La Conner
Small Communities Cohort Program
La Conner
Adaptation Mitigation Pathways for Sea Level Rise
La Conner is a small town in Skagit County with a population of only 1,000 people. Sitting adjacent to the Swinomish channel, key climate change concerns in La Conner include sea level rise and increased river flooding. Approximately 80% of the town of La Conner is in a floodplain.
Recent efforts to address sea level rise and flooding concerns include a 2017 design charette that identified community values for shaping potential adaptation solutions, criteria for success, strategies to mitigate sea level and flooding impacts, and next steps. A 2023 Sea Level Rise and Impact Report (developed as part of the 2025 Comprehensive Plan Climate Chapter) provides an overview of sea level rise scenarios, projected impacts, and potential mitigation measures. La Conner also has a Flood Emergency Response Plan.
The Small Community Cohort Program Project
Through participation in the Small Communities Cohort, La Conner is working with the Collaborative to build from the town’s 2023 sea level rise and flooding study to identify and sequence sea level rise adaptation strategies for current and future risks. This will support La Conner’s efforts to address the increasing threats of flooding and sea level rise on the community.
Project Goals
01
Analyze relevant adaptation pathways and engage staff to develop a deeper understanding of SLR and flood risk mitigation options.
02
Evaluate anticipated costs for implementing adaptation pathways approaches.
03
Develop an Adaptation Pathways Plan (APP) with community input that has clear and objective adaptation pathways with trigger points for implementation.
04
Develop policy recommendations to support inclusion of the APP in La Conner’s Comprehensive Plan Climate Element.
