University Place
Small Communities Cohort Program
University Place
Vulnerability Assessment and Action Plan
The City of University Place is a growing community along Puget Sound in Pierce County. University Place is home to a population of approximately 35,000 and is primarily a residential community neighboring the larger cities of Tacoma and Lakewood.
The City’s proximity to water, diverse terrain, and blend of urban and suburban landscapes place the community at risk for multiple climate hazards. Rising temperatures have amplified urban heat stress, particularly in neighborhoods with low tree cover impacting vulnerable populations. More frequent storm events, King Tides, and sea level rise increasingly challenge the city’s shoreline and stormwater systems.
The Small Community Cohort Program Project
Through participation in the Small Communities Cohort, the City of University Place is working with the Collaborative to conduct a climate change vulnerability assessment focused on current and emerging climate-related hazards such as urban heat impacts, flood risks, and urban wildfire threats, and developing mitigation strategies for inclusion in the City’s comprehensive plan and emergency management planning.
Project Goals
01
Conduct a preliminary exposure assessment that baselines available information about climate risks in University Place.
02
Complete a climate vulnerability assessment and adaptation plan.
03
Develop Comprehensive Plan climate element recommendations reflective of key findings and recommendations from the climate vulnerability assessment and adaptation plan.
