions could reduce or waive
application or impact fees for land use proposals that include EV
infrastructure.
- CE policy opportunity from audit: "Incorporate electric vehicle
infrastructure, adoption, and education"
- March public meeting participants suggested implementing charging
solutions for apartment dwellers and increasing availability of public
chargers.
CE-7.11: Encourage phasing out the use of gas-powered
landscaping equipment and other off- or non-road vehicle and
equipment types, leading by example through local
government practices.
- Reduces GHG emissions from off-road vehicles and equipment.
- CE policy opportunity from audit: "Incorporate electrification of off-road
and non-road equipment"
This measure could be implemented in phases. First, a jurisdiction could
implement this in its landscaping activities (including parks). Next, a
jurisdiction could provide a timeframe when a limit or ban on gas-powered
equipment would go into effect communitywide.
CE-7.12 (NEW): Promote local government leadership Where
costs and technology allow, convert vehicle fleet vehicles to low-
emissions vehicles.
Element Policies – DRAFT
Draft Climate Element Goals and Policies | 19
Draft Policy Rationale
- Develop and implement programs that support staff in
reducing commuting VMT (e.g., provide free or subsidized
transit passes, encourage ridesharing, explore options for
telecommuting).
CE-7.13 (NEW): Coordinate regionally to track trends in GHG
emissions and VMT for 5-year Comprehensive Plan progress
reporting, including coordinating on how to allocate data from
unincorporated UGAs.
CE-7.14 (NEW): Continue conducting joint-planning between
county and city governments for unincorporated growth areas
(UGAs). Where possible, develop transportation and utility
systems in UGAs to the standards of adjacent cities, and ensure
zoning supports higher densities appropriate for future
annexation.
This is one way counties/cities can work together to support higher density
development and multimodal street networks (which help with reducing
VMT)
WASTE MANAGEMENT
Draft CE Goal 8: Ensure that the community can reduce, reuse, and recycle waste materials sustainably.
Draft Policy Rationale
CE-8.1: Explore opportunities to expand communitywide waste
reduction and recycling programs to divert recyclable waste from
entering landfills. This could include investing in new waste
management options, collaborating with neighboring jurisdictions,
and exploring opportunities to make recycling and composting more
affordable and feasible.
Reduces GHG emissions from solid waste