Tumwater
Small Communities Cohort Program
Tumwater
Vulnerability Assessment
The City of Tumwater is located in Thurston County, south of the Puget Sound’s Budd Inlet and at the mouth of the Tumwater Falls of the Deschutes River, where the city takes its name from. Tumwater is home to approximately 28,000 people and hosts a significant number of parks and natural features as part of the Deschutes River Valley and surrounding lakes.
As a small and limited resource community, Tumwater has limited capacity for assessing the hazards of climate change. The city faces a variety of climate hazards, such as extreme weather, flooding, and sea level rise. Recognizing the importance of understanding climate-related disruptions, stressors, and impacts on the city to prepare for and respond to climate impacts, Tumwater has included an action to complete a Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment as part of the City’s soon to be adopted Comprehensive Plan Climate Element.
The Small Community Cohort Program Project
Through participation in the Small Communities Cohort, the City of Tumwater seeks to conduct a climate change vulnerability assessment and adaptation plan covering its communities, built assets, natural assets, and City operations and services. Knowing the areas, assets, and populations most at risk will help the City plan, allocate resources, prioritize, and begin adaptation to build resilience.
Project Goals
01
Completing an initial exposure assessment to identify climate hazards most relevant to the City of Tumwater.
02
Engaging Tumwater staff and community members to assess vulnerability to identified climate hazards and identify adaptation options.
03
Summarizing results in a City of Tumwater Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment and Adaptation Plan.
04
Time and resources permitting, working with City of Tumwater staff to support climate plan integration and implementation.
For More Information:
The Small Communities Cohort Program, hosted by the Puget Sound Climate Preparedness Collaborative, supports climate preparedness projects in 12 smaller and/or less resourced jurisdictions and Tribes through staffing and consulting support.
