Host: Washington State State Department of Commerce
Region: Washington
Openings: 1
Project Focus: Climate Adaptation, Climate Mitigation, Urban Planning
Skills Needed: Community Engagement, Research, Data Collection, Technical Writing, Communication, Detail-Oriented

Service Needs & Plans

The Washington State Legislature instructed the Department of Commerce to initiate a multi-year project that would develop a model climate element, which counties and cities could utilize to address climate change issues, mitigation (greenhouse gas reduction) and resilience (preparation for adverse effects from climate change) in their comprehensive plans. The model element will be complete by June 2023 unless the legislature passes a bill this session that adds a regulatory component to the program.

Regardless of the outcome of the development of the model element, the Climate Program Team will continue to provide technical assistance to jurisdictions that voluntarily choose to adopt climate change goals and policies into their periodic updates. The team manages a grant program and a program that provides direct consultant team assistance to small under-resourced communities.

Project Description

There is some uncertainty due to the legislative session and whether or not the proposed climate bill passes. If it passes, there will be additional programming in response to directives for environmental justice. Regardless of the outcome, a few of the main features of the fellowship work will include outreach and support to the grant recipients and technical assistance programs. There is also capacity for the Fellow to assist with research related to further development of policy initiatives.

Desired Skills

The individual will have an interest in climate change, environmental justice and have a degree in urban planning or similar field.

Organization & Community Highlights

At the Department of Commerce, we are creative, collaborative, and trusted. We identify opportunities, to deliver critical funding and services to strengthen communities, we cultivate an environment in which we continuously learn, and we own our work.

The Growth Management Services Division partners with local governments, nonprofits, and others to strengthen the ability of all forms of local government and community based organizations to fund and develop critical services to their citizens. The division provides leadership in local government planning and initiatives. We provide grants and planning (technical) assistance to local governments for community development needs, infrastructure improvements, and economic development.

Remote or On-Site Placement

Hybrid