KayCee Downey, AICP, Planner II, 509.625.6500
Tuesday, March 25, 2025 at 2:19 p.m.
Spokane’s community shared their experiences and concerns about climate hazards impacting our city through the Community Climate Planning Survey. With 1,573 responses, this survey provides valuable insight into how climate challenges, such as wildfires, extreme heat, and other environmental factors, are affecting our daily lives right here in Spokane. The results will play a crucial role in shaping future policies aimed at building a more resilient City of Spokane, ensuring that we are prepared locally to face climate hazards and extreme weather events. The Community Climate Planning Survey Results and Analysis report highlights the key findings and the next steps toward a resilient and safer future for our community.
The Community Climate Planning Survey is just one of tools being used to understand the local climate impacts we experience here in the City of Spokane. Other tools, like the Climate Risk and Vulnerability Index and Climate Risk and Vulnerability Assessment, gather local, state, and national data points to understand the science and statistical trends. This allows for an understanding of temperatures, tracking of weather changes, and other important quantitative factors. On the other hand, the Community Climate Planning Survey and other engagement opportunities provide a look at the lived experiences of Spokane’s community members.
Wildfires and extreme heat were top concerns for community members. Of survey respondents, approximately 24% have been directly impacted by wildfires, with even more indicating impact from wildfire smoke. Extreme heat has impacted even more community members, with approximately 57.5% of survey responders indicating being impacted. These climate hazards were noted as being the cause of safety concerns, interruptions to recreational activities and community events, and raised insurance and/or utility rates. As we enter the warmer months, City of Spokane residents are preparing for the season of these climate challenges getting worse.
A common theme of the survey revolved around gardens and local food production. Agriculture and Food Systems were a top future concern, with approximately 30 % of survey respondents ranking the category as their number one concern for the next 20 years. Drought, cost of watering, increased pests, and unpredictable weather patterns were all identified as barriers to successful home gardens.
Full analysis can be found in the PlanSpokane Community Climate Planning Survey Results and Analysis report for those interested in learning more from the community.
The survey results, as well as community feedback received through the Climate Risk and Vulnerability Index commenting tool and other engagement opportunities, will help inform climate and resiliency policy recommendations for the PlanSpokane 2046 Comprehensive Plan update. Policy recommendations will occur during the second phase of Climate Planning, which will kick off this summer.
In the meantime, be on the lookout for additional Climate Planning engagement opportunities, like an Earth Day Community Workshop planned for Tuesday, April 22, and provide feedback on the Engage Spokane community space.
Stay informed about upcoming engagement opportunities by signing up for the PlanSpokane newsletter.
Have questions for the Climate Planning team? Contact us at climateplanning@spokanecity.org.
Learn more about PlanSpokane 2046 and the ongoing Climate Planning efforts at PlanSpokane.org.
The City of Spokane Climate Planning project is funded by a state grant. The WA Department of Commerce climate planning grant 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 on their website.
