Government has a responsibility to respond to the needs of the people it represents. In our modern era, that includes being responsible for driving forward solutions to climate change and staying accountable to communities on making climate progress. Part of the work of accountability is actively seeking ways to collaborate with communities on their own climate solutions, while also owning activities that government can impact directly, like the spending of public resources.
There are many ways that the City of Seattle can stay accountable on climate, from operations to procurement, budgeting, and capital planning. Ultimately, every city department must ensure that climate considerations are centered in how the city functions and invests, while reporting progress clearly and regularly.
Climate Action Spotlight: Lifting Up Community-Led Solutions
Since 2018, the Office of Sustainability and Environment has invested in community-led projects that advance climate justice. Through the Environmental Justice Fund, local funding from the Seattle Payroll Expense Tax is directed towards projects that protect and strengthen Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC), immigrants, refugees, youth, elders, and low-income residents. Funded activities include everything from programs that advance environmental education based in Indigenous stewardship to East African seniors working to restore native wetlands in a historically Black neighborhood.
Climate Action Spotlight: Convening People for Planning Leadership
Community assemblies that bring together people who have lived experiences of economic and environmental injustice have been around for many years, led by local community-based organizations like the People’s Economy Lab. Community assemblies create space for individuals to develop their own solutions for change alongside institutional partners. Recently, the Office of Sustainability and Environment piloted a series of community assemblies to kick-start our refresh of Seattle’s Climate Action Plan – learn more on our blog.