Last week, I attended the City of Issaquah’s Sustainability Open House to learn about eco-action in our community. There is a lot happening in a positive way within the city departments.
Mayor Mary Lou Pauly emphasized the city’s longtime commitment to sustainability. She noted that staff is actively pursuing grants and partnerships to expand programs and make them accessible across the community.
Recently, the city signed an agreement with other Eastside cities to create a formal partnership on climate and sustainability initiatives, which will allow them to pool resources and expand programs. Pauly was also appointed to the Environmental Protection Agency’s Local Government Advisory Committee, where she will be able to share our needs and priorities with communities across the nation and bring back new ideas to Issaquah.
In 2020, the city’s Environmental Board was formed to protect, preserve and enhance the natural environment while also acting on climate change by reducing its impacts.
Here are some of the board’s major achievements since then:
- In 2020 and 2021, the community came together to develop the Issaquah Climate Action Plan (ICAP), which is now the city’s primary guide for sustainability and climate action moving forward. You can track progress, plans and barriers by visiting the ICAP Dashboard on the city’s website.
- Last year, the city launched the Climate Action Challenge, which provides a platform for community members to commit to taking different actions to reduce their impact. It also provides resources on available rebates and incentives. Over a 115 households in Issaquah have already joined!
- The city – in partnership with other Eastside cities and Spark NW – also launched the Energy Smart Eastside heat pump campaign last summer. As a result of additional grant funding, the city is currently working to make heat pumps more affordable for all community members.
- Due to city funding, we will soon see more electric vehicle charging stations available to the public. The city is actively seeking out grant funding and private partners to grow the number of chargers available for community members and visitors.
- On Feb. 1, the Clean Buildings Incentive Program was launched to combat greenhouse gas contributions for existing buildings. The program will assist public and commercial buildings with improving energy efficiency, advancing renewables and decarbonizing.
- Looking ahead, the city is working with students from Gibson Ek High School to host a Sustainability Fair at Pickering Barn on April 16 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The Environmental Board has a full plate for 2023. Some of the topics they intend to tackle include Capital Improvement Plan and Comprehensive Plan review, continued advising on multiple projects for ICAP implementation, additional city policies and resolutions around sustainability, and green building requirements.
The Environmental Board annual recruitment will open in a few weeks with four positions opening this year, including one youth position. I encourage any of you that want to support and advise the city in its environmental and sustainability initiatives to consider applying.
Additionally, on March 1, the IHCA will meet with Public Works Director Emily Moon to start the discussion about trees and sidewalk/concrete repairs, roads, traffic and gray water usage.
Let’s work together to create a greener future!
— Sarah Hoey, IHCA Executive Director
