Tumwater joins ILA on Phase 4 of Thurston Climate Mitigation Plan; celebrates Black History Month

Tumwater City Council approved the interlocal agreement (ILA) for the last phase of the Thurston Climate Mitigation plan, a framework for implementing the regional climate action.

Tumwater, Lacey, Olympia, and Thurston County agreed to continue working together to reduce locally generated greenhouse gas emissions 45% below 2015 levels by 2030 and 85% below 2015 levels by 2050.

"Thurston County, Lacey, Olympia, and Tumwater, and neighboring tribes recognize the urgent threat and opportunity that climate change poses to our community's economy, public health, public safety, and environment," the ILA's "shared vision" read. 

"We will work together to identify and boldly implement the most effective, efficient, and equitable actions to reduce locally generated greenhouse gas emissions to protect current and future generations."

The ILA’s Phase 4 budget for 2022 totals $242,648, with Tumwater having $60,662; $55,077 for standing tasks, while the remaining $5,585 would be allocated to regional priorities.

In 2018, Tumwater's City Council signed a four-phased ILA with Thurston County, Olympia, and Lacey to begin the process to develop region-wide climate action goals and policies through a Regional Climate Mitigation Plan. Phases 1 to 3 took place from 2018 to 2021.

Black History Month

The City Council also joined the nation's declaration of February as Black History Month during the same meeting, commemorating the contribution of Washington's first black pioneer, George Bush, who established Bush Prairie that is now known as Tumwater.

The Council said the observance of Black History Month acknowledges the centuries of struggles for equality and freedom.

"The city of Tumwater proudly embraces the cultural diversity of our community and honors organizations, families, and individuals of African American descent in appreciation of their invaluable contributions that continue to enrich our city and unite and sustain us as a community," the proclamation read.