HomeMy WebLinkAboutR-2529 - In Support of Utilizing the Climate Change Vulnerability and Risk Assessment Study Prepared by Cascadia Consulting (2)
Climate Change
Vulnerability Assessment
City of Marysville
Prepared by Cascadia Consulting Group, Inc.
May 18, 2023
Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment
Table of Contents | ii
Table of Contents
1 Executive Summary 3
1.1 Report Goals and Structure 3
1.2 Climate Change Impacts 4
1.3 Key Findings 5
1.4 Recommended Policies 8
2 Introduction 10
2.1 Purpose, Scope, and Context 10
2.2 Climate Change Vulnerability and Why Now? 11
2.3 Climate Planning Context 11
3 Methodology 15
3.1 Climate Impacts Assessment 16
3.2 Vulnerability Assessments 16
4 Climate Change Impacts in Marysville 20
5 Physical Vulnerability Assessment 29
5.1 Infrastructure 29
5.2 Natural Systems 40
6 Social Vulnerability Assessment 46
6.1 Economic Vulnerability to Climate Change 46
6.2 Communities & Neighborhoods 50
7 Recommended Adaptation Policies 57
7.1 Adaptation Policies 58
7.2 Community-focused Policies 66
7.3 Overarching Policies 72
8 References 73
9 Appendix A: Full List of Considered Indicators 1
10 Appendix B: Community Survey Summary 8
11 Appendix C: Marysville Comprehensive Plan Review 2
Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment
Executive Summary | 3
1 Executive Summary
1.1 Report Goals and Structure
In recent years, the Puget Sound area has experienced record-breaking high
temperatures, more intense periods of wildfire smoke from wildfires across the Pacific
Northwest, and wetter winters with stronger storms. This climate vulnerability
assessment (CVA), which Cascadia Consulting Group (Cascadia) has developed for the
City of Marysville, provides a summary of climate changes within Marysville and their
potential effects on Marysville’s communities, economy, natural areas, and
infrastructure. It also identifies policies for the City to consider incorporating into the
2024 Comprehensive Plan to enhance resilience.
This study considers the following focus areas:
Focus Area What’s Included
Infrastructure Energy, water and stormwater, and transportation
Natural Areas Watersheds, City parks, and critical areas
Communities &
Neighborhoods Public health and community services
Economy Impacts to labor force, businesses, and overall economic
well-being
Cascadia conducted both a social vulnerability assessment, which included the
Communities & Neighborhoods and Economy focus areas, and a physical
vulnerability assessment, which encompasses the Infrastructure and Natural Areas
focus areas. For the social vulnerability assessment, we completed two climate
vulnerability indices at the US census tract level—one for communities and one for the
economy—that enable the City to identify areas and populations more vulnerable to
climate impacts. To assess vulnerability of infrastructure and natural areas, we have
overlaid maps of critical infrastructure and City parks with maps of climate impacts to
identify vulnerable areas and assets; our team also conducted a qualitative review of
climate impacts in these focus areas.
Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment
Executive Summary | 4
1.2 Climate Change Impacts
Marysville has already experienced multiple types of climate change impacts, including
increases in winter precipitation, storms, and flooding; rising temperatures and extreme
heat; changing streamflows that affect natural habitat; increasing sea levels that
exacerbate flooding and affect nearshore habitat; and more frequent and prolonged
wildfire-related smoke days. Each of these impacts is likely to have direct and
cascading effects on Marysville’s communities, infrastructure systems, and economy.
INCREASING WINTER ST ORMS AND FLOODING
Precipitation will shift seasonally, with summer rainfall declining
by 8.7% and winter precipitation increasing by 8.7% by 2050,
under an RCP 8.5 scenario.1 In addition, rain events have
already become heavier and will continue to do so; winter
atmospheric rivers are projected to increase and become more
severe [1]. With these changes in precipitation, Marysville is
likely to experience increased flooding, especially in winter. In
addition, this precipitation and flooding will likely cause more
landslides in steep areas as slopes become saturated with
water and lose stability.
HIGHER TEMPERATURES AND EXTREME HEAT
Snohomish County’s average annual temperature rose 4.06° F
from 1895 to 2020 [2]. Summer maximum temperatures are
projected to continue to increase and heat waves are projected
to lengthen and intensify. Since 1999, heat stress has claimed
more lives than other climate phenomena, such as tornadoes,
floods, and hurricanes, and will become more prevalent as
warmer trends continue [3].
CHANGING STREAMFLOWS
Streamflow timing of major rivers and streams, including the
Snohomish, Stillaguamish, and Quilceda, will shift: winter
streamflows will increase and will likely lead to increased
frequency and intensity of winter flooding, while spring and
summer streamflows will decrease, putting stream and river
habitats at risk [4].
1 Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP) 8.5 refers to a greenhouse gas concentration trajectory
adopted by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, a leading international authority. RCP 8.5
represents a business-as-usual scenario in which emissions continue at their current trajectory. It is the
highest emissions scenario and projects a global temperature increase of about 4.3˚C by 2100 relative to
pre-industrial temperatures.
Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment
Executive Summary | 5
RISING SEA LEVELS
Sea levels around Marysville are projected to rise over the next
several decades. By 2050, sea levels could rise 1.4 feet on
average [5]. By 2080, sea level could rise 3.3 feet. Taking storm
surges into account, Marysville sea levels could rise from the
current average by 4.4 feet by 2050 and 6.3 feet by 2080 [6],
which will have major impacts on shoreline ecosystems, transit
routes, and other critical facilities and infrastructure in
Marysville.
MORE FREQUENT AND IN TENSE WILDFIRES AND
SMOKE EVENTS
As temperatures rise and water availability shifts in the
Marysville area, the risk and extent of wildfire damage and
periods of smoke from regional fires are increasing, with
impacts to the environment and the Marysville community.
Buildings located in the wildland-urban interface or intermix
(WUI) are especially at risk of fire damage. Most of Marysville
and the surrounding area is considered to be WUI [7]. Wildfires
cause episodes of regional smoke and poor air quality, bringing
public health risks and economic costs with it [4].
1.3 Key Findings
Social Vulnerability Assessment
SOME AREAS AND COMMU NITIES ARE MORE VULN ERABLE TO CLIMATE
CHANGE
Some communities in Marysville are more vulnerable to the effects of climate cha nge
than others. The northeastern and central census tracts of Marysville are at a
heightened level of vulnerability due to:
Higher rates of asthma and elevated air quality related mortality rates.
Wildfire smoke will become more frequent as wildfire seasons last longer,
exposing populations to higher levels of pollution for longer period s of time and
exacerbating respiratory illnesses, including asthma.
Food access and security in their community. Having easy and reliable
access to food is important to preparing and enduring climate-related hazards.
Many residents in Marysville live far from grocery stores and other food options.
Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment
Executive Summary | 6
Less tree canopy coverage and fewer open spaces to moderate the effects
of extreme heat. Hotter temperatures can lead to uneven health impacts,
especially among some groups that have higher sensitivity, such as groups with
pre-existing health conditions and the elderly. The City should prioritize making
parks more accessible and improving tree canopy coverage in underserved
communities to provide shade for relief during hot days.
Communities in the south of Marysville are more exposed to flooding impacts.
Their homes and resources will experience more frequent and intense flooding because
of their location in the 100- and 500-year floodplains.
SEA LEVEL RISE, FLOO DING , AND EXTREME HEAT WILL CREATE
SHORT - AND LONG -TERM DISRUPTION S TO BUSINESSES AND THE
WORKFORCE
Disruptions to Marysville’s local economy will affect workers unevenly.
Businesses located in the 100-and 500-year floodplain are the most vulnerable to flood-
related damages, which will likely result in increasing insurance costs, supply chain
disruptions, impacts to business operations, and potential loss of business and/or
employment.
Certain occupations have a greater risk of exposure to climate change impacts.
With a third of Marysville’s workforce in climate-exposed occupations—which include
jobs such as construction, farming, emergency response, commercial fishing, and other
outdoor jobs—the City will likely experience reduced labor hours that will result in lost
wages due to extreme heat.
Residents that are unemployed, elderly, low income, and/or disabled will likely
have a lower adaptive capacity to recover from financial impacts from climate change.
Small businesses, which make up 80% of the businesses in Marysville, may also be
less able to adapt to climate impacts and cope with extreme weather events than larger
businesses.
Physical Vulnerability Assessment
SEA LEVEL RISE THREA TENS THE SHORELINE
Ebey Slough, w etlands, and other shoreline areas that support habitat for a
diversity of wildlife will face increased risk of inundation and erosion. The City is
currently working to reduce climate risks to its shoreline by increasing the height of its
levee to account for 2030 sea level rise projections, investing in flood mitigation
projects, and restoring shoreline ecosystems.
Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment
Executive Summary | 7
WARMING TEMPERATURES AND SHI F TING PRECIPITATION P ATTERNS
POSE RISKS TO SALMON AND URBAN FORESTS
Salmon mortality is likely to occur due to warmer stream temperatures, lower
streamflows, and flooding. W armer stream temperatures and inadequate streamflow
threaten salmon migration and reproduction. More frequent and intense rainfall in winter
increases the risk of flooding, which can scour salmon nests and eggs from
streambeds. By partnering with local and regional partners to protect and restore
streamflow and water quality, Marysville is creating environmental buffers that will
facilitate salmon populations in adapting to climate change.
Increasing summer temperatures and more extreme rainfall patterns will stress
Marysville’s urban forests. Warmer temperatures will expose them to greater risk of
insect and disease outbreaks. Flooding, erosion, and landslides will also contribute to
greater tree mortality. Trees located in the floodplain, along the shoreline, and near
landslide hazard areas are at increased risk during extreme weather events .
SEA LEVEL RISE AND INCREASED FLO ODING PUT W ATER AND
TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE AT RI SK
Marysville’s Wastewater Treatment Plant, which is located near the 100-year
floodplain, will likely experience more frequent flooding, leading to intrusion and
water quality impacts for the City and surrounding areas. W ater facilities located further
inland will have a lower risk of impacts from sea level rise and flooding.
Increased sea level rise and flooding will pose a risk to the City’s overall
stormwater conveyance infrastructure and sewer facilities. The City’s sewer
facilities (e.g., lift stations) located directly in the floodplain and along the shoreline are
projected to be impacted by flooding.
Marysville’s public transportation systems and roads are at risk of flooding. Some
of Marysville’s public transportation routes and stops are in 100- and 500-year flood
zones; with more intense storms and more winter rain overall, flooding in those areas is
likely to occur more frequently. Key transit lines through downtown Marysville will flood
more often, along with I-5.
HOTTER SUMMERS WILL INCREASE ENERGY DEMA ND FOR COOLING ,
PUTTING STRAIN ON EN ERGY SYSTEMS
More frequent and intense heat events during the summer will strain electricity
systems and significantly increase demand for energy for air conditioning, which
can lead to brownouts and power outages. Residents with low income are more likely to
occupy housing with poor insulation and limited weatherproofing and be overburdened
by higher energy bills. More frequent and intense floods, as well as more intense winter
storms, can damage powerlines and utility poles; energy infrastructure in low-lying
areas is especially at risk.
Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment
Executive Summary | 8
Most of Marysville’s electricity supply comes from hydropower, which will be
impacted by climate change. Earlier snowmelt and more frequent high- and low-runoff
events will affect the future reliability of hydropower, and extreme rainfall can lead to
overtopping and dam failure. The City’s current energy portfolio may, therefore, be
insufficient to meet its future energy demand.
FLOODING AND EROSION WILL THREATEN THE STRUCTU RAL
INTEGRITY OF THE OLYMPIC PIPELINE
Sections of the BP Olympic Pipeline, which passes through Marysville, lie in the
100-year and 500-year floodplain. Floodwaters will accelerate corrosion of the pipeline
and shut-off values, and erosion and landslides can damage the pipeline, cause leaks,
and disrupt energy supply to Marysville residents and beyond.
1.4 Recommended Policies
One key goal of this CVA is to inform the development of Marysville’s 2024
Comprehensive Plan Update to include climate change preparedness policies.
Cascadia’s review of Marysville’s 2015 Comprehensive Plan revealed many policies
related to climate adaptation already in place—such as policies to protect and restore
urban tree canopy and green spaces.
We recommend keeping those current policies (indicated in Appendix C: Marysville
Comprehensive Plan Review), as well as adding policies based on the results of this
CVA, our knowledge of best practices among peer cities in the Puget Sound region , and
guidance from the Washington State Department of Commerce.
We recommend three types of policies: adaptation policies, community-focused policies,
and overarching policies (see Table 1). See Recommended Adaptation Policies for
the full list of recommended policies.
Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment
Executive Summary | 9
Table 1. Summary of recommended policies
Adaptation Policies Community-focused
Policies
Overarching
Policies
Go
a
l
Support the City in adapting to
climate change impacts and
promoting climate resilience.
Ensure that vulnerable
communities can cope
with climate impacts and
thrive throughout.
Integrate climate
considerations into
City decision-
making.
Po
l
i
c
y
ca
t
e
g
o
r
i
e
s
Overarching adaptation
Public health & emergency
preparedness
Energy storage & grid
resiliency
Extreme heat
Wildfire smoke
Critical infrastructure &
utilities resiliency
Ecosystem health
Tree, open space, & canopy
protection
Sea level rise
Vulnerable
communities
Community
engagement
Reducing
displacement
Air quality
Green, affordable
housing
Food access & food
security
Green jobs
Climate lens in
decision-making
Align funding
with climate
goals
Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment
Introduction | 10
2 Introduction
2.1 Purpose, Scope, and Context
This Climate Vulnerability Assessment (CVA) provides an analysis of the City of
Marysville’s climate change risks (the social, economic, health, and physical impacts
that are associated with climate change) and its adaptive capacity (actions the City is
doing to cope with and adapt in response to the impacts of climate change).
This CVA is funded by a Washington State Department of Commerce Early Climate
Planning Grant. Its purpose is to prepare the City of Marysville to build climate resiliency
into the City’s Comprehensive Plan. As such, the goals are to:
Document and estimate the magnitude of future climate change impacts.
Assess the climate risk and adaptive capacity of various focus areas to
understand how communities and systems across the city will respond to future
climate change impacts.
Recommend climate resilience policies for inclusion into the City’s 2024
Comprehensive Plan update.
This CVA focuses on four primary sectors, which were identified and vetted by City staff
as priority areas for the City. The sectors are Infrastructure, Natural Systems, Business
and Economy, and Communities and Neighborhoods, as described in the table below
(Table 2). There are additional subsectors within each sector.
Table 2. CVA focus areas
VA Focus Area What’s Included
Infrastructure Energy, water and stormwater, and transportation
Natural Areas Watersheds, City parks, and critical areas
Communities &
Neighborhoods Public health and community services
Economy Impacts to labor force, businesses, and overall economic
well-being
For each subsector, we have conducted an analysis of vulnerable City assets and
community groups and how they will be affected by current and future climate risks,
along with an assessment of how well current actions and policies that the City is
implementing are able to mitigate those climate risks.
Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment
Introduction | 11
2.2 Climate Change Vulnerability and Why Now?
Marysville and the Puget Sound Region are already experiencing extreme climate
events that threaten the health and safety of residents. Each year, high temperatures
and heat waves in summer and heavy rainfall and flooding in winter put stress on
human health, natural resources, and the facilities and infrastructure that provide critical
services to those in the region. Along the coast, sea level rise threatens homes and
ecosystems, with the potential to displace thousands of people in the coming century.
Meanwhile, hot and dry summers are fueling wildfires that encroach on human and
wildlife habitat and degrade air quality across the region. These trends are consistent
with climate projections and are expected to intensify into the future.
Given current and projected climate impacts and the need for urgent action to address
them, Washington State has developed ambitious policies to mitigate climate change
and reduce its impacts on communities and natural resources. To remain consistent
with, and contribute to, these statewide climate efforts, the City of Marysville will
integrate additional climate resilience measures into its 2024 Comprehensive Plan
Update. This vulnerability assessment will allow the City to identify assets and
populations most at risk of climate impacts within its borders and provide a starting point
for identifying goals, policies, and strategies to prepare for climate change.
2.3 Climate Planning Context
As a first step in this assessment, we reviewed the landscape of current climate change
risks and plans across multiple City and regional reports. We reviewed policies,
programs, models, and articles discussing climate change in Marysville. We also
audited the Comprehensive Plan and reviewed state and regional pr ograms and
policies.
State & Regional Policy Context
The following state and regional policies govern and inform climate adaptation planning
in Marysville and other cities (Table 3).
Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment
Introduction | 12
Table 3. State and regional policies relevant to climate change adaptation
Policy/Program by
Sector
Effective
Date Description
PSRC Vision 2050 Oct 2020
Prepares for continued growth and serves as a guide for
sustaining a healthy environment, thriving communities,
and a strong economy.
WA Climate
Commitment Act Jan 2023
Places an economy-wide cap on carbon to meet state
GHG reduction targets & be consistent with best available
science. The policy is still under development.
WA HEAL Act 2021
Defines & embeds environmental justice (EJ) in state law.
Includes state agency requirements for EJ in engagement,
budgeting, funding, and strategic planning.
WA Clean Energy
Transformation Act
(CETA)
2019 Requires a phase-out of coal by 2025, carbon-neutral
electricity sales by 2030, and 100% clean energy by 2045.
WA Building/Energy
Code (RCW
19.27A.160)
Dec 2012
Requires permitted residential and nonresidential
construction under the 2031 state energy code to achieve
a 70% reduction in annual net energy consumption
compared to the 2006 state energy code.
WA Clean Buildings
Act (HB 1257)
2021
(voluntary)
2026
(mandatory)
Establishes a state energy performance standard and
other measures for new and existing large buildings over
50,000 sq. ft. with an early-adopter incentive program.
Commercial
Property Assessed
Clean Energy +
Resiliency (C-
PACER) Program
Sept 2022
C-PACER is a financial mechanism in Pierce County that
helps commercial, industrial, agricultural, and multi-family
buildings become more energy efficient and resilient by
offering owners and developers long-term financing at a
lower interest rate for qualifying energy generation, energy
efficiency, water conservation, or resiliency projects.
WA Commute Trip
Reduction 2006 Requires transportation demand management (TDM)
programs for certain employers to reduce work trips.
PSRC Regional
Transportation Plan May 2018 PSRC’s long-term vision for a transportation system
through the Vision 2040 and Transportation 2040 plans.
Shoreline
Management Act 1971
Supports local land use and shoreline planning, including
access, hazard mitigation, economic uses, and salmon
recovery.
Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment
Introduction | 13
Comprehensive Plan Policy Review
We reviewed policies across Marysville’s Comprehensive Plan for relevance to climate
mitigation and adaptation. The results informed the policies that we recommend as part
of the CVA. The full audit is available in Appendix D: Marysville Comprehensive Plan
Review.
Our review of the Marysville Comprehensive Plan showed a strong foundation for
creating an adaptive community:
Marysville’s existing policies provide a good starting point to support both
mitigation and adaptation.
Policies span multiple Comprehensive Plan elements and are complementary to
each other.
Housing, Parks, and Transportation elements support equitable distribution and
access.
The review identified initial areas where Marysville’s Comprehensive Plan could
address climate change impacts more directly:
Identify ecosystems and communities most vulnerable to climate change and
develop policies to increase their adaptive capacity.
Develop specific goals/targets to improve energy efficiency and reduce
greenhouse gas emissions.
Policies and actions that address multiple climate impacts will be most effective .
The Comprehensive Plan outlined strategies for protecting certain areas of Marysville
and certain vulnerable populations of people. The strategies mentioned could be made
more specific, providing protections to named areas and groups to further protect
valued land and communities.
Document Review
Next, we reviewed a wider array of documents from the City of Marysville, Snohomish
County, and state and regional sources (Table 4). These documents informed us of
current issues within each focus area and climate adaptation considerations.
Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment
Introduction | 14
Table 4. Documents reviewed from the City of Marysville, Snohomish County, and
state and regional sources
Data Source Entity Year Geographic Scope Focus Area
Washington State DOT
Vulnerability Assessment
WSDOT 2011 State of
Washington
Infrastructure
Marysville Surface Water
Comprehensive Plan
Marysville 2016 City of Marysville Infrastructure
Draft Stormwater
Management Action Plan
Marysville 2022 City of Marysville Infrastructure
Marysville Water Quality
Report
Marysville 2021 City of Marysville Infrastructure
Climate Adaptation and
Stormwater Runoff
US EPA 2022 USA Infrastructure
City of Marysville
Comprehensive Plan
Marysville 2015 City of Marysville All
2021 Integrated Resource
Plan
Snohomish
County PUD
2021 Snohomish County Infrastructure
10-Year Update: Chinook
Salmon Conservation Plan
WRIA 2017 WRIA Natural Areas
Climate Change Impacts
to Salmon of the Pacific
Northwest
Northwest
Fisheries
Science Center
2011-
2020
WA, OR, CA Natural Areas
PSRC Vision 2050 PSRC N/A Puget Sound
Region
Natural Areas
Marysville Municipal Code Marysville N/A Marysville Natural Areas
Snohomish County Impact
Assessment
Snohomish
County
Conservation
District
2019 Snohomish County Communities
Climate Change &
Flooding in Snohomish
County
University of
Washington
2021 North Fork of the
Stillaguamish
River; Green and
Snohomish River
basins
Communities
Extreme Heat and Cooling
Centers
Snohomish
County
2022 Northwest
Washington
Communities
USDA FARA food access
atlas
USDA 2019 USA Communities
Snohomish County
Hazards
Snohomish
County
2018 Snohomish County Communities
Extreme Temperature &
Labor
US EPA 2021 USA, 2010 census
tracts
Economy
Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment
Methodology | 15
Data Source Entity Year Geographic Scope Focus Area
Economic and Workforce
Recovery Task Force
Report
Snohomish
County
2020
Snohomish County Economy
Economic Indicators of
Snohomish County
Economic
Alliance
2021 Snohomish County Economy
Employment Occupation U.S. Census 2021 City of Marysville Economy
Employment Status U.S. Census 2021 City of Marysville Economy
3 Methodology
To frame the analysis, we define vulnerability as a factor of exposure, sensitivity, and
adaptive capacity (Figure 1). This is the definition recommended by the
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, a body of the United Nations charged with
advancing scientific knowledge about human-caused climate change. We use the
following concepts of climate exposure, sensitivity, and a daptive capacity to better
understand climate vulnerabilities in Marysville:
Exposure is the degree to which a system is stressed by the impacts of climate
change.
Sensitivity is the degree to which that system is likely to be affected by climate
change.
Adaptive capacity is the ability to moderate, cope, or adapt to climate
change. To characterize adaptive capacity, we looked at current and potential
adaptation actions that could minimize the impacts of climate risks.
Figure 1. Vulnerability Assessment Framework
Put simply, climate risks increase vulnerability, while adaptive capacity helps to
decrease climate vulnerability.
This climate vulnerability assessment includes three components: a climate impacts
assessment to understand the City’s exposure to climate hazard, a Social Vulnerability
Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment
Methodology | 16
Assessment that measures communities’ and the economy’s vulnerability to climate
impacts, and a Physical Vulnerability Assessment that describes infrastructure and
natural systems’ vulnerability.
3.1 Climate Impacts Assessment
First, we sought to understand Marysville’s exposure to current and future climate
hazards. We researched five main climate impacts: precipitation and flooding, rising
temperatures and extreme heat, streamflow changes, sea level rise, and wildfire and
smoke. We created GIS maps to visualize extreme heat, heavy precipitation, flooding,
sea level rise, and wildfire risk across the city.
When we estimated climate hazards into the future, we used a high emissions scenario
(RCP 8.5). This scenario is generally considered to be “business-as-usual” and allows
for the City to plan for a future that is not contingent on global progress towards
greenhouse gas emissions reductions.
This research and these map layers lay the foundation for the Social Vulnerability
Assessment and Physical Vulnerability Assessment.
3.2 Vulnerability Assessments
We completed a Social Vulnerability Assessment and a Physical Vulnerability
Assessment using two different methodologies. The objectives and included focus
areas for each type of vulnerability assessment are detailed in the table below (Table 5).
Table 5. Social and physical vulnerability assessment objectives and focus areas
Assessment Objective Focus Areas
Social
Vulnerability
Assessment
Assess the relative vulnerability to
climate change that communities
experience.
Economy
Communities &
Neighborhoods
Physical
Vulnerability
Assessment
Assess how various infrastructure
assets and natural systems are
vulnerable to climate change and
assess implications.
Infrastructure
Natural Systems
Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment
Methodology | 17
Community Survey
Cascadia and the City deployed a community survey to gather community perspectives
and concerns about topics related to climate vulnerability and have used the responses
to contextualize and ground the findings of this CVA. The survey was open from
February 17 through March 14, 2023 and received 195 responses. The full summary of
the community survey is in Appendix C: Community Survey Summary.
Social Vulnerability Assessment
Social vulnerability refers to people and communities’ vulnerability to climate change
impacts. As noted above, vulnerability refers to factors that put people at greater risk of
negative impacts, which are largely outside of their control, such as:
Differences in age, wealth, and health status;
Inequities in infrastructure and access to community services, such as education
and healthcare;
Inequities in living conditions and access to parks, shade, and other amenities
that can help people cope with extreme wea ther events;
Historical exclusion from decision-making power and/or wealth-building; and
Business size and structure.
A key part of understanding and addressing social vulnerability within Marysville is
documenting inequities that people face related to their income level, race, age, and
other factors, as these inequities make these communities particularly susceptible to
climate hazards. Policies that put vulnerable communities first are key to creating a safe
and resilient future for all residents.
We created two quantitative social vulnerability indices—one to measure community
members’ vulnerability and one to measure economic vulnerability—to capture relative
social vulnerability across Marysville. The results of these assessments can help us
understand where the City can prioritize resilience policies to increase community and
economic preparedness for climate change.
IDENTIFY AND VET IND ICATORS
To build the indices, we started with data from our climate impacts assessment that
describes exposure to climate hazards, then sought data to measure climate sensitivity
and adaptive capacity.
To select datasets to use as climate sensitivity and adaptive capacity indicators, we first
developed a potential list of indicators by referencing comparable vulnerability
assessments, particularly those conducted by the City of Redmond, WA and Los
Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment
Methodology | 18
Angeles County, CA, as well as a technical guidance document from the University of
Notre Dame [8, 9, 10]. Next, we worked to understand and compile available data: we
met with the City project team, researched City documents and maps, and made data
requests to the City.
Then, we vetted the potential indicators by asking:
Is the data relevant? We used indicators that are as recent as possible and that
have clear connections to climate impacts. For example, some health indicators
(like asthma rates) are closely connected to climate impacts.
Is the data available? Datasets need to be publicly available or shareable.
Is the data high quality? We avoided datasets that are incomplete and sought
local datasets whenever possible, as these are likely to be more accurate than
downscaled national-level or state-level datasets. However, there may still be
some gaps or imperfections in the data sources.
Is the data at a census tract-level resolution? The indices measure
vulnerability at the census tract level, so we sought data at this resolution. We
included all census tracts that are within Marysville boundaries and that overlap
with Marysville boundaries.
Does the data show variability across the city? Some datasets are relevant,
high quality, and available at the census tract level, but do not show any
variability across the city and are, therefore, not useful for the indices. We do,
however, note any relevant findings from these datasets in the narrative of this
CVA.
Communities & Neighborhoods
Indicators
Exposure
EPA Heat Mortality
EPA Mortality PM2.5
EPA Air Quality Asthma
EQA Air Quality Asthma ED Visits
Sensitivity
Access to Parks and Recreation
Areas
Food Desert and Security Access
Adaptive Capacity
Tree Canopy Coverage
Economy Indicators
Exposure
Lost wages due to extreme heat
Sensitivity
Climate-exposed occupations
Adaptive Capacity
Unemployment rates
Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment
Methodology | 19
ASSESS RELATIVE VULN ERABILITY
Once we selected indicators, we normalized each dataset into indices to allow for
comparability between census tracts. This way, data across diff erent units all appears
on a scale of zero to one, where zero means lower vulnerability and one means higher
vulnerability. We weighted exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity equally in the
analysis to calculate a vulnerability index for each census tract. Finally, we calculated a
percentile of the vulnerability index to allow for comparability across census tracts, using
the equation below:
Vul.Index=1
3 × 1
nExp.
∑Exp
n
i=1
.Index+1
3 × 1
nSen.
∑Sen
n
i=1
.Index+1
3 × 1
nAdap.
∑Adap
n
i=1
.Index
The result is maps of census tracts within and around Marysville boundaries with
relative ratings of overall economic and community climate vulnerability.
Physical Vulnerability Assessment
The Physical Vulnerability Assessment, which includes ou r focus areas of Infrastructure
and Natural Areas, examines how physical infrastructure and facilities are at risk due to
climate hazards.
The key climate hazards for infrastructure and natural areas are flooding, landslides,
sea level rise, and extreme heat. First, we overlaid maps of infrastructure and parks in
Marysville with climate hazards to identify specific areas that are relatively more
vulnerable to flooding, sea level rise, and landslides. First, we reviewed literature and
City documents to understand the current state of infrastructure and natural areas and
important intersections with climate impacts. Then, we overlaid maps of infrastructure
and critical areas in Marysville with climate hazards to identify specific areas that are
relatively more vulnerable to flooding, sea level rise, and landslides.
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Climate Change Impacts in Marysville | 20
4 Climate Change Impacts in
Marysville
With changing climate conditions, the City of Marysville will experience changing
environmental factors and weather events. Marysville will likely experien ce warmer
temperatures year-round, including higher maximum summer temperatures and more
frequent and severe heat waves; increasing winter precipitation and decreased summer
precipitation; increasing winter stream flows and decreasing spring and summer stream
flows; rising sea levels and greater impacts from storm surges; and increas ing chance
of wildfire and poor air quality due to wildfire smoke.
The next sections will describe each of these anticipated climate impacts in greater
detail.
Increasing Winter Precipitation, Storms, and Flooding
Climate change will affect precipitation by slightly increasing overall annual precipitation
amounts, shifting seasonal precipitation, and causing more intense heavy precipitation
events. Annually, the average historic baseline total precipitation in Snohomish County
is 37.5 inches per year [11]. Over the next 100 years, annual rainfall is expected to
increase slightly in Marysville, while precipitation in the Quilceda Watershed is predicted
to increase by 10-15% by 2050 and 22% by 2080 [11].
More noticeably, precipitation amounts are likely to shift seasonally, with summer
rainfall declining by 8.9% and winter precipitation increasing by 8.1% by 2050, as shown
in Table 6 below [12]. This shifting seasonal precipitation will impact water availability
and river and stream habitats each summer.
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Table 6. Projected changes in Puget Sound seasonal precipitation relative to 1950
– 1999 [12]
Season Percent change in
precipitation by 2050
Percent
change in
precipitation
by 2080
Winter (Dec – Feb) +8.1% +11.6%
Summer (Apr – Sep) -8.9% -9.1%
Heavy Precipitation Magnitude
Finally, precipitation events have already become heavier and will continue to do so.
Historical records indicate that the frequency of heavy rainfall events has increased over
the 20th century across the Puget Sound region. This trend is projected to continue into
the 21st century. Extreme winter precipitation is closely associated with atmospheric
rivers, a type of increasingly common storm named for its long, narrow shape and the
enormous volume of water it carries. W hile there is uncertainty if atmospheric rivers will
become more frequent, winter storms overall are projected to be more intense and
severe [1].
Table 7 shows increases in indicators for heavy precipitation in Marysville in 2050 and
2080. One-inch precipitation days—the number of days with more than an inch of
precipitation—and the magnitude of heavy precipitation events are projected to
increase. Even slight increases can lead to more frequent and pronounced flooding,
which can affect infrastructure and operations.
Table 7. Projected changes in annual heavy precipitation in Marysville
Change in annual
precipitation by 2050
Change in annual
precipitation by 2080
1-inch Precipitation Days Increase of 0.8 days Increase of 1.8 days
Heavy Precipitation
Magnitude Increase of 15% Increase of 19%
Changes in heavy precipitation will not affect the city evenly. Census tracts in the north
and east of the city and surrounding the north and east of the city’s boundaries will
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Climate Change Impacts in Marysville | 22
experience a larger increase in one-inch precipitation days than other areas of the city
(Figure 2).
Figure 2. Change in 1-inch precipitation days by 2050 and 2080
With these changes in precipitation, Marysville is likely to experience increased flooding,
especially in winter. The 100-year and 500-year floodplains in Marysville are depicted in the
map below (Figure 3). These areas are defined using historical data, rather than future
precipitation projections. Due to projected changes to precipitation, flooding is likely to
expand outside of the 100-year and 500-year floodplains.
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Figure 3. 100-year and 500-year floodplains in Marysville
Higher Temperatures and Extreme Heat
Between 1895 and 2020, Snohomish County’s average maximum summer temperature
(June through August) increased 3.03F [2]. Compared to average summer warming
across Washington state, Marysville has experienced 1.97F more warming over the
same period [13].
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By 2050, summertime maximum temperatures are projected to increase by 6.3F
compared to a historical baseline (1980-2009); by 2080, summertime maximum
temperatures are likely to increase by 10.1F (Table 8) [12]. Heat waves are also
projected to be more frequent, prolonged, and severe, which can be particularly
dangerous to groups such as elderly people, young children, people with pre -existing
health conditions, and people without air conditioning or other cooling options [14].
Table 8. Change in summer average maximum temperature in Marysville area
from a baseline period of 1980-2009
Period 2050 (2040 to 2069) 2080 (2070-2099)
Summer (June- August) +6.3°F +10.1°F
The number of 90°F humidex days—which account for interactions between air
temperatures and humidity and can better capture the “real feel” of how hot
temperatures are experienced; or, in other words, the number of days that it will feel like
90°F—is projected to increase by up to 33 days per year by 2050 and by up to 63 days
per year by 2080 [12]. These days will not occur evenly across the city; some areas will
experience a larger increase in 90° humidex days (as seen in Figure 4 and Figure 5).
Figure 4. Change in 90° humidex days by 2050
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Figure 5. Change in 90° humidex days by 2080
Changing Streamflow s
Over the next 60 years, Snohomish County rivers are expected to increase in peak
flows by 10% to 40%, on average, by 2080 [15]. However, streamflow timing will shift;
winter streamflows will increase, while spring and summer streamflows will shrink
(Table 9) [4]. As temperatures warm, some precipitation that has historically fallen as
snow will instead occur as rain, likely leading to higher winter flows and increased risk of
riverine flooding in winter months [4]. Lower snowpack levels will mean decreasing
spring and summer flows, which will have implications for summer water recreation
opportunities and salmon habitat.
Table 9. Change in streamflow timing and volume
Watershed Streamflow Timing Streamflow 100-year
flood
Summer Minimum
Flows
Snohomish -37 days
(range -49 to -29 days)
+23%
(range +1 to +58%)
-26%
(range -33 to -17%)
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Sea Level Rise
Sea levels around Marysville are projected to rise over the next several decades , which
will place infrastructure at risk and exacerbate winter flooding events. Sea level rise
projections are framed using a probability framework—in other words, the likelihood of
sea levels exceeding a certain height within a time period. We provide a 17% likelihood
scenario and a 1% likelihood scenario, which are generally suggested when using sea
level rise models to inform longer-term planning such as capital planning processes.
This ensures that the City is as informed and prepared as possible for all possible future
sea level rise scenarios. By 2050, sea level increases are projected to exceed between
1.0 feet (17% likelihood scenario) and 1.4 feet (1% likelihood scenario) [5]. By 2080,
sea level increases are projected to exceed between 2.0 feet (17% likelihood scenario)
and 3.3 feet (1% likelihood scenario). See Table 10 for current and projected sea level
rise under a 1% likelihood scenario.
In addition to average water levels, it’s important to take storm surges into account .
When storm winds push water towards shore, sea levels can rise even further than
projected averages over short time periods. With a 100-year storm surge event of 3
feet, Marysville could see water levels rise from the current daily high tide average by a
total of 4.4 feet by 2050 and 6.3 feet by 2080 [6].
Table 10. Sea level rise along Snohomish County coastline
Sea Condition 2020 Water Levels 2050 Water Levels
(1% likelihood)
2080 Water Levels
(1% likelihood)
Mean sea level 6.48 ft 7.88 ft 9.78 ft
Daily high tide
average
11.09 ft 12.49 ft 14.39 ft
100-year storm
surge
14.09 ft 15.49 ft 17.39 ft
Marysville’s potential sea level rise by 2050 (1% scenario) with a 3-foot storm surge
event is depicted in the map below (Figure 6). This extent of sea level rise will cause
coastal erosion and flooding and will impact shoreline ecosystems, transit routes, and
other critical facilities in Marysville.
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Figure 6. 2050 and 2080 sea level rise in Marysville
More Frequent and Intense Wildfire and Smoke
As temperatures rise and water availability shifts in the Marysville area, the risk and
extent of wildfire damage and periods of smoke from regional fires will increase, with
impacts to the environment and the Marysville community. With snow melting earlier in
the spring, soils and forests will become drier and stay dry longer throughout the year ,
and these factors are exacerbating and extending annual fire seasons. According to the
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Climate Change Impacts in Marysville | 28
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), short interval reburns (fires in areas
burned within the last 15-20 years) are likely to occur with increasing frequency [16].
Marysville is currently at low risk of experiencing wildfire in the city, but as wildfires
become more prevalent and intense, potential fire damage to buildings, including
homes, will also increase [17]. Buildings located in the wildland-urban interface or
intermix (WUI), or places where development transitions into undeveloped areas, are
especially at risk from fire damage [7]. Marysville and the surrounding areas are mostly
considered to be WUI, indicating that wildfire will pose an increasing risk (Figure 7) [7].
Figure 7. Wildland-Urban Interface in and around Marysville
Wildfire brings episodes of regional smoke and poor air quality. Smoke is strongly
correlated with hospitalizations and new and worsened cases of respiratory and cardiac
illnesses. Smoke also has economic costs from illnesses and from steps taken to
minimize exposure [4].
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5 Physical Vulnerability Assessment
5.1 Infrastructure
State of Sector and Parameters
Aspects of the built environment, such as roads, buildings, and other infrastructure, are
interconnected and their resilience is critical to maintaining thriving communities under
changing climate conditions. Infrastructure systems included within this analysis are:
Transportation infrastructure, including roads, bridge overpasses, rails, transit
lines and stops, and gas stations.
Energy infrastructure, including distribution systems and the Olympic gas
pipeline.
Water, sewer, and stormwater infrastructure, including the wastewater
treatment plant, drinking water facilities, and stormwater management
infrastructure.
Transportation
The City of Marysville and surrounding areas are served by six state highways and a
few key north-south and east-west arterials. The transportation system serving
Marysville is not only governed by the City; certain roads are also under the jurisdiction
of the State, County, and adjacent cities. Each of these entities uses a different set of
levels of service to describe current road conditions. Marysville itself only defines level
of service for local intersections; only one intersection did not meet the standard level of
service when the 2015 Comprehensive Plan was published [18].
In addition to roads, Marysville is home to two north-south rail lines, 12 bridges and
tunnels, and 23 gas stations.
CLIMATE RISK
Increasing flood risk due to more frequent and intense precipitation events, particularly
in winter, will challenge the infrastructure of Marysville’s transportation network. Many of
Marysville’s public transportation routes and stops are already in 100- and 500-year
flood zones, as seen in Figure 8. Flooding, especially in the winter months, is likely to
occur more frequently due to expected increases in overall and winter precipitation. Key
transit lines through downtown Marysville will likely experience more frequent and
intense flooding. Figure 8 shows portions of I-5 overlapping with the 100-year floodplain
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and projected sea level rise. These portions are elevated roadways and may not
necessarily flood, but pressure from high river flows during floods and wave action from
sea level rise could erode and destabilize the structures that support these roadways
[19]. Without these routes, residents will have more difficulty reaching grocery stores,
emergency services, and other services, especially during extreme events, such as the
atmospheric river events the Puget Sound region saw in winter 2021 -2022. Low-lying
areas near Ebey Slough will be flooded, impacting roads, rail lines, community transit
routes, and several gas stations.
With increased rain comes an increase in both the frequency and severity of landslides,
particularly in areas with steep slopes. Transportation priority routes along the east side
of Marysville are surrounded by landslide risk areas (Figure 9). Landslides can block
large areas, cause damage to vehicles and roadways, and further impede access to
emergency services. Landslides also disrupt traffic flow, requiring detours and rerouting
while affected roadways are closed. Landslides on roads with high criticality, or without
easy re-routes, will have more pronounced effects on local communities and
businesses.
ADAPTIV E CAPACITY
The adaptive capacity of transportation systems is inherently low, as it takes time to
plan and construct new transportation infrastructure. In addition, rates of car ownership
in Marysville are high and nearly nine out of ten (88%) of survey respondents indicated
that they drive as their primary mode of transportation. Therefore, if roads are disrupted,
there will be impacts to people’s mobility.
Green spaces along the shoreline and Ebey Slough will likely mitigate some impacts of
flooding, but sea level rise and flooding are still projected to have significant impacts to
transportation infrastructure near the shoreline.
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Figure 8. Map of 1% likelihood sea level rise projection (2080) with 3-ft storm
surge for key transportation sites and routes in the 100- and 500-year floodplains
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Figure 9. Map of landslide hazard areas relative to Marysville’s key transportation
sites and routes
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Energy
This section evaluates the climate vulnerability of Marysville’s energy systems and
assets—which include energy supply, energy demand, and energy infrastructure.
CLIMATE RISK
Energy Supply and Demand
Over the last century, summertime average temperature in Snohomish County has
already increased about 4.06°F [2]. Marysville will experience 33 more 90° humidex0F
2
days per year by 2050 and 63 more 90° humidex days per year by 2080 [4]. Extreme
heat events will significantly increase energy demand for air conditioning. High energy
demand will strain energy systems and can often lead to unplanned power outages. In
addition, increased energy use for air conditioning could lead to higher energy bills for
residents, disproportionately burdening community members with low income who are
more likely to occupy housing with poor insulation and limited weatherproofing.
Energy Infrastructure
The intensity of winter precipitation events is projected to increase. One-inch
precipitation days will increase 0.8 days per year by 2050, and 1.8 days per year by
2080. Moreover, the magnitude of heavy precipitation events will increase 16% by 2050
and 18% by 2080 [20]. More frequent and intense winter storms, extreme rain events,
and flooding can damage distribution and transmission systems, such as utility poles
and powerlines. Strong winds can cause branches and trees to fall onto powerlines, and
flooding can loosen soils and destabilize utility poles. Energy infrastructure in low-lying
areas and floodplains is especially at risk from flooding.
The BP Olympic Pipeline, which transports gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel from refineries,
passes through northern and eastern Marysville. Sections of the pipeline just to the
north and south of Marysville lie within the FEMA 100-year and 500-year floodplains.
Sections located just south of Marysville will also likely be impacted by future sea level
rise (Figure 10). The chemical composition of floodwaters and seawater will accelerate
the corrosion of pipelines and shut-off valves and undermine the stability of pipelines
through erosion and impacts to structural components [21]. In addition, more frequent
and intense rainfall increases the risk of landslides and erosion, which can damage
pipelines, cause leaks, and disrupt energy supply [22].
Much of Marysville is located within the wildland urban interface (WUI) (Figure 8), which
is defined as an area where development meets undeveloped vegetated and/or forested
lands. Climate change interacts with human disturbance (e.g., wildland fragmentation,
increase in fuel loads, and introduction of non-native plants, insects, and diseases) to
drive ecological changes in the WUI [23], making these areas more prone to natural
2 Humidex is a scale that accounts for the interaction between air temperature and humidity and can be
interpreted as the dry temperature, or “real feel”.
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disasters like wildfires and flooding. Energy infrastructure located in the WUI may
experience greater risk of damage and service disruptions during extreme weather
events than areas outside of the WUI.
Figure 10. Map of 1% likelihood sea level rise projection (2080) with 3-ft storm
surge and the 100- and 500-year floodplains relative to the Olympic Pipeline
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ADAPTIVE CAPACITY
Energy Supply and Demand
The City of Marysville receives its electricity from the Snohomish County Public Utilit y
District No. 1 (PUD). The PUD’s energy supply is largely from hydropower purchased
from the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) [18]. PUD’s energy supply portfolio
consists of hydropower (76%), nuclear (10%), wind (8%), other sources like biomass,
solar, and biogas (1%), and unspecified sources (5%) [19].
Earlier snowmelt and more frequent high- and low-runoff events will likely affect the
water availability in reservoirs to generate hydropower. Periods with high runoff can
result in floods and dam failure due to overtopping. Conversely, periods with low runoff
may result in insufficient water supply for hydroelectric power generation [20, 21].
Therefore, Marysville’s current energy supply portfolio may be insufficient to meet future
energy demand, particularly in summer months when energy demand is higher and
water supply and flows are lower.
The PUD offers energy efficiency programs to commercial, industrial, and residential
customers. These programs include rebates, financial incentives, and technical
assistance for energy efficient solutions such as building retrofits, solar panels, efficient
lighting upgrades, and residential weatherproofing. With the City of Marysville’s support,
these programs can help prepare the City to meet its future energy demands and
reduce strain on its energy systems during extreme heat events [24].
Energy Infrastructure
Marysville is committed to mitigating flood risk to community assets and infrastructure.
The United States Army Corps of Engineers recently raised the levee along Marysville’s
shoreline six inches to protect community assets from future sea level rise and coastal
flooding [23]. While the increase in height is sufficient for projected sea level rise by
2030, the levee will need to be raised again to account for sea level rise beyond that
period, as sea level is projected to increase 3.0 feet by 2050 and 3.3 feet by 2080.
The City implements flood hazard mitigation planning and is a part of several flood
hazard reduction programs, including the Federal Emergency Management Act (FEMA)
and the Washington State Flood Control Assistance Account Program (FCAAP) [25]
[25]. Both FEMA and the National Flood Insurance Program provide funding to
jurisdictions for comprehensive floodplain management planning and implementing
actions to mitigate flood hazards to infrastructure. Participation in these programs
reduces flood risk to energy infrastructure located in low-lying areas and mitigates the
risk of power outages during heavy rainfall events.
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Water, Wastewater and Stormwater
This section evaluates the vulnerability to climate change of Marysville’s potable water
resources, and stormwater infrastructure.
CLIMATE RISKS
Water and Wastewater Systems
The City of Marysville is part of the lower Snohomish River Basin, where the Quilceda
and Allen watersheds drain through the City. Approximately 11 square miles drains to
Allen Creek and 38 square miles drains to Quilceda Creek. Both creeks empty into
Ebey Slough near the mouth of the Snohomish River. Surface water runoff is common
for both basins due to high winter groundwater tables. Marysville receives
approximately 37.5 inches of precipitation annually, with most of it falling in the winter
and spring months [26].
The Tulalip, Getchell-Snohomish, and Marysville trough aquifers serve the Quilceda and
Allen watersheds, while the surface water resources are located within it. Marysville
primarily sources its water from the Edward Springs; it does not require additional
filtration due to its high quality. Basic surface waters flow generally in the northwesterly
direction in the upper reaches of the tributaries. However, projected increase in
temperature is anticipated to reduce water availability, while flooding and high
precipitation will likely threaten water quality, which will have implications on Marysville’s
water infrastructure, surface, and groundwater supplies [27].
As sea levels rise, shoreline communities like Marysville will experience more frequent
and persistent flooding as well as inundation in low-lying areas. The Marysville and
Stillaguamish Water Treatment Plant are located at a low elevation near the shoreline to
minimize the cost of collecting consumed water and discharging treated effluent .
Although the Stillaguamish Plant only serves the City of Arlington, water resources
within Marysville may be impacted if flooding of the plant occurs. Given their location,
the plants are likely to experience more frequent flooding in the future, leading to
intrusion and water quality impacts.
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Figure 11. Map of 1% likelihood sea level rise projection (2080) with 3-ft storm
surge for existing water treatment facilities located in 100-and 500-year floodplain
Additionally, sea level rise with a 3-ft storm surge and increased flooding is expected to
pose a risk to Marysville’s wastewater treatment plant and sewer facilities located in the
100- and 500-year floodplain, along the treatment lagoon and Ebey Slough (Figure 11).
Lift stations located in the floodplain along the shoreline and creek are projected to be
inundated in 100-year flood events. Compared to sewer lines where gravity drives
wastewater flow, lift stations require a source of electric power. If the power supply is
interrupted, flow conveyance will be discontinued, which can result in flooding upstream
of the lift station [28].
ADAPTIVE CAPACITY
The Quilceda and Allen Watershed Plan provides a set of strategies and
recommendations that address watershed problems, such as water quality issues for
Marysville. The main strategy presented in the plan is to prevent ground water
degradation through retention of forest, riparian corridors, and open space, combined
with economic incentives. Ground water protection in the Marysville trough is also
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Physical Vulnerability Assessment | 38
addressed through maintaining low density land use and limiting the amount of
impervious surfaces in new development through design standards [29]. These
strategies will likely help improve the city’s water quality and supply overtime and
mitigate flooding impacts to the watershed.
In 2023, the City received $250,000 in funding through the Flood Risk Reduction Grant
from Snohomish County for projects to mitigate potential flood risk to its Public Works
and Wastewater Treatment Plant. The project will allow the City to determine future
impacts of sea level rise on critical infrastructure (i.e., wastewater treatment plant) to
improve the City’s public health and natural environment [30].
CLIMATE RISKS
Stormwater Systems
A major concern for Quilceda and Allen Creeks is managing stormwater runoff. The City
currently manages a stormwater system with over 280 miles of pipes and ditches and
nearly 1,000 stormwater facilities. Stormwater runoff from buildings, driveways, parking
lots, roads, and other impervious surfaces is collected and conveyed through public and
private drainage systems to local waterways. Most public drainage lines are within
existing road rights-of-way, and much of the runoff is conveyed to public detention or
water quality facilities prior to release into the public system. The storm drainage system
ultimately discharges stormwater to one of the local tributaries or directly to Ebey
Slough [31] in the Snohomish River estuary [26] [32].
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Figure 12. Map of 1% likelihood sea level rise projection (2080) with 3-ft storm
surge for existing stormwater facilities located in 100-and 500-year floodplain
More frequent intense storms and extreme flooding events will increase stormwater
runoff, which will exacerbate existing, or introduce new, pollution problems and
overwhelm stormwater management systems. This can lead to backups that cause
localized flooding or lead to greater runoff of contaminants such as trash , nutrients,
sediment, or bacteria in local waterways [33]. The stormwater facilities located within
the 100-year floodplain and the low-lying areas near the shoreline have a higher risk of
inundation and frequent flooding (Figure 12).
Other impacts to the watershed’s hydrology include streambank erosion, stream
channel downcutting, and loss of habitat for fish and wildlife due to flooding. These
problems are likely to increase if future development causes loss of open space an d
creation of more impervious surfaces.
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ADAPTIVE C APACITY
The City of Marysville developed a Watershed Planning Stormwater Action Plan that is
focused on targeting stormwater improvements, construction of stormwater projects,
equitable use of tax dollars, and increasing the public’s involvement in stormwater
retrofits and programs. Stormwater retrofits are underway to address stormwater quality
management concerns [32]. Stormwater facilities alone will not be enough to address
water quality concerns, especially in the urban areas of Marysville. The City is
prioritizing tree planting programs in the four planning subbasins and focusing its efforts
on street tree planting in the Downtown and Lower Quilceda Creek areas and city-
owned parcels (e.g., parks, open spaces, and stormwater facilities). Additionally, an
environmental justice review has indicated that the Downtown neighborhood is likely
experiencing a disproportionate risk of environmental injustices relative to other parts of
the City [32]. The City has targeted the Downtown area for implementation of
stormwater management programs (i.e., source control and dumpster outreach) that will
be focused on reducing pollution sources [32]. This area’s stormwater management
systems and its community will likely have a higher adaptive capacity responding to
future extreme storms and flooding events as a result of additional stormwater
measures that the City has implemented to keep runoff from overwhelming local
stormwater systems
5.2 Natural Systems
State of Sector and Parameters
This section evaluates the climate change vulnerability of Marysville’s natural systems,
including the city’s shorelines, salmon habitat, and urban tree canopy.
Shorelines
Marysville’s shoreline stretches along the scenic Ebey Slough, which is a part of the
Snohomish River Estuary system. Ebey Waterfront Park provides publicly accessible
boat launch facilities and picnic areas. The Ebey Waterfront Park, Ebey Waterfront Trail,
Harbor View Park, and Olympic View Park provide walking and biking trails, picnic
areas, and viewpoints [25]. The shoreline is also home to estuarine wetlands that
support habitat for a variety of terrestrial and aquatic flora and fauna like birds, fish,
shellfish, eelgrass, seagrass, and benthic invertebrates such as clams and snails.
Residents place a high value on the waterfront for its scenic viewpoints, water access,
and opportunities for recreation and wildlife viewing [25].
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Climate change will impact Marysville’s shoreline, Ebey Slough, and the surrounding
wetlands in multiple ways. Among the most significant impacts are sea level rise,
flooding, shoreline erosion, and degradation of wetlands and wildlife habitat.
CLIMATE RISK
Sea level rise will inundate significant portions of Marysville’s shoreline and Ebey
Slough by mid-century. Communities and assets located along the shoreline could see
10.4% to 82.9% of their current land area inundated by 2050 (Figure 13). Sea level rise
will also aggravate shoreline erosion, flooding, and saltwater intrusion in coastal
aquifers.
Figure 13. Map of 1% likelihood sea level rise projection for 2080 under a high
emissions scenario (RCP 8.5), with a 3-foot storm surge
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Shifts in the timing and intensity of precipitation, especially extreme rain events, will
impact Marysville’s shoreline. Winter precipitation is projected to increase 8.7% and
heavy rain events will increase 16% in magnitude by 2050 [34]. These anticipated
changes in precipitation patterns will likely lead to more intense flooding events, and,
when coupled with the impacts of sea level rise, will put Marysville’s shorelines at high
risk of repeated inundation that can accelerate erosion. Furthermore, more intense rain
events and winter storms can lead to increased wave action and run-up, which can
damage trees and native vegetation and exacerbate erosion risk.
Infrastructure near the shoreline, such as bridges and sewage facilities, will be exposed
to sea level rise, erosion, and flooding. Marysville’s wastewater treatment plant, which is
located along the shoreline, could cause water contamination if flooded or damaged
(see Infrastructure sector).
ADAPTIVE CAPACITY
The City of Marysville is taking important steps to mitigate flooding and sea level rise
impacts to its shoreline, including investing in ecological restoration, implementing flood
hazard reduction programs, and increasing the height of its levee.
Ecological restoration mitigates flood risk by improving water retention, increasing water
percolation into the ground, and decreasing wave energy along the shoreline.
Marysville’s Shoreline Master Program (SMP) includes goals and policies to protect and
restore shoreline habitat and Ebey Slough, such as re-establishing native vegetation,
protecting natural groundwater movement, and restoring natural channel movement.
The Marysville Critical Areas Ordinance protect the City’s wetlands and habitat areas by
establishing buffers around critical areas and setting performance standards and
requirements for impact mitigation [35].
The City has allowed the breaching of dikes to provide greater wetland area for flood
water storage and wildlife habitat. It also partners with the Tulalip Tribes and Snohomish
Basin Salmon Recovery Forum to protect and restore ecological function in the
Snohomish River Basin, including its shoreline ecosystems (see Adaptive Capacity
section of the Salmon Habitat sector) [25].
The height of the levee along Marysville’s shoreline was increased by 6 inches to
account for 2030 sea level rise projections. Along with Marysville’s flood hazard
reduction programs (see Adaptive Capacity section of the Energy Infrastructure sector)
this will further protect its shorelines against flooding.
Through these policies and actions, Marysville is increasing the a daptive capacity of its
shoreline to climate impacts. However, the levee and critical plans to protect the
shoreline are currently insufficient for mitigating impacts from projected sea level rise
and flooding beyond 2030.
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Physical Vulnerability Assessment | 43
Salmon Habitat
The Quilceda-Allen subbasin at the mouth of the Snohomish River Basin is a dynamic
ecosystem—where seawater mixes with stream water—and supports an abundance of
wildlife including multiple species of Pacific salmon. Salmon are an ecological and
cultural keystone species that play a critical role in the health and functioning of
ecosystems. Millions of people in the Pacific Northwest rely on salmon for a healthy
source of protein, and salmon is an integral part of Coast Salish ways of life, having had
spiritual and cultural significance to native peoples in this region for millennia [36]. In
particular, the Tulalip Tribes, which share a border with Marysville, rely on local salmon
populations to support their economic, community, and cultural health and well-being.
Marysville’s streams and creeks support bull trout, Chinook, chum, Coho, cutthroat, and
steelhead—several of which are listed as threatened under the Federal Endangered
Species Act—during crucial parts of their lifecycles. Every spring, salmon begin
migrating upstream to their spawning grounds. Quilceda Creek, Allen Creek, Edgecomb
Creek, and Ebey Slough, among others, provide migration corridors and spawning
grounds for salmon [37]. The success of this journey depends on adequate streamflow
during migration windows and cool stream temperatures.
CLIMATE RISK
Climate change projections under a high emissions scenario (RPC 8.5) for the
Snohomish River Basin project an increase of 10.8°F in summertime average maximum
air temperature, 85% reduction in snow water equivalent, and 7.8% decline in summer
precipitation [34]. These impacts are likely to lead to lower summer streamflow, which
can disrupt salmon migration, and warmer stream temperatures, which can increase
salmon mortality and decrease salmon reproductive success [38]. Summer streamflow
in Quilceda Creek is projected to decline 8% to 9% by mid-century (2040-2069) and
11% by the end of the century (2070-2099) under a high emissions scenario (RCP 8.5)
[20].
Some salmon populations, especially those that migrate and spawn in the summer and
fall, will be impacted by low flows, which reduce available habitat and limit upstream-
downstream connectivity for fish migration. Combined with warming air temperatures,
low flow accentuates the negative effects of warming water on salmon survival because
shallower water warms more quickly. Warmer streams increase salmon mortality
through thermal stress, competition from invasive species that thrive in warmer waters,
and increased risk of diseases and pathogens [38]. Marysville’s stream temperatures
are projected (under the A1B moderate emissions scenario) to increase 2.6°F by 2040,
and 4.3°F to 4.4°F by 2080, compared to historical averages (1993-2011) [39]. Species
like Coho salmon that migrate later in the summer and tend to use shallow reaches and
small streams for spawning are more vulnerable to low streamflow and warmer stream
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water [40]. Meanwhile, higher peak streamflow due to more frequent and intense heavy
rain events in winter can scour salmon nests and eggs in streambeds [41].
ADAPTIVE CAPACITY
The City of Marysville is protecting critical habitat for salmon through stream restoration
and flood mitigation. These efforts will contribute to more connected streams and
improved water quality, which could provide some environmental buffer to salmon from
climate exposures during their migration and reproduction in upstream habitats.
Marysville is restoring and protecting salmon habitat in collaboration with the Tulalip
Tribes and Snohomish Basin Salmon Recovery Forum. The partnership aims to protect
and restore the productivity and diversity of wild salmon stocks in the Snohomish River
basin for their cultural and ecological values [25].
In 2015, the City of Marysville participated in the Qwuloolt Estuary Restoration Project,
which restored tidal and other estuarine habitat functions to previously drained and
farmed tidal lands in the City. Such efforts have been shown to increase accessibility to
tidal channels for salmon [42]. The Allen/Quilceda Watershed Action Team, a group of
residents and local government staff, also restored Jones Creek and other tributaries in
Marysville. Through a partnership with the Stilly-Snohomish Fisheries Enhancement
Task Force, the City completed a stream restoration and buffer enhancement project for
Allen Creek.
In addition to these efforts, the City updated its critical areas regulations in 2005 to
provide greater protection to streams, wetlands, and fish and wildlife habitat
conservation areas. Marysville’s Comprehensive Plan includes policies to reduce the
impact of stormwater and flooding to streams and wetlands by prioritizing stormwater
planning and protecting water quantity and quality [37].
Marysville has implemented a variety of salmon habitat restoration projects that will help
mitigate salmon mortality in the face of warming stream temperatures, lower summer
streamflow, and increased winter flooding. Despite these efforts, salmon recovery will
require regional coordination across multiple jurisdictions and entities for recovery to be
sustained.
Urban Tree Canopy
A healthy urban tree canopy is vital for a thriving community. Urban tree canopy and
forests bring numerous physical and mental health benefits to residents such as
connection with nature, opportunities for physical activity and social interaction, stress
relief, and heat moderation. In addition, trees provide ecosystem services like shade,
improved air quality, and erosion control.
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More frequent and intense heat events, less summer rainfall, and more frequent and
intense heavy rain and flooding events associated with climate change will put stress on
Marysville’s urban tree canopy, leading to more urban tree mortality.
CLIMATE RISK
Extreme heat events and reduced rainfall in summer will stress urban tree canopy and
leave trees more prone to disease and pest infestations. Higher temperatures will lead
to greater rates of evapotranspiration, causing trees to lose water from their leaves
more quickly and reducing the amount of water available in the soil for uptake by trees.
Loosened and unstable soils resulting from frequent and intense heavy rain and flood
events in winter can cause trees to fall over or trigger landslides and erosion that can
damage trees and other community assets. Trees located in the floodplain and areas
that will be affected by sea level rise—such as the shoreline and Quilceda Creek—are
especially at risk. Prolonged saturation of soils prevents roots from taking up oxygen,
which can kill roots and root systems. Flooding can also weaken trees and make them
more prone to damage from insects and diseases [43].
ADAPTIVE CAPACITY
The Environmental Element of Marysville’s Comprehensive Plan lays out policies to
maintain healthy urban forests through promoting tree planting and removing trees
through selective thinning rather than indiscriminate clearing when necessary.
Preserving and planting trees is a critical part of the City’s efforts to protect and restore
fish and wildlife habitat, improve air quality, and conserve water quality [37].
The City has not maintained its designation as a Tree City USA and does not currently
have an urban forestry management plan that anticipates and mitigates climate impacts
to its urban tree canopy. Thus, the adaptive capacity of Marysville’s urban tree canopy
is unlikely to protect its urban tree canopy from future climate change, which will likely
lead to cascading community and health impacts.
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Social Vulnerability Assessment | 46
6 Social Vulnerability Assessment
6.1 Economic Vulnerability to Climate Change
State of Sector and Parameters
The City of Marysville is strategically located between Seattle and Vancouver, B.C.,
which makes it a business-friendly community with a fast-growing population. The city
also has various major transportation routes—such as rail routes, I-5, and the Port of
Everett—that provide access to a global commerce network, market consumers, and
labor force for Marysville’s companies [44]. Some major employers include the Everett
Clinic, Zodiac Aerospace, and Silicon Energy.
The Marysville market area is home to over 113,000 businesses , and of these, 85% are
small or very small businesses that employ fewer than 25 people. Service and retail-
related businesses make up the majority of the business base at slightly over 60% of
the total activity [44]. Currently, Marysville has a 68% employment rate and a 2.4%
unemployment rate [45].
Nearly a third of Marysville’s eligible workforce is in climate-exposed occupations, which
include:
Construction and extraction
Farming, fishing, and forestry
Installation, maintenance, and repairs
Material moving occupations
Emergency responders
This section evaluates the economic vulnerability to climate change of Marysville’s local
economy at the census tract level.
ECONOMIC VULNERABILI TY TO CLIMATE CHANGE
The economic indicators below create a vulnerability index. Indicators were primarily
limited due to data availability at the census tract level.
Lost wages due to extreme heat (exposure indicator)
Climate-exposed occupations (sensitivity indicator)
Unemployment rates (adaptive capacity)
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Overall, economic vulnerability to climate change is uneven across the city. Areas in
Marysville that have relatively higher economic vulnerability are below (see Figure
11):
Getchell, Pinewood and Smokey Point neighborhoods
Southern portion of the East Sunnyside neighborhood, Marshall, Kellogg, and
Jennings Park
Lakewood, Sunnyside, and Downtown neighborhoods
These tracts are more exposed to extreme heat impacts, resulting in lost wages due to
a large proportion of their workforce being in climate-exposed occupations. Additionally,
these areas will have a lower adaptive capacity due to higher levels of unemployment.
Figure 14. Economic Climate Vulnerability (Percentile)
CLIMATE R ISKS TO MARYSVILLE’S ECON OMY
Climate change impacts such as extreme heat events could create short- or long-term
operational disruptions for Marysville’s businesses and workforce. Disruptions to
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businesses and transit will affect workers unevenly. Extreme heat and its impact on
Marysville’s workforce are the only major quantifiable economic risk factor for this
sector. However, other climate impacts such as flooding to businesses will be discussed
but will refer to datasets from other sections in this report.
Businesses located within the current 100- and 500-year floodplains and workers whose
livelihoods depend on these businesses are likely to be the most vulnerable to
significant flood-related damage. This area includes the downtown district along Ebey
Waterfront and the census tracts in the north, northeast, and east of the city (see Sea
Level Rise). Future development of waterfront businesses and infrastructure will likely
be impacted by future sea level rise, which will cause coastal erosion and flooding
damage to businesses.
Other climate change impacts on businesses could include:
Increasing costs of insurance;
Increasing costs of building energy (e.g., cooling demand);
Increasing costs to adapt older buildings (e.g., floodproofing and weatherization);
Disruption of supply chains; and
Potential loss of business or employment after a climate-related event.
Certain occupations have a greater risk of exposure to climate change impacts. With
Marysville’s climate-exposed workers making up approximately a third of the entire
eligible workforce, the City will likely experience significant loss of labor hours due to
extreme heat, affecting residents’ livelihoods and the flow of local goods and services.
People working outdoors or performing duties that expose them to extreme weather
such as emergency responders, construction workers, farmers, and other outdoor
laborers, are at highest risk of losing wages due to extreme heat. Decreased air quality
due to wildfire smoke may limit the ability of outdoor workers to continue working during
wildfire smoke days, which is expected to continue increasing in the future [46, 47]. For
example, during heat dome events, workers had reduced labor hours (i.e., devoted less
time to work) on days with high temperatures to avoid heat-related health risks. A
Community Experience
In responses to the community survey, 11% of respondents indicated that
they owned a business in Marysville.
Two thirds (66%) of respondents indicated that during extreme weather
events, their businesses experienced some kind of complication (e.g.,
closing their business for a day, reduced foot traffic, challenges with
sourcing supplies).
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reduction in worktime during high-heat events results in lost income for workers in these
climate-exposed occupations [48].
Some outdoor workers may have additional risk factors (low income, 65 and older, pre-
existing health conditions, etc.) that can increase their overall economic vulnerability to
climate change. For example, older adult workers with existing health conditions can be
more sensitive to extreme heat [49]. Climate conditions can amplify existing health and
safety issues and could lead to new unanticipated hazards , increased labor hours lost
due the lack of access or inability to work, and strained financial safety nets if these
occupational hazards require acute or chronic medical care.
With 2°F of warming, we estimate that the City of Marysville will see $2.9 million (2017
dollars) worth of lost labor hours per year due to extreme heat for climate exposed
occupations. This will result in a potential revenue loss to the city’s economy.3 In
particular, the Getchell neighborhood (census tracts 527.01 and 527.09) is relatively
more vulnerable due to higher relative exposure and sensitivity to lost wages attributed
to extreme heat impacts.
ADAPTIVE C APACITY
As Marysville continues to grow, the City has a stake in ensuring long-term fiscal and
economic health while maintaining the community’s quality of life and small-town feel
[50]. The City partners closely with Economic Alliance Snohomish County and the
Greater Marysville Tulalip Chamber of Commerce to strengthen economic vitality,
increase job creation and support workforce development, and expand education
opportunities. These supportive services likely contribute to the City’s low
unemployment rate (2.4%) relative to the Washington State’s unemployment rate (4%)
and the Puget Sound region’s unemployment rate (2.6%) [51].
Economic W ellbeing
Homeowners and renters in Marysville will likely be impacted by future climate impacts
such as property damage due to flooding. Thirty-two percent (32%) of Marysville’s
households (26% of owners, 49% of renters) are cost burdened, meaning that
individuals are spending 30% or more of their income on combined transportation and
housing costs [52] [32].
North and Central Marysville generally have a higher cost burden [53]. Furthermore,
these census tracts have more elderly residents, low-income residents, and residents
with a disability, which makes them more sensitive to financial impacts from climate
change. For example, lost wages due to extreme heat or poor air quality for prolonged
periods of time may lead to some residents discontinuing health care services or
3 EPA standard wage used in the CIRA 2017 report. Calculated by average hourly rate
($23.03) multiplied by the number of labor hours lost
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reducing usage of HVAC systems—services and amenities that increase adaptive
capacity—which in turn makes them more vulnerable to climate change impacts.
Local Businesses and Economy
While Marysville is planning to make significant infrastructure investments to position
downtown for growth and redevelopment in the 2024 Comprehensive Plan update,
future development, and some existing businesses within the downtown and waterfront
revitalization efforts will be at higher risk for sea level rise and flooding impacts. This
may lower their ability to cope and adapt to future flooding events, which are expected
to become more frequent and more intense. This will be particularly important for
Marysville because of the large percentage of businesses that are classified as small
businesses, which generally have lower adaptive capacity to financially prepare for,
withstand, and recover from extreme events.
6.2 Communities & Neighborhoods
State of Sector and Parameters
As Marysville experiences more climate change impacts and extreme events, its
residents and communities will likely be stressed in multiple ways. Community health
and residents’ health will be affected by extreme heat, more intense flooding, and poor
air quality due to wildfire smoke. Access to different resources and amenities—such as
parks, grocery stores, and tree canopy coverage—will be affected, likely leading to
worse health outcomes for affected residents. Sensitive groups such as older members
of the community and those with disabilities will be disproportionately affected by these
impacts.
COMMUNITY VULERABILITY TO CLIM ATE CHANGE
According to the climate vulnerability assessment, the northeastern and central areas of
Marysville are more vulnerable than those in the southern areas (Figure 15). These
areas have less access to parks, fewer food options, and higher incidences of asthma
and air quality-related mortality. Areas along the shoreline are also vulnerable due to
their proximity to floodplains and exposure to rising sea levels. When focusing on policy
Community Experience
Recommendation from community survey: Businesses are prepared for
extreme heat events and heat waves but could use additional assistance in
installation of air filters for wildfire smoke. Some businesses could also adjust to a
hybrid work environment for employees, further building resiliency to future
projected weather events that may disrupt transit routes important for commuting.
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decisions, Marysville should consider these areas as high risk and dedicate resources
to increase their resilience and adaptive capacity.
Figure 15. Community Climate Vulnerability (Percentile)
P ARK AMENITIES AND A CCESS
Parks provide many amenities and benefits for communities—such as providing shade,
recreational opportunities, and green spaces—that result in physical and mental health
benefits for residents and users. Parks and urban trees can provide shade for
neighborhoods, mitigating heat island effects and helping residents—particularly
sensitive groups such as elders—stay cool during heat waves. The Trust for Public
Land found that communities within a 10-minute walk to a park are often 6° F cooler
than other communities with less park access [54]. Park features—such as shelters and
splash pads—can also be an important strategy to help residents cope with prolonged
heat, such as during the 2021 Heat Dome Event.
Parks also act as a community connector, where residents can engage with family,
friends, and neighbors, building their social capital. Social connectivity to neighbors can
be an important element of resiliency post-extreme events. Marysville’s parks are a vital
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part of the community, with 60% of survey respondents saying they visit parks at least
two times a month or more, with another 36% saying they visit at least once a week.
The top visited parks according to the same survey are Jennings Memorial and Nature
Parks, Ebey Waterfront Park and Comeford Park [55].
Climate Risk to Parks
As temperatures rise, parks will be stressed by extreme heat, drought, and flooding.
Parks along shorelines and in floodplains – such as Jennings Memorial Park – will
experience more frequent and intense flooding due to more extreme precipitation in the
winter months (Figure 16). Ebey Waterfront Park is in the 100- and 500-year
floodplains, and current flooding will be exacerbated by sea level rise.
The increase in hot days and extreme heat events across Marysville will put more stress
on green areas, stressing trees and making them more susceptible to disease and
pests. Warmer temperatures can alter the growing season for trees, as some deciduous
trees need colder weather in the winter to fully reset and grow buds in the spring [56].
Increased heat and drought conditions can facilitate pest outbreaks, with insects taking
advantage of stressed and weakened trees. Other species, including invasive plant
species, will have a longer growth period and take advantage of warmer weather,
allowing them to outcompete native plants for resources [57].
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Figure 16. Parks at risk of flooding and sea level rise
Adaptive Capacity for Parks
The City of Marysville spends 6% of its general funds on parks [55]. According to
Marysville’s Comprehensive Plan, this is less than half of other communities of similar
size in Washington [55]. The Parks Department oversees 46 different parks, trails,
information kiosks and other assets, totaling 522.34 acres of public parks and 22.78
miles of trails [55].
Proximity to parks is an important amenity for residents, helping to cope with heat and
providing important mental and physical health benefits [58]. Currently over half of
Marysville residents (57%) live within 0.5 miles of a park (Figure 17) [59]. Out of a
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Social Vulnerability Assessment | 54
population of 72,733 in 2021, 30,935 people lived outside a 10 -minute walk. Park
access across different incomes is evenly split, with 58% of high -income individuals,
57% of middle-income households, and 54% of low-income households living within 10
minutes of a park [59]. Park access in Marysville is separated more by geography than
income disparity, meaning that some geographic areas, such as North Marysville near
Stimson Crossing, have less access to parks, despite having similar income
breakdowns. While the southern portions of Marysville have good access to parks,
areas north of Downtown have a noticeable lack of parks seen in Figure 16, with many
areas outside a half mile of a park.
Adding additional parks to these areas would further neighborhood cohesion, resilience
and help cool the local area during extended periods of heat. Marysville’s
Comprehensive Plan outlines many goals for increasing parks areas and access.
Developing school areas for multiple public park uses will enable more local access to
already existing infrastructures, while also acquiring new land that includes critical
habitats [55].
Figure 17. Access to public parks in Marysville
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FOOD SYSTEMS
In 2014, approximately 19% of children experienced hunger and food insecurity in
Marysville [60]. Food security is an important indicator of resilience and adaptive
capacity, as communities that can access food more readily are more able to cope with
extreme weather events and climate-related hazards such as flooding [61]. Additionally,
climate change will seriously impact food availability and production, further affecting
populations already struggling with food insecurity [62].
Climate Risk to Food Systems
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, 8.4% of Snohomish County residents were food
insecure. Of those, 55% qualify for SNAP or other food programs [63]. These numbers
have only climbed as demand at food banks has skyrocketed . Between the months of
April and August 2021, Volunteers of America’s 17 food banks saw demand climb 138%
[64]. With a changing climate and warmer weather, epidemics are expected to become
more frequent, stressing food systems in a similar way seen during the COVID-19
pandemic [65]. More frequent infectious diseases, along with increased flooding, and
disruptions from storms will cause disruptions to people’s work, making their ability to
access food more uncertain while also stressing supply lines as physical barriers to
restocking become more common [62]. With I-5 being a main arterial roadway through
Marysville and within a flood-zone, Marysville is at an increased risk of disruptions to
supply chains.
Adaptive Capacity of Food Systems
Proximity to a grocery store is an important indicator of sensitivity to climate change.
Being far from a grocery store means longer periods of time outside during extreme
weather events. Traveling far for a supermarket during a heat wave or extreme heat day
can lead to heat stroke, heart attacks, and long-term heart disease, or other
complications from heat especially among older populations, and those with pre-existing
conditions [66]. When flooding or storms shut down certain roads, access to a grocery
store could become a much larger issue to residents, as they are unable to obtain food
[61]. Marysville has multiple census tracts with people living more than a half mile from
a grocery store. The more northern central areas of Marysville have a larger percentage
of people living a half mile from a grocery store, while eastern parts of Marysville are
also at an increased chance of living in a food deserts. Half of all census tracts in
Marysville have a sensitivity over 0.5 to food desert, meaning that they are particularly
at risk of living in a food desert within their census tract. This means they are less able
to access food options when purchasing food and are more likely to be cut off from food
supplies if important infrastructure is shut down due to flooding, landslides and other
hazards [67].
The community survey results showed that grocery stores and food services were either
somewhat or very convenient (91%). However, a third of survey respondents felt that
transit options are not accessible, suggesting that those without a car will have less
adaptive capacity to access food services during extreme events. Creating walkable,
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more accessible communities will help communities better prepare and respond to
extreme weather conditions. The Marysville Comprehensive Plan promotes more
development but ensures equitable distribution of resources, including food access, for
new developments.
PUBLIC HEALTH
Climate change impacts will have adverse effects on the public health of communities.
Along with rising temperatures, and an increase in heat-related health issues, more
frequent wildfires and wildfire smoke will lead to increases in acute illnesses like
coughing, wheezing, or asthmas attacks, and in some cases, reducing lung functions
[68] [69]. Seniors and children are the most vulnerable to respiratory illnesses, children
due to their developing lungs and seniors because of their already high incidence of
heart and lung disease [70]. As wildfires and wildfire smoke days become more
frequent, Marysville will need to help sensitive population groups prepare.
Climate Risk to Public Health
The wildland-urban interface (WUI) is a type of land use that includes transition zones
where the built environment meets and intermingles with wildland or natural areas, and
both contribute to increased risk to climate hazards and are at risk from climate hazards
[71]. A majority of Marysville resides in the WUI, meaning that much of the area is
susceptible to both wildfire, wildfire smoke, and flooding [72]. This proximity to fire fuels
increases the chances of poor air quality and endangers sensitive populations – such as
seniors – that may experience complications from wildfire smoke [71].
Adaptive Capacity of Public Health
Populations particularly at risk from poor air quality include children (ages 0-16) and
elders (65+) [68]. With wildfires engulfing much of the west from July through
September, fire season has become more dangerous even for communities outside of
fire zones [73]. South Marysville and northwestern Marysville will experience more
excess mortality rates due to PM2.5 exposure in a warming scenario of 2°F [74].
Southeastern and central Marysville will experience increased asthma incidences
among youth due to PM2.5 exposure in a warming scenario of 2°F [74]. Central
Marysville already sees a high number of emergency department visits due to asthma.
When wildfire smoke days coincide with extreme heat, there can be compounding
impacts as warmer weather allows air flow to stagnate, trapping poor air quality close to
the ground.
With summertime maximum temperatures in Marysville expected to rise by 6.2°F by
2050, prolonged exposure to extreme heat will disproportionately affect sensitive groups
like the elderly, youth, and people without AC [12]. These sensitive populations, who are
more susceptible to heat-related illnesses and injuries, will need assistance with finding
cooling centers and acquiring services to help cool and filter air in their homes, such as
airtight windows, HVAC systems and air filters, and other technologies [68].
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Recommended Adaptation Policies | 57
7 Recommended Adaptation
Policies
Based on results of this climate vulnerability assessment, our review of the City’s 2015
Comprehensive Plan, and best practices and model policies in the region, Cascadia
recommends including a set of new and revised existing policies in the City’s next
Comprehensive Plan update.
The policies we recommend fall under the following categories:
Adaptation policies. These policies focus on building resiliency and managing
the impacts of climate change by protecting vulnerable communities and
biological systems.
Community-focused policies. These policies center environmental justice and
equity, seeking to address the unequal burdens created by climate change
through an equitable distribution of accountability, benefits, and opportunities.
Building climate equity improves community climate resilience and is important
enough to include as its own category of policies.
Overarching climate policies. These can help the City incorporate climate
planning—including climate adaptation, equity, and mitigation—into policies,
plans, and practices.
For each recommended policy, we include the following elements in a table format:
ID# Policy
Short Name Model Policy Statement Relevant Comp Plan
Element
A numerical
identifier for
policies in
each category
Brief
description
of policy
Model policy language for potential
integration into a comprehensive plan.
Relevant comprehensive
plan elements and any
related policies from the
2015 Comprehensive
Plan.
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Recommended Adaptation Policies | 58
Although climate change mitigation is not within the scope of this CVA, we also
recommend that the City consider including climate mitigation policies in its next
Comprehensive Plan. There are a range of climate mitigation policies that can be
packaged with adaptation policies for multiple co-benefits. For example, reducing
greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions via energy efficiency retrofits can also increase the
resiliency of the energy grid during periods of high energy demands, such as during
heatwaves.
7.1 Adaptation Policies
Adaptation policies can directly address key climate vulnerabilities for the City by 1)
reducing exposure to climate impacts; for example, by increasing tree canopy cover to
reduce exposure to extreme heat, 2) reducing sensitivity to climate impacts; for
example, reducing sensitivity to wildfires by supporting forest health, and 3) increasing
adaptive capacity; for example, by improving access to affordable food. Recommended
policies fall into the following subcategories:
Community Experience
Most respondents to the community survey indicated that they are concerned about
extreme weather events, but fewer feel prepared for extreme weather events.
Four out of five respondents (80%) in the Marysville community are
concerned about extreme weather events and a majority of respondents
(70%) feel that climate change is a problem now or will be soon.
Two thirds of respondents are concerned about extreme heat (65%)
and poor air quality (63%). A lower number, approximately one third, are
concerned about drought (37%) and flooding (37%).
Respondents feel most prepared for extreme heat, with a majority (72%)
of the people who indicated they are concerned about extreme heat feeling
at least somewhat prepared for it. However, one fifth of respondents (21%)
who are concerned about extreme heat do not feel prepared for it at all.
Many respondents do not feel prepared for drought, flooding, and poor
air quality due to smog and wildfire smoke. Out of the respondents who
indicated they are concerned about each of these events, 57% do not feel at
all prepared for drought, 52% do not feel at all prepared for flooding, and
41% do not feel at all prepared for poor air quality.
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Recommended Adaptation Policies | 59
Overarching Adaptation
Public Health & Emergency
Preparedness
Energy Storage & Grid Resiliency
Extreme Heat
Wildfire Smoke
Extreme Precipitation and
Flooding
Wildfire
Critical Infrastructure & Utilities
Resiliency
Ecosystem Health & Resiliency
Tree, Forest, Open Space, &
Canopy Protection &
Restoration
Sea Level Rise
OVERARCHING ADAPTATI ON
The first recommendation is to periodically update this CVA to ensure that latest climate
projections and community data can inform City decisions.
Policy Short
Name Model Policy Statement Relevant Comp
Plan Element
1
Climate risk
evaluation &
monitoring
Periodically update a climate vulnerability and risk
assessment that includes a focus on the built environment,
communities, and natural systems.
Support enhanced data collection for hazard events to
provide a fuller understanding of the community's hazard
characteristics—including identifying demographic
groups/community members most vulnerable to climate
impacts.
Use assessment findings to evaluate changes to
Comprehensive Plan goals and policies and enhance
resilience.
Environment
(EN-68)
PUBLIC HEALTH & EMERGENCY PREPAREDNE SS
Climate hazards—such as increased air pollution, extreme heat, and flooding—present
a threat to public health and safety. Grounding climate preparedness work in climate
and health equity, with a focus on frontline communities, will help ensure that efforts
help address disproportionate impacts on the most vulnerable community members .
Policy Short Name Model Policy Statement Relevant Comp
Plan Element
2 Local hazard
mitigation planning
Integrate local climate impacts risk assessment into
hazard mitigation planning. Environment
3
Emergency planning
& operations
integration
Factor climate impacts into the planning of operations
and coordination of preparedness, response, and
recovery activities.
Environment
(EN-67)
Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment
Recommended Adaptation Policies | 60
Policy Short Name Model Policy Statement Relevant Comp
Plan Element
4 Frontline community
resilience
Prioritize investments, policies, programs, and projects
that equitably reduce climate change impacts on
vulnerable communities and increase resilience. This
includes actions that address the impacts of extreme
weather events on those experiencing homelessness.
Environment,
Public Facilities
& Services
5 Public
communications
Include messages on the impacts of climate change
on health and safety, including information to help
residents plan and practice actions to protect
themselves from these impacts, in outreach efforts.
Outreach and materials should be provided in
languages representative of community needs.
Environment
ENERGY S TORAGE & G RID R ESILIENCY
Energy demand is expected to increase in response to more extreme heat days and
population growth. Working with local utilities to ensure grid reliability, energy
diversification, and sufficient storage capacity will be key to creating a resilient energy
system as the population continues to grow and the region experiences more extreme
weather events that increase energy demands.
Policy
Short
Name
Model Policy Statement
Relevant
Comp Plan
Element
6
Non-City
managed
utilities
Work with and encourage Snohomish County PUD to plan, site, build,
and maintain an electrical system that meets the needs of existing
and future development, and provides highly reliable service for City
customers. Coordinate with non-city utility providers to ensure
planning for system growth is consistent with the city’s
Comprehensive Plan and growth forecasts.
Utilities
7
Advocate
for
increased
grid
reliability
Advocate for energy utilities to adopt efficient practices and explore
alternative energy resources in order to help meet long-term energy
needs and reduce environmental impacts associated with traditional
energy supplies.
Utilities
8
Advocacy
through
state and
utility
regulatory
rulemaking
and
legislation
Advocate for increased grid reliability through state and utility
regulatory rulemaking and legislation that supports demand response
and storage technologies that reduce peak load and provide grid
flexibility.
Utilities
Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment
Recommended Adaptation Policies | 61
EXTREME HEAT
Implementing heat resilience plans and integrating extreme heat response
considerations into emergency plans will build community resilience to increasing
temperatures and extreme heat waves.
Policy Short
Name Model Policy Statement Relevant Comp
Plan Element
9
Urban heat
resilience
planning &
response
Develop and implement an urban heat resilience plan or
strategy that includes heat mitigation and management
actions to prepare for and respond to chronic and acute
heat risk in the community. The strategy should be
informed by urban heat island mapping and may include
coordinated efforts such as cooling centers, early
warning systems, development/land use codes, and
energy grid resilience.
Environment,
Land Use, Public
Facilities &
Services
10
Heat-mitigating
development &
land use
Review and update land use and development codes to
encourage the use of passive cooling approaches to
reduce urban heat island effects. Energy efficient cooling
technologies, reflective and/or vegetated roofs, and the
integration of trees, landscaping, and green space
should be implemented to help reduce the health effects
of extreme heat on frontline communities and vulnerable
populations.
Environment,
Land Use
11
Extreme heat
community
capacity and
resources
Prioritize equitable access to emergency preparedness
resources for vulnerable populations and areas. Develop
and distribute tools and resources for the community to
stay safe during extreme heat events.
Environment
(EN-61)
WILDFIRE SMOKE
Ensuring that there is equitable access to clean air and education surrounding smoke-
mitigation techniques plays a key role in building community resilience to wildfire
smoke.
Policy Short Name Model Policy Statement
Relevant
Comp Plan
Element
12
Increase
awareness and
access to
community
resilience hubs
Work with community partners to establish resilience hubs
that can serve as clean air centers for use by the public
during wildfire smoke events, particularly in areas that
experience poor air quality and in areas where residents are
less likely to have access to air filtration where they live.
Environment
(EN-61)
13 Improve indoor air
quality
Encourage the use of methods that contribute to improved
indoor air quality during wildfire smoke events. Environment
Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment
Recommended Adaptation Policies | 62
Policy Short Name Model Policy Statement
Relevant
Comp Plan
Element
14
Equitable access
to education and
outreach
Provide community education and outreach on wildfire
smoke mitigation practices, such as wearing N-95 masks,
installing air filtration systems, and going to community
resilience hubs. Ensure outreach is accessible and prioritize
frontline communities.
Environment
EXTREME P RECI PITATION & F LOODING
It is important to ensure that new and existing infrastructure is resilient to extreme
precipitation events and flooding. Building adaptation against flooding decreases
damage and reduces health concerns associated with urban, riverine, and coastal
flooding events.
Policy Short
Name Model Policy Statement
Relevant
Comp Plan
Element
15 Stormwater
retrofits
Identify opportunities to retrofit undersized stormwater
infrastructure and areas with uncontrolled runoff to improve
flow control and water quality, with a priority on locations
providing the most benefit, areas identified as most
vulnerable to extreme precipitation climate impacts, and
areas that are historically under-resourced.
Environment
16
Improving
stormwater and
low-impact
development
standards
Review and update development codes and design
standards to increase requirements for stormwater facility
sizing, adopt nature-based solutions and low-impact
development, and minimize impervious surface areas in
private development and city capital improvements.
Environment
(EN-8)
17
Integrate climate
change impacts
into stormwater
planning
Account for climate change impacts in planning, designing,
and operating stormwater management approaches,
including stormwater infrastructure and stormwater best
management practices.
Environment
(EN-66)
18
Drainage and
wastewater
improvements to
reduce flooding
Identify and reduce flooding through improvements to
drainage and wastewater systems and reductions in
impervious surfaces and runoff, particularly in traditionally
underserved areas.
Environment
19 Improve flooding
resiliency
To help increase resilience to flooding, protect and restore—
and, where possible, enhance—existing flood storage,
conveyance, and ecological functions and values of
floodplains, wetlands, and riparian corridors
Environment
(EN-36),
Parks (PK-
27)
Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment
Recommended Adaptation Policies | 63
WILDFIRE
Policy goals are to protect infrastructure, natural areas, and community health from the
impacts of wildfire. Government operations should ensure that there is e quitable access
to and education for wildfire plans, including preparedness, response, recovery, and
evacuation plans.
Policy Short
Name Model Policy Statement
Relevant
Comp Plan
Element
20 Wildfire plans Develop community wildfire preparedness, response, and
recovery plans.
Environment
(EN-65),
Parks
21
Equitable
access to
education and
outreach
Provide community education and outreach on wildfire
mitigation best management practices and expand household-
level wildfire mitigation assistance.
Environment
22
Increase
monitoring and
control
Increase monitoring and control of noxious weeds and invasive
species that increase wildfire risk, particularly in more fire-
prone areas like roadsides and utility corridors.
Environment
23
Collaborative
forest
management
Actively manage municipal forests (e.g., parks and greenbelts)
to decrease climate-exacerbated risks from severe wildfires,
protect residents, and improve ecosystem health and habitat.
For forests beyond your jurisdiction's span of
control/responsibility, encourage appropriate partners (tribes,
state agencies, counties private forest owners etc.) to lead
implementation.
Environment,
Parks
CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE & U TILITIES R ESILIENCY
Utility infrastructure will be affected by climate hazards such as extreme heat and
drought, flooding, wildfires, and sea level rise. These impacts will necessitate
implementation and enforcement of conservation policies and climate-resilient
infrastructure.
Policy Short Name Model Policy Statement
Relevant
Comp Plan
Element
24
Environmental
best management
practices &
design standards
Account for climate change impacts when planning, siting,
designing, and operating capital facility, utility, and
infrastructure projects.
Land Use,
Utilities (UT-
2, UT-4, UT-
5)
25 Utility outreach
and education
Coordinate and support public education by utility providers
that raises awareness of the need for water and energy
conservation and empowers individuals across diverse
audience segments to take action.
Utilities
Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment
Recommended Adaptation Policies | 64
ECOSYSTEM H E ALTH & R ESILIENCY
These policies will help ensure that forests, wetlands, prairies, and other ecosystems
are resilient to extreme weather, invasive species, diseases, and other impacts
worsened by climate change. Conserving and enhancing environmentally critical areas
provides co-benefits, such as enhancing green spaces that mitigate heat and flooding
impacts, sequestering carbon, and protecting culturally important resources.
Policy Short
Name Model Policy Statement
Relevant
Comp Plan
Element
26 Critical area
policies
Use best available climate science to identify and protect
environmentally critical areas by strengthening, revising, and
enforcing codes for critical areas—including fish, trees,
frequently flooded areas, unstable slopes, and associated
areas and ecosystems—to protect and increase the resiliency
of native habitats.
Environment
(EN-9, EN-
10, EN-11),
Parks (PK-
28)
27
Climate-smart
fish passage
improvements
Incorporate hydrologic climate impacts into the design of water
crossing structures (i.e., climate-smart culverts and bridges)
for fish passage and habitat quality.
Environment
28
Aquatic
ecosystem
restoration
Restore riparian zones, estuaries, wetlands, and floodplains to
achieve healthy, intact, and fully functioning aquatic
ecosystems and foster resilience to climate change.
Environment
29
Wildlife
corridor
protection
Protect wildlife corridors to minimize habitat fragmentation,
especially along existing linkages and in patches of native
habitat.
Environment
TREE, FOREST, OPEN S PACE, & CANOPY PROTECTION & RESTORATION
Increased green space and tree canopy can provide relief during periods of extreme
heat and mitigate against the heat island effect by providing shade and cooling paved
spaces. These policies support preservation and access to green and open spaces, and
enhance tree canopy cover and regional forest management, to bolster climate
resilience.
Policy Short
Name Model Policy Statement
Relevant
Comp Plan
Element
30
Urban tree
canopy
protection &
expansion
Review, update, and implement tree protection codes to
increase tree retention. Encourage the protection,
maintenance, and expansion of tree canopy throughout the
community, prioritizing residential and mixed-use areas with
the least current tree canopy to equitably distribute benefits.
Environment
(EN-50),
Parks
Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment
Recommended Adaptation Policies | 65
Policy Short
Name Model Policy Statement
Relevant
Comp Plan
Element
31
Forest master
plan
Adopt a forest master plan to maintain and expand tree
canopy cover, improve tree health, and foster climate
resilience.
Environment,
Parks (PK-
31)
32 Municipal forest
management
Actively manage municipal forests (e.g., parks and
greenbelts) to decrease climate risks, protect residents, and
improve ecosystem health and habitat.
Environment,
Parks (PK-
31)
33
Forest
stewardship
education and
incentives
Prevent loss of private forestland through forest stewardship
education and expansion of landowner incentives, including
tax incentives and payment for ecosystem services.
Environment,
Parks (PK-33
through PK-
40)
34
Equitable
access to parks
and green
spaces
Ensure equitable access to parks, green space, and
recreational services for all residents.
Parks (PK-
32)
SEA LEVEL RISE
Policy goals are to ensure that coastal ecosystems and infrastructure are resilient to a
sea level rise and associated flooding impacts.
Policy Short
Name Model Policy Statement
Relevant
Comp Plan
Element
35
Assess and
integrate
flooding risk in
planning efforts
Collaborate with the scientific community, state and federal
agencies, and other jurisdictions to develop detailed, science-
based estimates of the magnitude and timing of coastal
flooding climate change impacts. Assess the best available
science on these projections and incorporate the future
climate conditions in land use, Flood Hazard Management,
and comprehensive planning.
Environment
36
Integrate sea
level rise
preparedness in
planning
Update local land use codes to reduce the risks of sea level
rise for shoreline development.
Environment,
Land Use
37
Improve sea
level rise
resiliency
To foster resilience to climate change in ecosystems and
species, prioritize restoration of coastal environments.
Proposed restoration projects should account for projected
sea level rise and characteristics of the site and adjacent
areas. W ork with restoration professionals, permit staff, state
agencies, and other partners to ensure that both City-led and
independent restoration projects in Marysville consider sea
level rise impacts.
Environment,
Land Use
Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment
Recommended Adaptation Policies | 66
Policy Short
Name Model Policy Statement
Relevant
Comp Plan
Element
38
Outreach and
engagement to
frontline
communities
Ensure outreach is accessible and prioritize frontline
communities. Develop and integrate information about
climate change impacts on sea level rise into
communications and engagement activities, helping to build
greater public understanding of how climate change affects
coastal flooding and capacity for resilience to current a nd
future flood risk.
Environment,
Land Use
7.2 Community-focused Policies
Climate change will have disproportionate impacts on some communities due to existing
and historic racial, social, environmental, and economic inequities. These same
inequities can create significant barriers to community participation in decision-making
processes. Climate equity alleviates burdens that climate change puts on communities,
thereby improving resilience to climate change.
Recommended community-focused policies fall into the following subcategories:
Supporting vulnerable
communities
Community engagement
Reducing displacement
Air quality
Green, affordable housing
Food access and food security
Green jobs
VULNERABLE COMMUNITI ES
Some communities, such as lower-income communities and communities of color, are
more vulnerable to climate change impacts, making it important to ensure that climate
adaptation policies prioritize efforts within these communities. Supporting investment,
programs, and engagement within these communities can minimize disproportionate
impacts of climate change on vulnerable communities and focus and maximize
associated benefits.
Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment
Recommended Adaptation Policies | 67
Policy Short
Name Model Policy Statement
Relevant
Comp Plan
Element
1
Investment,
policy,
program, and
project
prioritization
Identify and address the disproportionate impacts of climate
change on communities of color and lower-income
communities when prioritizing investments, policies,
programs, and projects. Prioritize investments, policies, and
programs that address existing disparities in the distribution
of environmental burdens and benefits. Ensure benefits are
accessible to and focused on underserved communities.
Land Use,
Housing,
Economic
Development
2
Support and
invest in
community
leadership
Invest in community-driven climate planning processes,
share decision-making power, and co-develop climate
actions and priorities, particularly with frontline communities.
Economic
Development
3 Community
service access
Improve access to services throughout the community by
investing in partnerships with frontline communities to co-
identify and remove systemic and physical barriers to
services that increase climate resilience.
Housing,
Utilities,
Transportation,
Land Use
4 Homelessness
programs
Place special emphasis on extreme weather events that
impact programs addressing those who are most vulnerable
to homelessness.
Land Use,
Housing
5
Environmental
impacts
assessment
Routinely assess facilities and services to determine the
environmental impacts they may be having on marginalized
populations. Identify ways to mitigate those impacts.
Land Use,
Utilities,
Transportation,
Parks
Economic
Development,
Environment
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Climate policies and actions have a direct effect on how communities experience and
recover from climate impacts. When making such policies, it is important to ensure that
overburdened communities have their voices heard. Equitable engagement leads to
more effective policies and empowered communities.
Policy Short
Name Model Policy Statement
Relevant
Comp Plan
Element
6
Accessible &
culturally
contextualized
engagement
Create and implement culturally contextualized outreach and
education initiatives and materials that inform the community
of climate change threats and ways to prepare and build
resilience.
Environment
Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment
Recommended Adaptation Policies | 68
Policy Short
Name Model Policy Statement
Relevant
Comp Plan
Element
7
Diverse
audience
engagement
Invite and involve a diversity of individuals, groups, and
agencies in climate engagement activities, including low-
income communities, people of color, people with limited
English proficiency, immigrant and refugee populations, and
other stakeholders.
Environment
8 Community
partnerships
Build and support partnerships with community organizations
with the capacity and relationships to convene diverse
coalitions of residents and to educate and empower th em to
implement climate actions.
Environment
9
Ample
engagement
opportunities &
feedback
incorporation
Provide ample opportunities to engage the community
around climate and sustainability issues and needs and
incorporate feedback into ongoing programs and initiatives.
Include periodic community surveys to solicit feedback and
understand concerns. Intentionally engage communities that
are most affected by proposals and plans.
Environment
10 Regional
collaboration
Collaborate with local cities and other partners to prepare for
the effects of climate change on the environment, human
health, public safety, and the economy at the local, regional,
and state levels.
All
11 Education and
outreach
Dedicate resources for ongoing, inclusive public education
and outreach that engages the diverse segments of the
community and increases awareness of climate change
preparedness and adaptation strategies.
Environment
(EN-3)
12
Frontline
community
engagement
Build capacity to engage with frontline communities in ways
that acknowledge inherent power dynamics, privilege, and
historic harm to create foundational long-term partnerships
by preparing staff with knowledge, awareness, ground rules,
tools, background in environmental/climate justice, and
equity trainings.
All
REDUCING DISPLACEMENT
Climate adaptation plans that invest in policies to improve transit routes, walkability, and
more energy efficient housing are associated with a rise in housing costs. There is a
need to develop and implement policies that also invest in housing affordability and anti-
displacement measures alongside these climate action plans and initiatives to ensure
that there are no unintended equity consequences.
Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment
Recommended Adaptation Policies | 69
Policy Short
Name Model Policy Statement Relevant Comp
Plan Element
13
Displacement
near transit-
oriented
locations
Reduce and prevent displacement of households and
businesses from transit-oriented locations, with a
focus on low-income households and small
businesses.
Land Use, Housing,
Transportation,
Economic
Development
14
Climate-
driven
displacement
mitigation
strategies
Identify and expand community-centered anti-
displacement strategies and climate-resilient
infrastructure to mitigate housing insecurities
exacerbated by climate change and/or gentrification.
Land Use, Housing,
Transportation,
Economic
Development
15
Municipal
services to
prevent
displacement
Work toward a distribution of growth that promotes
equitable access for frontline communities and
reduces the potential for displacement through
services such as municipal emergency preparedness,
affordable energy prices, and accountable utilities with
consideration of climate impacts such as extreme
heat, flooding, wildfire smoke, and drought.
Land Use, Housing,
Utilities,
Transportation,
Economic
Development, Public
Facilities & Services
AIR Q UALITY
Low-income communities are disproportionately exposed to poor air quality because of
historical land use policies that have sited these communities near industrial sites or
high-density traffic areas. Homes within these communities are also typically less
equipped than others to cope with climate hazards, such as with air filters or HVAC
capacity that can improve indoor air quality during wildfire events. Investing in
monitoring, improvements, and programs will help overburdened communities adapt to
climate change.
Policy Short
Name Model Policy Statement
Relevant
Comp Plan
Element
16
Air quality
monitoring and
tracking
programs
Partner with Puget Sound Clean Air Agency to track and
monitor air quality and potentially reevaluate plans to ensure
they align with 100% of US EPA National Ambient Air
Quality Standards.
Environment
17
Air quality
improvements
near traffic
corridors
Consider and seek to reduce the potential health impacts of
air pollution on residential populations and other sensitive
uses near corridors with high volumes of vehicle traffic.
Transportation,
Environment
18
Air quality
community
outreach,
education, &
programming
Conduct community outreach to educate the public on air
pollution sources and provide resources to mitigate poor air
quality impacts, such as providing filter fans for at-risk
community members during wildfire smoke events.
Housing,
Environment
Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment
Recommended Adaptation Policies | 70
GREEN, AFFORDABLE H OUSING
Overburdened communities face barriers and challenges that limit their access to
climate resilience services and amenities, such as renewable energy, transit-oriented
development, and neighborhood amenities. Intentionally investing in affordable housing
can help to improve a city’s ability to adapt to and mitigate climate change.
Policy Short
Name Model Policy Statement
Relevant
Comp Plan
Element
19
Renewable
energy access
improvements
Support projects that bring renewable energy to
communities of color, low-income populations, and
members of limited-English speaking communities, based
on evaluation and assessment of barriers and challenges.
Housing,
Utilities
20
Green,
affordable land
use &
development
Uphold the Growth Management Act to prioritize dense,
mixed use, transit-oriented development (TOD) and
affordable housing by encouraging integrated site planning
and green building, with a focus on early consideration of
these considerations in the site development process.
Encourage the location of new green, affordable housing
units near community amenities and services, such as
transit and green space.
Housing, Land
Use
21
Green,
affordable
housing for
unhoused
populations
Give intentional consideration to a local community
response to homelessness with affordable, green housing
and supportive services provided.
Housing
FOOD ACCE SS AND FOOD SECURITY
Climate change is expected to exacerbate food insecurity. Expanding local food
capacity, production, and distribution networks can increase security and access to
affordable and healthy foods. Supporting food access and security has co -benefits such
as increased green space, community health improvements, and community
empowerment.
Policy Short
Name Model Policy Statement
Relevant
Comp Plan
Element
22
Food
insecurity
programs
Explore and support the development of programs focused
on the production and distribution of affordable and healthy
foods to communities that live in areas experiencing food
insecurity and have low accessibility to public transit, people
with disabilities and/or who have health disparities, and
people who are disproportionately impacted by climate
change. Provide education around nutritional benefits of
healthy food options.
Public
Facilities &
Services
Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment
Recommended Adaptation Policies | 71
Policy Short
Name Model Policy Statement
Relevant
Comp Plan
Element
23
Use of City
land for food
growth
Consider using City land to expand the capacity to grow,
process, distribute, and access local food, particularly for
distribution to multi-family developments and households in
need.
Public
Facilities &
Services,
Land Use
24 Access to
healthy food
Encourage local food production, processing, and
distribution through the support of home and community
gardens, farmers’ markets, community kitchens, and other
collaborative initiatives to provide healthy foods and
promote food security.
Public
Facilities &
Services
25
Culturally
appropriate
food
opportunities
Encourage public and private efforts that support culturally
appropriate food opportunities—including grocery stores,
farmers’ markets, food banks, and nutrition programs—
especially to meet the nutritional needs of infants, children,
elders, and other vulnerable populations in their
neighborhoods.
Public
Facilities &
Services
GREEN JOBS
As climate policies are implemented, there will be a shift in workforce needs towards
those that cater more to green and sustainable industries. Supporting programs that
create green job transitions and invest in skills development will ensure that lower-
income communities and communities of color aren’t left behind during this transition.
Policy Short
Name Model Policy Statement
Relevant
Comp Plan
Element
26 Just green jobs
strategy
Develop a green jobs strategy in partnership with
community groups, lower-income communities, communities
of color, and businesses that: (1) supports sustainable
practices, green skills development, and the low-carbon
transition of the City’s impacted industries; (2) develops
pathways for youth and impacted workers to transition into
green jobs; and (3) ensures opportunities (e.g., local hiring
requirements) for these jobs.
Economic
Development
27
Equitable
green
workforce
Develop an equitable green workforce that is representative
of the diversity of City’s communities and reflects the
diverse skill sets, knowledge systems, and experiences of
City’s communities through targeted hiring, workforce
development, community agreements, and creating
intentional pathways for frontline communities across
sectors and seniority levels.
Economic
Development
Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment
Recommended Adaptation Policies | 72
7.3 Overarching Policies
Effectively preparing for climate change requires ensuring that policies, plans, practices,
and procedures that influence day-to-day decision-making account for climate change
impacts. The following policies are recommended for inclusion in Marysville’s next
Comprehensive Plan to institutionalize climate considerations into City planning &
decision-making.
CLIMATE LENS IN DECI SION -MAKING
Policy Short Name Model Policy Statement
Relevant
Comp Plan
Element
1
City and
Countywide
planning
alignment
Integrate climate mitigation, adaptation, and climate equity
into City plans, processes, and procedures that reduce
climate change vulnerabilities and increase climate
resilience. Align with County Climate Action Planning to
maximize synergies with existing and planned efforts.
All
2
Climate lens for
City decision-
making
Apply a "climate lens" to City decision-making and
activities. Evaluate climate change & GHG implications in
City policy options and decisions, including consideration
of the social cost of carbon and equity implications in
policy cost-benefit analysis.
All
3
Environmental
impacts
consideration
Balance the immediate and long-range environmental
impacts of policy and regulatory decisions in the context
of the City’s commitment to provide for public safety,
infrastructure, economic development, and other
obligations.
All,
Environment
(EN-7)
4
Use best available
science
Use the best available climate science to reduce GHG
emissions and plan and prepare for the likely impacts of
climate change on City-owned facilities, infrastructure,
and natural resources.
All
ALIGN FUNDING
Policy Short
Name Model Policy Statement
Relevant
Comp Plan
Element
5
Build capacity to
administer public
grants
Build capacity to administer grants that support equitable
climate adaptation and mitigation initiatives and projects. All
6
Align budget
with climate
goals
Align annual or biannual budget decisions around clim ate
action goals. All
Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment
References | 73
8 References
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observations of atmospheric rivers over the Eastern North Pacific Ocean during
the winter of 1997/98," Monthly Weather Review, pp. 1721-1745, 2004.
[2] "PNW Temperature, Precipitation, and SWE Trend Analysis Tool," Office of the
Washington State Climatologist.
[3] B. Reed, risk, Deadly heat is killing Americans: A decade of inaction on climate
puts lives at, The Gaurdian, 2020.
[4] G. Mauger, J. Casola, H. Morgan, R. Strauch, B. Jones, B. Curry, T. Busch
Isaksen, L. Whitely Binder, M. Krosby and A. Snover, "State of Knowledge::
Climate Change in Puget Sound," University of Washington, Seattle, 2015.
[5] P. Lavin, H. Roop, P. Neff, H. Morgan, N. R, D. Cory, M. Correl and R. Kosara,
Interactive Sea Level Rise Visualizations, University of Washington Climate
Impacts Group, 2018.
[6] Z. Yang, T. Wang and L. Castrucci, "Storm Surge Modeling in Puget Sound," U.S.
Department of Energy, 2019.
[7] Silvis Lab, Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) Change 1990-2020, Madison, WI:
University of Wisconsin-Madison, 2020.
[8] BERK Consulting, Inc.; Perteet; The Watershed Company; UW Climate Impacts
Group, "Redmond Climate Vulnerability Risk Assessment and Strategy," City of
Redmond, 2022.
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Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment
Appendix A: Full List of Considered Indicators | 1
9 Appendix A: Full List of Considered Indicators
Please see the Methodology for a full description of how we identified and vetted indicators for this CVA. The tables
below, sorted by CVA focus area, illustrate the full list of indicators that were considered and whether they met each
criterion to be included in the analysis.
CROSS -CUTTING INDICA TORS
Vulnerability
Element Indicator Relevant?
Available at
High
quality?
Appropriate
Spatial
Resolution?
Included in
Analysis? Source
Exposure 100-year
floodplain
Yes – flooding is
directly tied to climate
impacts
Yes Yes Yes Washington Department of
Ecology [75]
Exposure 500-year
floodplain
Yes – flooding is
directly tied to climate
impacts
Yes Yes Yes Washington Department of
Ecology [75]
Exposure
90°F max
humidex days,
2040-2069 and
2070-2099
Yes – extreme heat
directly tied to climate
change. This indicator
is related to health
impacts.
Yes Yes Yes
University of Washington
Climate Impacts Group
[12]
Exposure
Summer
maximum
temperature,
2040-2069 and
2070-2099
Yes - extreme heat
directly tied to climate
change. This indicator
is related to impacts to
infrastructure
Yes Yes Yes
University of Washington
Climate Impacts Group
[12]
Exposure Impervious
surfaces
Yes – related to urban
heat island effect and
flooding
No –
available
datasets were
not complete
Yes No Washington Tracking
Network [76]
Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment
Appendix A: Full List of Considered Indicators | 2
Vulnerability
Element Indicator Relevant?
Available at
High
quality?
Appropriate
Spatial
Resolution?
Included in
Analysis? Source
Exposure Low-lying areas
Yes – combined with
impervious surfaces,
can indicate areas at
risk of flooding
No – did not
locate N/A No N/A
Exposure
Capacity-
constrained
drainage systems
Yes – combined with
impervious surfaces,
can indicate areas at
risk of flooding
No – did not
locate N/A No N/A
Exposure
Extreme
precipitation,
2040-2069 and
2070-2099
Yes – extreme
precipitation is directly
tied to climate change
Yes Yes
No – only
included in
Climate
Impacts
chapter
University of Washington
Climate Impacts Group
[12]
Exposure
Sea level rise,
2040-2069 and
2070-2099
Yes – sea level rise is
directly tied to climate
change
Yes, from the
Everett, WA
tidal station
Yes Yes
University of Washington
Climate Impacts Group
[12]
Exposure Wildland-urban
interface
Yes – this is not a
projection of wildfire
risk, but indicates that
some variables
contribute to wildfire
risk
Yes Yes
No – only
included in
Climate
Impacts
chapter
Washington State
Department of Natural
Resources [72]
Exposure Landslide risk:
slope hazards
Yes – climate-related
extreme precipitation
and wildfires are
linked to increased
landslide risk
Yes Yes Yes City of Marysville GIS [77]
Sensitivity Social equity
index
Yes – social factors
are predictors of Yes No – this
national-level No United States Council on
Environmental Quality [78]
Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment
Appendix A: Full List of Considered Indicators | 3
Vulnerability
Element Indicator Relevant?
Available at
High
quality?
Appropriate
Spatial
Resolution?
Included in
Analysis? Source
severity of climate
change impacts on
some groups
dataset did
not provide
useful
information at
the local level
COMMUNITIES & NEIGHB ORHOODS INDICATORS
Vulnerability
Element Indicator Relevant?
Available
at High
quality?
Appropriate
Spatial
Resolution?
Included in
Analysis? Source
Exposure
Air quality &
social
vulnerability:
PM2.5 exposure,
asthma exposure,
and asthma
emergency
department visits
Yes Yes Yes Yes US EPA [79]
Exposure
Extreme heat
mortality & social
vulnerability
Yes Yes Yes Yes US EPA [80]
Sensitivity Cultural centers Yes No N/A – didn’t
locate No N/A
Sensitivity Food deserts and
food security Yes Yes Yes Yes USDA Economic Research
Service [81]
Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment
Appendix A: Full List of Considered Indicators | 4
Vulnerability
Element Indicator Relevant?
Available
at High
quality?
Appropriate
Spatial
Resolution?
Included in
Analysis? Source
Adaptive
capacity
Access to parks
(within 0.5 miles
of a park)
Yes Yes Yes Yes City of Marysville GIS [82]
Adaptive
capacity
Tree canopy
coverage Yes Yes Yes Yes City of Marysville GIS [83]
Adaptive
capacity
Health insurance
coverage Yes Yes Yes Yes US Census Bureau [84]
Adaptive
capacity Vehicle access Yes No No No N/A
ECONOMY INDICATORS
Vulnerability
Element Indicator Relevant?
Available
at High
quality?
Appropriate
Spatial
Resolution?
Included in
Analysis? Source
Exposure
Labor hours lost
due to extreme
heat
Yes Yes Yes Yes US EPA [85]
Sensitivity Employment by
occupation
Yes – outdoor
occupations
(Construction and
extraction; farming,
fishing, and forestry;
installation,
maintenance, and
repairs; material
moving occupations;
and emergency
Yes Yes Yes US Census Bureau [86]
Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment
Appendix A: Full List of Considered Indicators | 5
responders) are more
climate-exposed than
others
Sensitivity Small businesses
Yes – small
businesses are less
able to stay open
during/after extreme
weather disruptions
No N/A – didn’t
locate No N/A
Adaptive
capacity
Unemployment
rates
Yes – related to ability
to seek new work Yes Yes Yes US Census Bureau [87]
INFRASTRUCTURE INDIC ATORS
Vulnerability
Element Indicator Relevant?
Available
at High
quality?
Appropriate
Spatial
Resolution?
Included in
Analysis? Source
Exposure Community transit
routes Yes Yes Yes Yes City of Marysville GIS
[88]
Exposure Community transit
stops Yes Yes Yes
No – information is
redundant with
community transit
routes
City of Marysville GIS
[89]
Exposure Bridge overpass Yes No Yes
No – bridge
overpasses and
culverts were
combined in this
dataset
City of Marysville GIS
[90]
Exposure Gas stations Yes Yes Yes Yes City of Marysville GIS
[91]
Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment
Appendix A: Full List of Considered Indicators | 6
Vulnerability
Element Indicator Relevant?
Available
at High
quality?
Appropriate
Spatial
Resolution?
Included in
Analysis? Source
Exposure Railroad crossings Yes Yes Yes
No – did not provide
essential information
that transportation
priority routes and rail
lines show already
City of Marysville GIS
[92]
Exposure Rail lines Yes Yes Yes Yes City of Marysville GIS
[93]
Exposure Sewer facilities Yes Yes Yes Yes City of Marysville GIS
[94]
Exposure
Water facilities,
including
Stillaguamish Water
Treatment Plant
Yes Yes Yes Yes City of Marysville GIS
[95]
Exposure
Stormwater facilities,
stormwater lines,
stormwater outfalls,
stormwater culverts
Yes Yes Yes Yes City of Marysville GIS
[96]
Exposure Bridges and tunnels Yes Yes Yes Yes City of Marysville GIS
[97]
NATURAL SYSTE M S INDICATORS
Vulnerability
Element Indicator Relevant?
Available
at High
quality?
Appropriate
Spatial
Resolution?
Included in
Analysis? Source
Exposure Shoreline zone Yes Yes Yes Yes City of Marysville GIS
[98]
Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment
Appendix B: Community Survey Summary | 8
10 Appendix B: Community
Survey Summary
10.1 Table of Contents
Table of Contents 8
Introduction 8
Key Findings 9
All Results 11
Demographics 24
10.2 Introduction
Cascadia Consulting Group (Cascadia) created this survey on behalf of the City of
Marysville as part of the 2023 Climate Vulnerability Assessment. These survey findings
will help Cascadia contextualize findings from the quantitative vulnerability assessment,
helping to ground truth and add nuance to our assessment and recommendations.
The survey was open from February 17 through March 14, 2023 and received 195
responses. The City of Marysville shared the survey link through the City’s webpage,
social media, and listservs.
The survey pool included residents and community members of the City of Marysville.
Only 6 percent of respondents or 11 survey takers, do not live, work, or go to school in
Marysville.
Table 1. Do you live, work, and/or go to school in Marysville?
Connection to Marysville Percentage of responses
I live in Marysville city limits 75%
I work in Marysville city limits 21%
I live, work, or go to school outside of
Marysville city limits 18%
I do not live, work, or go to school in Marysville 6%
I go to school in Marysville city limits 3%
Other 4%
Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment
Appendix B: Community Survey Summary | 9
10.3 Key Findings
The following section lists key takeaways and initial recommendations from the survey
results by topic area.
Concern and preparedness for extreme weather
Most respondents are concerned about extreme weather events, but fewer feel
prepared for extreme weather events.
Four out of five respondents (80%) in the Marysville community are
concerned about extreme weather events and a majority of respondents feel
that climate change is a problem now or will be soon (70%).
Two thirds of respondents are concerned about extreme heat (65%) and
poor air quality (63%). A lower number, approximately one third, are concerned
about drought (37%) and flooding (37%).
Respondents feel most prepared for extreme heat, with a majority (72%) of
the people who indicated they are concerned about extreme heat feeling at least
somewhat prepared for it. However, one fifth of respondents (21%) who are
concerned about extreme heat do not feel prepared for it at all.
Many respondents do not feel prepared for drought, flooding, and poor air
quality due to smog and wildfire smoke. Out of the respondents who indicated
they are concerned about each of these events, 57% do not feel at all prepared
for drought, 52% do not feel at all prepared for flooding, and 41% do not feel at
all prepared for poor air quality.
The areas where most respondents are concerned about flooding are near the
shoreline, although respondents chose some other points throughout the city. There is
an opportunity for the City to share resources about climate impacts and how to prepare
for them. The City can also share work the City is doing to help residents prepare for
and cope during extreme weather events, particularly for flooding and drought – events
for which respondents largely do not feel prepared.
Effects of Extreme Weather Events on Businesses
Eleven percent of survey respondents own a business in Marysville. Out of those with
businesses, most have experienced a disruption from extreme weather and many rely
on in-person staff or customers.
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Appendix B: Community Survey Summary | 10
Businesses are already experiencing disruptions from extreme weather.
Two thirds (66%) said that their business has experienced some kind of
disruption due to extreme weather events.
Many businesses rely on in-person staff and customers, which can be
disrupted during extreme weather. Over half (54%) said that most or all staff
must work on-site and one fifth (20%) rely on foot traffic from customers; only
37% said most or all employees can work remotely if needed.
Some businesses lack access to air conditioning and air filtration, which
help businesses and staff cope during episodes of extreme heat and poor
air quality, respectively. One third (30%) said their business does not have air
conditioning, and nearly half (44%) do not have air filtration
The 2015 Comprehensive Plan indicates that 85% of businesses in the Marysville area
are small or very small businesses that employ fewer than 25 people, which tend to be
more vulnerable to climate impacts than larger businesses due to more limited
resources and cashflows (Marysville, 2015). In addition, service and retail-related
businesses make up the majority of the business base at slightly over 60% of activity
(Marysville, 2015).
The City can consider policies aimed specifically at small businesses and service and
retail-related businesses to help them install air conditioning and air filtration systems
and cope with disruptions due to extreme weather. .
Community Assets and Adaptive Capacity
Overwhelmingly, respondents use cars to get around Marysville. Some respondents find
assets like grocery stores, parks, shade, and transit options inconvenient; these
respondents will likely experience increased inconvenience and lower access during
and after extreme weather events.
Nearly all respondents own at least one car (99%) and most drive as their primary
mode of transportation (88%). Respondents for whom amenities like grocery
stores, parks, shade, and transit are inconvenient will have more trouble
accessing them during and after extreme weather events. Over one third (35%) of
respondents find transit options inconvenient. One fifth (22%) said that shaded areas
are inconvenient, one tenth (11%) said that parks/natural areas are inconvenient, and
8% said grocery stores and food services are inconvenient. Promoting forms of public
transit, and creating more walkable, bikeable, and accessible communities could lower
residents’ reliance on car travel and encourage more robust and resilient
neighborhoods. Convenient access to grocery stores, parks, and shade can help
residents minimize health risks from climate impacts.
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Appendix B: Community Survey Summary | 11
10.4 All Results
This section gives a detailed breakdown of all results from the Marysville community
survey. The survey asked about respondents’ concern and perceived preparedness for
extreme weather events, impacts of extreme weather events on Marysville businesses,
and community access to assets that can benefit residents’ adaptive capacity to climate
impacts. Percentages in tables may not add to 100 percent due to rounding.
Concern and Preparedness for Extreme Weather
Four out of five respondents (80%) in the Marysville community are concerned about
extreme weather events. A majority of respondents (53%) are either pretty concerned or
very concerned about extreme weather events in their community (Table 2). Nearly
three quarters (70%) of respondents also feel that climate change is a problem now or
will be soon Table 3.
Table 2. Generally, how concerned are you about extreme weather events in your
community?
Level of concern Percentage of respondents
Very concerned 23%
Pretty concerned 30%
Somewhat concerned 27%
Not at all concerned 20%
Table 3. In general, how soon do you think extreme weather will be a major
problem that affects Marysville?
How soon Percentage of respondents
It is a problem right now 34%
It will be a problem very soon 36%
It will be a problem in the far f uture 26%
It will be a problem for the next
generation 5%
Out of the types of extreme weather events the survey included, e xtreme heat and heat
waves (65%) and poor air quality (63%) concerned the largest number of peopl e (Table
4). Other weather events, like flooding and drought concerned around a third of people
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Appendix B: Community Survey Summary | 12
each, with 37% of people concerned about both.
Table 4. Which of the following extreme weather events are you concerned
about?
Extreme weather event Percentage of respondents
None 16%
Flooding 37%
Drought 37%
Extreme heat and heat waves 65%
Poor air quality 63%
Next, the survey asked respondents how concerned they are about specific types of
extreme weather events and how prepared they feel for the same events. These
questions add valuable detail to our understanding of how concerned respondents are
about each individual events – whether they are very concerned, or only a little
concerned. This information can help Marysville gauge adaptive actions to take and
how to communicate about them to the public. While respondents that are concerned
about climate change are spread across the spectrum from somewhat concerned to
very concerned, a lower number reports that they feel prepared for those events. An
exception is extreme heat, with a majority (72%) feeling at least somewhat prepared to
deal with extreme heat.
Out of 69 respondents concerned about drought, most respondents (79%) were either
very concerned or pretty concerned. A majority of those who are concerned (57%) do
not feel prepared for droughts.
Table 5. Generally, how concerned are you about drought events in your
community?
Level of concern Percentage of respondents
Very concerned 30%
Pretty concerned 39%
Somewhat concerned 27%
It will be a problem in the far future 3%
It will be a problem for the next
generation
1%
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Appendix B: Community Survey Summary | 13
Table 6. How prepared do you feel for drought?
Level of preparedness Percentage of respondents
Very prepared 2%
Somewhat prepared 36%
Not at all prepared 57%
Not sure 6%
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Appendix B: Community Survey Summary | 14
Out of 119 respondents concerned about extreme heat and heat waves, over three
quarters (77%) were pretty or very concerned. Nearly one quarter (21%) feel
unprepared.
Table 7. Generally, how concerned are you about extreme heat and heat waves in
your community?
Level of concern Percentage of respondents
Very concerned 39%
Pretty concerned 38%
Somewhat concerned 23%
It will be a problem in the far future 1%
It will be a problem for the next
generation
0%
Table 8. How prepared do you feel for extreme heat and heat waves?
Level of preparedness Percentage of respondents
Very prepared 6%
Somewhat prepared 72%
Not at all prepared 21%
Not sure 1%
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Appendix B: Community Survey Summary | 15
Out of 68 respondents concerned about flooding (62% are pretty or very concerned),
but they are less concerned about flooding than other events. Over half of respondents
(52%) feel that they are unprepared for flooding.
Table 9. Generally, how concerned are you about flooding in your community?
Level of concern Percentage of respondents
Very concerned 25%
Pretty concerned 37%
Somewhat concerned 34%
It will be a problem in the far future 5%
It will be a problem for the next
generation 0%
Table 10. How prepared do you feel for flooding?
Level of preparedness Percentage of respondents
Very prepared 3%
Somewhat prepared 43%
Not at all prepared 52%
Not sure 2%
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Appendix B: Community Survey Summary | 16
When asked if there are specific areas that respondents are concerned about flooding,
many responded with areas around shoreline.
Figure 1. Select on the map the area you are most concerned about flooding.
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Appendix B: Community Survey Summary | 17
Wildfire smoke is a serious concern of respondents. Out of 115 respondents concerned
about wildfire and smoke, four fifths of respondents (82%) are pretty or very concerned,
but nearly half (41%) do not feel prepared.
Table 11. Generally, how concerned are you about wildfire smoke in your
community?
Level of concern Percentage of respondents
Very concerned 51%
Pretty concerned 31%
Somewhat concerned 17%
It will be a problem in the far future 1%
It will be a problem for the next
generation 0%
Table 12. How prepared do you feel for poor air quality (e.g., from wildfire smoke
and smog)?
Level of preparedness Percentage of respondents
Very prepared 8%
Somewhat prepared 47%
Not at all prepared 41%
Not sure 4%
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Appendix B: Community Survey Summary | 18
Impacts of Extreme Weather on Businesses
Eleven percent of respondents own a business in Marysville. Out of respondents who
own businesses in Marysville, two thirds indicated that their businesses have
experienced impacts from extreme weather events; only one third (34%) reported that
their business has not been impacted by extreme weather events.
Table 13. How has your business been impacted by extreme weather events, such
as extreme heat, wildfire smoke, or flooding?
Impact Percentage of
respondents
My business has not been impacted by extreme weather events. 34%
My business has had to close for a day or more. 10%
My business has permanently closed due to extreme weather. 0%
My business has had reduced foot traffic during extreme weather. 4%
My business has had a harder time sourcing supplies. 6%
My business has had to allocate more resources (like water, days
off, etc.) for staff. 4%
Other* 53%
* Respondents were not able to add more detail to the “Other” answer choice.
BUSINESS RELIANCE ON IN-PERSON STAFF AND CUSTOMERS
Respondents mostly work in person (54%) but over one third (37%) can work remotely if
needed. Working remotely can be a way to cope with climate impacts that could lead to
the closure of offices or stay at home orders.
Table 14. Mark all the following statements that describe your business or the
place you work.
Workplace factors Percentage of
respondents
Most or all employees must work on site 54%
Most or all employees can work remotely if needed 37%
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Appendix B: Community Survey Summary | 19
Some jobs require employees to be outdoors 27%
We rely on customers visiting our business in person 20%
AIR CONDITIONING
Most businesses have air conditioning (70%) while a smaller majority have air filtration
(56%). Still, some businesses lack access to these systems, which help businesses
cope during extreme heat events and wildfire smoke events.
Figure 2. Does your business or place of work have air conditioning or other
cooling systems to keep the business cool during heat waves?
Community Assets and Adaptive Capacity
This section covers results from survey questions about the Marysville community and
community assets.
Respondents were most concerned about the impacts of extreme weather events on
seniors and other vulnerable populations (57% very concerned), followed by the well-
being of future generations (51%) and overall public health (40%). It is worth noting that
at least 63% of survey respondents are over age 62, according to results of the survey
demographic questions.
70%
56%
30%
44%
0%20%40%60%80%100%
Air conditioning
Air filtration
Yes No
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Appendix B: Community Survey Summary | 20
Figure 3. How concerned are you about the impacts of extreme weather events on
the following?
COMMUNITY ACCESS TO AMENITIES
For each category of amenity, some respondents reported some inconvenience:
grocery stores and food services (8% said they are inconvenient), shaded areas (22%
said they are inconvenient), parks/natural areas (11% said they are inconvenient), and
transit options (35% said they are inconvenient). Respondents who indicated that these
amenities are inconvenient to access may experience even more difficulty accessing
them during extreme weather events.
0%20%40%60%80%100%120%
Public health
Homes and property values
Well-being of future generations
Economic vitality of Marysville
Public infrastructure (e.g., roads, buildings)
Urban trees and landscape
Local parks or other natural, open spaces
Seniors and other vulnerable populations
Very Concerned Somewhat concerned Neutral Not concerned
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Appendix B: Community Survey Summary | 21
Figure 4. How convenient is it for you to access the following?
VEHICLE O WNERSHIP
Ninety nine percent of respondents own a car, while a majority (72%) own 2 or more
cars. This figure is higher than Census data, which indicates that approximately 96.5%
of Marysville households have a vehicle [99]. Vehicle ownership is a key factor in
community members’ adaptive capacity to climate impacts because it affects their ability
to access services and evacuate if needed.
Table 15. How many working vehicles are in your household?
Number of vehicles Percentage of respondents
0 1%
1 27%
2 41%
3 or more vehicles 31%
20%
37%
31%
43%
33%
49%
42%
48%
35%
11%
22%
8%
9%
3%
5%
1%
0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%100%
Transit options (e.g., trains, buses, taxis, rideshares)
Parks/natural areas
Shaded areas (e.g., tree cover and air-conditioned
public areas, such as malls or community centers)
Grocery stores and food services
Very convenient Somewhat convenient Not at all convenient Not sure
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Appendix B: Community Survey Summary | 22
MODES OF TRANSIT
The most popular mode of transit is driving, representing 88% of all travel for
commuters. The next largest mode of transit is walking, jogging or using a wheelchair
(9%). This aligns with the findings that 99% of respondents own at least one car and
that 35% find transit access inconvenient.
Table 16. How do you commute to work or school most often?
Mode of transit Percentage of
respondents
Drive 88%
Motorcycle/moped 2%
Bicycle or e-bike 2%
Walk, jog, or wheelchair 9%
Bus 8%
Rail (Sounder, Amtrak, Link light rail, monorail, etc.) 2%
Taxi, Uber, Lyft or other car service 1%
Scooter or e-scooter (e.g., Lime, Bird, Razor) 1%
Other (e.g., skateboard, kayak, motor home) 4%
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Appendix B: Community Survey Summary | 24
Demographics
The survey included optional questions about respondent demographics: location/zip
code, income, age, race/ethnicity, and language spoken. The following tables represent
demographic data, providing insight into who took the survey.
Respondents reside mostly in the city limits of Marysville.
Figure 5. Please click on this map in the general area of where you live.
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Appendix B: Community Survey Summary | 25
ZIP CODE
Respondents were asked in which zip codes they resided in. Along with these zip
codes, there were 4 people from the zip code 98258, there were 4 people from 98292,
and another 6 people from 98223.
Table 17. Please select the zip-code in which you live:
Zip code Percentage of respondents
98259 1%
98270 63%
98271 11%
Other 11
GEND ER
A majority of respondents were female (71%) and, one quarter were male (26%), while
there was one non-binary respondent and one respondent who identified as “both.”
LANGUAGES SPOKEN
The most widely spoken language at home was English (9 9%), followed by Spanish
(2%) and Chinese (<1%). Other languages included, American Sign Language, Urdu,
Shona, Romanian, and Tagalog. Respondents could select more than one answer
choice.
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Appendix B: Community Survey Summary | 26
RACE AND ETHNICITY
A majority of respondents identified as White or Caucasian (78%).
Table 18. Which of the following best represents your race/ethnicity?
Race/ethnicity Percentage of Respondents
White or Caucasian 78%
I prefer not to say 15%
Native American, American Indian or Alaska Native 5%
Other 4%
Asian or Asian American 2%
Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander 2%
Black or African American 2%
Hispanic, Latino, Latina, or Latinx 1%
AGE
Most respondents (63%) were born before 1970. The most represented decade of birth
was 1950-1959, with over a quarter (28%) of respondents born in that time frame.
Table 19. In what decade were you born?
Decades Percentage of respondents
After 2000 .7%
1990-1999 3%
1980-1989 18%
1970-1979 15%
1960-1969 22%
1950-1959 28%
1940-1949 13%
Before 1940 0%
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Appendix B: Community Survey Summary | 1
INCOME
Finally, when asked about their income level, a majority of respondents said that they make $100,000 or more each year
(62%).
Table 20. What is your average annual household income?
Income Percentage of respondents
Less than 10,000 2%
10,000 to 14,999 2%
15,000-24,999 4%
25,000-34,999 9%
35,000-49,999 8%
50,000-74,999 17%
75,000-99,999 17%
100,000-149,999 23%
150,000-199,999 10%
200,000 or more 10%
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Appendix C: Marysville Comprehensive Plan Review | 2
11 Appendix C: Marysville Comprehensive Plan
Review
Objective: Review the City of Marysville’s 2015 Comprehensive Plan to assess how the current Comprehensive Plan
addresses climate change adaptation and mitigation.
Land Use
Goals and Policies Adaptation,
Mitigation, or Both
Notes (Risks Addressed or GHG Sources Addressed)
LU-1 In cooperation with other jurisdictions, create an
Urban Growth Area based on the capabilities and
characteristics of the land, availability of public facilities
and services, existing land uses, and anticipated
growth.
Both Mitigation – limiting development can reduce emissions
Adaptation – Adapting land use to characteristics of the land
limits damage from climatic events
LU-2 Limit population and employment growth and the
provision of services to Urban Growth Areas. Districts
outside of Urban Growth Areas should remain rural in
character.
Both Adaptation – focus on service maintenance.
Mitigation – concentrating growth and preserving rural areas
can reduce emissions and improve sequestration.
LU-3 Ensure that the growth pattern of the community
will be well managed by utilizing the Comprehensive
Plan as a guide for community development and by
utilizing the City’s land use codes in a manner
consistent with the stated goals and policies of the
Comprehensive Plan.
Mitigation Mitigation – potential reduction for land use emissions
LU-4 Encourage growth that will transform Marysville
from a residentially dominated community to one that
provides a balanced, though not equal, proportion of
both residences and employment. This will include the
Marysville-Arlington Manufacturing Industrial Center
(MIC) and the Smokey Point Master Plan Area as a
major employment center.
Mitigation Mitigation – offering closer options for employment can
reduce the amount of emissions created from commuting for
jobs.
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Appendix C: Marysville Comprehensive Plan Review | 3
LU-7 Preserve open spaces, natural areas and buffer
zones, wetlands, wildlife habitats, and parks in and
outside of the Urban Growth Area.
Adaptation Adaptation – Preservation of open spaces can mitigate
extreme heat and provide natural habitat to mitigate flooding
LU-8 Require growth to occur in manner that will not
overburden the natural systems of the planning area
such as, but not limited to, the Snohomish River Delta,
Quilceda and Allen Creeks’ corridors and trib utaries,
wetlands, forested areas, and other environmentally
sensitive areas.
Adaptation Adaptation – Change development habits to fit natural land
features
LU-9 Encourage a harmonious blend of opportunities
for living, working, and culture for the residents of
Marysville through planned retention and enhancement
of its natural amenities; by judicious control of
residential, commercial, and industrial development;
and by recognition of the City’s role in the region.
Mitigation Mitigation – Mitigate damage to natural amenities
LU-10 Preserve and enhance the quality of living,
trading, and working districts by dedicating open space,
preserving and restoring trees and vegetation, and
designing developments sensitive to natural land forms,
water resources, and life systems.
Adaptation Adaptation – Focus governmental resources on natural
spaces
LU-11 Reduce reliance on the private automobile and
promote physical activity, and encourage suitable
combinations and locations of land uses, such as
employment, retail, and residences, including mixed
use development.
Both Adaptation – Promote alternatives to driving and more
integrated, less car centric communities
Mitigation – less drivers and vehicles on the road lowers
emissions
LU-12 Provide balanced employment opportunities for
the local labor force through varied economic
development that is clean and pollution free, and the
establishment and protection of small entrepreneurs.
Adaptation Adaptation – Create alternative job opportunities that are
less carbon intensive
LU-13 Encourage the preservation of significant historic
and archaeological properties and identify strategies
and incentives for protection of these resources for the
enrichment of future generations.
None N/A
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Appendix C: Marysville Comprehensive Plan Review | 4
LU-14 Encourage lands that are likely to be included
within the Urban Growth Areas in the future, to remain
in 10 acre or larger parcels, and to use techniques such
as shadow platting and clustering to permit efficient
development at urban densities and provision of urban
level services when they are incorporated into Urban
Growth Areas.
Both Adaptation – Prepare land use areas before development to
predict future growth
Mitigation – planning development earlier avoids emissions
wasted on reorganization and redevelopment
LU-15 Encourage the County to establish minimum
acreages (10 acres or larger) in urban reserves and
RUTAs that would, in the future, allow development at
higher densities as land is incorporated into the Urban
Growth Area.
Both Adaptation – Begin planning and building higher density
buildings
Mitigation – More density will lower the amount of emissions
generated per capita
LU-16 Provide for the preservation of small farms and
agricultural uses in rural areas by requiring adjacent
urban development to provide buffers and screening to
minimize urban impacts on existing and ongoing
agricultural operations.
Mitigation Adaptation – Buffer zones will protect the soil health of
farms and rural areas
Mitigation – More green coverage will sequester more
carbon
LU-17 Encourage the use of clustered housing as
appropriate to maintain the rural character, special
features, significant vegetation, and open space of the
area. Place clusters of housing near existing roadways
reducing the need for significant new construction of
infrastructure and to reduce future costs of extending
urban services for areas that may be included in the
UGA in subsequent planning periods.
Both Adaptation – Increase density of housing
Mitigation – More density lowers the CO2 footprint of
communities
LU-18 Pursue the designation of the Marysville-Smokey
Point MIC jointly with the City of Arlington in the
Snohomish County Countywide Planning Policies and
regional designation by Puget Sound Regional Council
(PSRC).
Adaptation Adaptation – Seek protections on cultural areas
LU-19 Consider existing, available building capacity
when calculating existing job numbers.
None N/A
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Appendix C: Marysville Comprehensive Plan Review | 5
Housing
Goals and Policies Adaptation,
Mitigation, or
Both
Notes (Risks Addressed or GHG Sources
Addressed)
HO-1 Provide increased flexibility and encourage creative approaches in
the use of new and existing housing development and design subject to
specific development, design, and in some cases owner occupancy
standards.
None N/A
HO-2 The City shall encourage housing types that are attractive and
affordable to first time and moderate income home buyers.
None N/A
HO-3 Encourage a broad range of rental housing opportunities, especially
those serving families, senior citizens, and special needs groups.
Adaptation Adaptation – Provides suitable housing for
people who are most vulnerable to extreme
heat and other climate impacts
HO-4 Promote housing alternatives to the large lot single family detached
dwelling and large apartment complex.
None N/A
HO-5 Support the development and preservation of mobile home parks
within residential zones and subdivisions.
None N/A
HO-6 Support the development and preservation of manufactured homes
on individual lots.
None N/A
HO-7 Provide opportunities and incentives for a variety of housing types
and site planning techniques utilizing the Planned Residential Development
(PRD) regulations.
None N/A
HO-8 Provide for a wide range of housing choices in residential and
commercial zones, including, but not limited to cottages, townhouses,
planned unit developments and apartments.
None N/A
HO-9 Consider accessory housing a substitute for some multi-family
housing. Permit them in single family houses subject to specific
development and design standards.
None N/A
HO-10 The City will work with agencies and nonprofits, such as the
Housing Authority of Snohomish County, Housing Hope, Habitat for
Humanity, to maintain and increase the supply of low and moderate income
housing. This could include fast tracking permitting and assistance with site
selection.
Adaptation Adaptation – Increases housing availability
to those with low and moderate incomes,
who also tend to be more vulnerable to
climate impacts
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Appendix C: Marysville Comprehensive Plan Review | 6
Goals and Policies Adaptation,
Mitigation, or
Both
Notes (Risks Addressed or GHG Sources
Addressed)
HO-11 Improve coordination and responsiveness of providers of housing
and community needs to improve the quality and quantity of housing.
Both Mitigation – Higher quality housing can be
more energy efficient by keeping drafts out
and requiring less energy use for
warming/cooling
Adaptation – Higher quality housing can
better buffer against extreme temperatures
and weather events such as flooding
HO-12 Maintain an adequate supply of appropriately zoned developable
land within the UGA.
None N/A
HO-13 Allocate the housing mix goals in the Land Use Element and zoning
to ensure best use of both vacant and redevelopable land to meet housing
needs for both owner and rental households.
None N/A
HO-14 Support inter-jurisdictional cooperative efforts to foster the
development and preservation of an adequate supply of affordable housing.
Adaptation Adaptation – Affordable housing allows more
people from lower income groups who are
more vulnerable to climate change to find
housing
HO-15 Encourage efficient infill development in the urban growth area. Both Mitigation – Reduces greenhouse gas
emissions by decreasing the distance
people need to travel; reduces conversion of
agricultural land, sensitive habitat, and open
space for new development
Adaptation – Reduces stormwater runoff
resulting in flooding and pollution of
waterways
HO-16 Encourage the preservation, renovation, and production of housing
within the region that is affordable to all populations including for
households earning less than 50% of AMI.
Adaptation Adaptation – Affordable housing allows more
people from lower income groups who are
more vulnerable to climate impacts to obtain
housing
HO-17 Ensure that affordable and special needs housing opportunities are
dispersed throughout the City, not concentrated.
Adaptation Adaptation – Increases geographic access
to housing for people with special needs,
who are more vulnerable to climate impacts
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Appendix C: Marysville Comprehensive Plan Review | 7
Goals and Policies Adaptation,
Mitigation, or
Both
Notes (Risks Addressed or GHG Sources
Addressed)
HO-18 Provide affordable housing opportunities close to places of
employment.
Mitigation Mitigation – Reduces emissions by reducing
distance employees need to travel to work
HO-19 Consider the location of traffic routes, transit, bike and pedestrian
trails, in locating new housing.
Mitigation Mitigation – Can reduce emissions if new
housing is located strategically to manage
traffic and increase access to public or
active transport routes
HO-20 Encourage higher quality developments that create a sense of place
and enhance community image and identity.
None N/A
HO-21 Encourage the development of middle and upper middle income
housing to ensure a healthier and more diverse mix of housing choices
within the community.
None N/A
HO-22 Provide connectivity between housing, public places, places of
interest, and commercial areas to create a more interactive community.
Mitigation Mitigation – Reduces emissions by
decreasing travel distance and time between
key destinations
HO-23 Encourage and facilitate housing developments that provide quality
residential living environments for families and seniors with housing needs.
Adaptation Adaptation – Quality housing increases
adaptive capacity of families and seniors to
climate impacts like extreme heat or cold
HO-24 Encourage the use of innovative urban design techniques and
development guidelines to foster broad community acceptance of a variety
of housing types affordable to all economic segments of the population.
Adaptation Adaptation – Affordable housing ensures
people with lower incomes can find quality
housing, which can increase their adaptive
capacity to climate impacts
HO-25 Encourage and facilitate the participation of neighborhood groups in
the land use and community development planning proces s.
None N/A
HO-26 Distribute affordable and special needs housing equitably among
jurisdictions and planning areas to ensure that no jurisdiction or planning
area has more than its fair share of affordable and special needs housing.
Adaptation Adaptation – Equitable distribution of
affordable and special needs housing
ensures that those who are most vulnerable
to climate impacts get their housing needs
met and therefore are better able to adapt to
climate impacts
HO-27 Assure that site and building design guidelines create an effective
transition between substantially different land uses and densities.
None N/A
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Appendix C: Marysville Comprehensive Plan Review | 8
Goals and Policies Adaptation,
Mitigation, or
Both
Notes (Risks Addressed or GHG Sources
Addressed)
HO-28 Encourage the integration of a variety of dwelling types and
intensities in residential neighborhoods.
None N/A
HO-29 Encourage infill development that enhances the existing community
character.
None N/A
HO-30 Preserve and enhance the character of existing neighborhoods. None N/A
HO-31 Ensure that mixed use development complements and enhances
the character of the surrounding residential a nd commercial areas.
None N/A
HO-32 Encourage the concept of strong, traditional neighborhood planning
to improve neighborhood quality and reduce automobile dependency.
Mitigation Mitigation – Reducing automobile
dependency reduces emissions
HO-33 Work with Community Transit to develop transit connecting
dispersed housing and employment centers.
Mitigation Mitigation – Increasing access to Community
Transit can reduce emissions by reducing
people’s dependency on cars for commuting
to work and reducing traffic
HO-34 Coordinate with Community Transit to identify and adopt appropriate
densities for priority transit corridors. Ensure that the development
standards for these areas are transit and pedestrian friendly.
Mitigation Mitigation – Reduces emissions by
decreasing dependency on cars and
encouraging public and active transport
HO-35 Prioritize the funding of parks, and other civic improvements that
respond to the needs of neighborhoods where over 20 percent of the total
housing stock is rental housing, or where housing density exceeds 10
dwelling units per acre.
None N/A
HO-36 Promote a housing policy and land use pattern that balances the
ratio of housing units to jobs.
Mitigation Mitigation – Reduces emissions by ensuring
people have affordable housing near their
jobs
HO-37 Maximize the public investment in public infrastructure by supporting
a compact land use strategy to increase residential density.
Mitigation Mitigation – Can reduce emissions by
preventing urban sprawl and conversion of
agricultural land and open space
HO-38 The City’s economic development strategy should prioritize higher
paying jobs that pay a living wage.
Adaptation Adaptation – Paying a living wage increases
people’s adaptive capacity to climate
impacts (e.g., affording quality housing and
use of air conditioning)
Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment
Appendix C: Marysville Comprehensive Plan Review | 9
Goals and Policies Adaptation,
Mitigation, or
Both
Notes (Risks Addressed or GHG Sources
Addressed)
HO-39 Periodically review land use regulations to assure that regulations
and permit processing requirements are reasonable.
None N/A
HO-40 Evaluate the housing cost and supply implications of proposed
regulations and procedures.
None N/A
HO-41 The City shall seek opportunities to modify land use regulations and
permit processes that make project approval timelines, achievable
densities, and mitigation costs more predictable.
None N/A
Environment
Goals and Policies Adaptation,
Mitigation, or
Both
Notes (Risks Addressed or GHG
Sources Addressed)
EN-1 Recognize the natural environment as an integrated unit composed of
interacting land, water, and air resources. Make every effort to insure that
the health and stability of this resource system is maintained.
Adaptation Adaptation – Protect natural resources in
an integrated strategy will help preserve
natural resources during climatic events
EN-2 Recognize the interrelationship of adjacent terrain features and avoid
destroying these valuable linkages
Adaptation Adaptation – Understand the
interconnectedness of different land
features creates more resilient
neighborhoods and communities
EN-3 Educate the public concerning the importance of maintaining and
conserving environmentally sensitive lands and natural resources.
Adaptation Adaptation – Develop a greater connection
to land and conservation, emphasizing the
need to protect lands through extreme
weather changes
EN-4 Encourage property owners to utilize the Open Space Current Use
Assessment Program to preserve significant areas of environmental
concern, particularly wetlands identified by this plan.
Adaptation Adaptation – Work with property owners to
adapt to changing climates
EN-5 Locate, develop, and retain features of the natural and cultural
environment to help all citizens acquire knowledge, attitudes, and skills
necessary to solve environmental problems.
Adaptation Adaptation – Protect land features from
extreme weather
Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment
Appendix C: Marysville Comprehensive Plan Review | 10
Goals and Policies Adaptation,
Mitigation, or
Both
Notes (Risks Addressed or GHG
Sources Addressed)
EN-6 Where appropriate, provide pedestrian and bicycle trails in
association with open spaces and natural areas
Both Adaptation – Work to create alternatives to
driving and more public access to green
space, providing areas that can act as
lungs for the community
Mitigation – More access to bike and
pedestrian paths allows people to avoid
driving which decreases emissions
EN-7 Streamline environmental processes and regularly monitor results to
ensure their effectiveness.
Adaptation Adaptation – Create streamlined
environmental processes to help facilitate
quick adaptation to climatic events
EN-8 Pursue programs that offer creative solutions to enhance, improve
and/or protect the natural environment. Stormwater facility design, low
impact development options, wetland banking, and dual use facilities
should be pursued whenever possible.
Adaptation Adaptation – Create less damaging
development patterns, creating a more
resilient community
EN-9 Designate and protect environmentally sensitive lands using the best
available science.
Adaptation Adaptation – Protect sensitive lands from
flooding and other extraneous weather
patterns
EN-10 Apply strict controls to areas identified as ecologically sensitive by
the City
Adaptation Adaption – Create rules around sensitive
areas for development, protecting land
areas from development, and giving buffer
zones for climate events
EN-11 Maintain an inventory of environmentally sensitive lands to be used
in making land use decisions.
Adaptation Adaptation – Create an inventory of areas
to be protected, allowing for more
regimented protection
EN-12 For areas that are potentially sensitive to development, require site
studies to determine site development problems.
Adaptation Adaptation – Require more studies for
sensitive areas in order to understand
vulnerabilities and risks of development
EN-13 For areas that are determined to be sensitive to development,
require any development that occurs to meet performance standards to
minimize adverse impacts associated with such development.
Both Adaptation – Increase performance
standards of development which will help
the community prepare for more
dangerous weather
Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment
Appendix C: Marysville Comprehensive Plan Review | 11
Goals and Policies Adaptation,
Mitigation, or
Both
Notes (Risks Addressed or GHG
Sources Addressed)
Mitigation – Stronger performance
standards will reduce the carbon footprint
of developments
EN-14 Strongly encourage clustered residential, and planned commercial
and industrial developments in areas containing unique natural features or
determined by site studies to be sensitive to development.
Both Adaptation – Encourage denser
development, leaving more space for
green space and less chance of over-
development leading to more disastrous
weather events
Mitigation – Denser housing lowers a
communities CO2 footprint
EN-15 Development adjacent to wetlands, creek corridors, or steep slopes
should utilize lot size averaging or a planned development to mitigate the
impacts of such development on these sensitive areas. Strongly encourage
development and buildings to be located on adjacent areas or peripheral
portions of properties determined by site studies to be sensitive to
development
Adaptation Adaptation – Adapt development habits
and land use, making sure people are not
developing in areas where they are more
at risk from climate vulnerabilities
EN-16 Protect natural systems of the environment. Adaptation Adaptation – Protect natural processes of
the environment, allowing the environment
to help with the resilience of the community
EN-17 Utilize land forms and natural systems to provide variety, community
identity, and open space areas.
Adaptation Adaptation – Orient development and
community around land features, working
to keep the community connected to its
resources and therefore more able to
adapt to patterns of flooding, and extreme
heat
EN-18 All developments should be sensitive to land forms and natural
systems, recognizing the natural beauty and character of the land and its
vegetation.
Adaptation Adaptation – Adapt development to be
sensitive near land forms and natural
systems, understanding how rivers and
forests can help with issues such as heavy
rainfall and extreme heat.
Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment
Appendix C: Marysville Comprehensive Plan Review | 12
Goals and Policies Adaptation,
Mitigation, or
Both
Notes (Risks Addressed or GHG
Sources Addressed)
EN-19 Encourage all future development to occur in a manner that will
reduce or minimize and mitigate adverse environmental impacts.
Mitigation Mitigation – Mitigate damage towards the
environment in new developments,
minimizing the vulnerability of the
community by preserving natural buffers
EN-20 Design and build developments in a manner that respects and
retains natural vegetation. Density credits should be given when vegetation
is retained and open space or buffer areas provided.
Adaptation Adaptation – Retain vegetation around
new developments, keeping green space
will help with urban shade and keeping
neighborhoods cool
EN-21 Encourage development to consider the inherent characteristics of
the predominant soil type(s).
Adaptation Adaptation – understand constraints of soil
types, lessening the risks of floods through
understanding how to build what in
different types of soil
EN-22 Encourage practices that maintain or improve air quality, such as
encouraging emissions testing; use of alternative transportation;
appropriate relationship of land uses; and discouraging slash burning,
burning of yard wastes, and use of uncertified wood stoves and fireplaces.
Mitigation Mitigation – Discourage emission heavy
land use practices
EN-23 To protect local and regional air quality, the City shall coordinate
with county, regional, state, and federal agencies with air quality
responsibilities, and seek to ensure that the City’s programs and
transportation projects are designed and implemented to conform with the
provisions of the state and federal Clean Air Act.
Mitigation Mitigation – Conforming to the Clean Air
Act will reduce emissions and pollution for
City projects
EN-24 Provide an information program to citizens on ways to help keep the
air clean.
Mitigation Mitigation – Public outreach will help
people be more conscious about producing
emissions
EN-25 Utilize natural systems to provide variety, community identity, and
open space areas.
Mitigation Mitigation – Provide open spaces for the
public, mitigating the effects of extreme
heat
EN-26 Maintain existing water levels of perennial water bodies Adaptation Adaptation – Work to change water
consumption habits and allow water bodies
to continue their natural flow in order to
prevent droughts
EN-27 Protect and enhance surface water quality and the natural character
of shorelines for drainage control.
Adaptation Adaptation – Enhancing and protecting
shorelines increases green spaces to
Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment
Appendix C: Marysville Comprehensive Plan Review | 13
Goals and Policies Adaptation,
Mitigation, or
Both
Notes (Risks Addressed or GHG
Sources Addressed)
combat extreme heat as well as provides
measures of protection against flooding
EN-28 All developments should be sensitive to natural systems,
recognizing the natural beauty and character of the land and its vegetation.
Adaptation Adaptation – Giving increased importance
to natural lands allows for more buffer
zones against natural disasters while
maintaining historic climate and wildlife
patterns
EN-29 Discourage development of wetlands. Any development in wetland
areas should be sensitive to their importance as wildlife habitats, and to
their hydrologic function. Minimize potential disruption of these sites
through appropriate setbacks, buffers, limits on grading, filling and
impervious surfaces, storm water treatment, and similar measures.
Both Adaptation – No longer developing on
wetlands will retain permeable areas able
to absorb the effects of flooding
Mitigation – Protecting wetlands can help
sequester carbon as well as reduce the
risks of flooding
EN-30 Preserve existing vegetation as much as possible due to its vital role
in the recharge of ground water, and in order to prevent additional storm
water runoff or soil erosion from new developments. Density credits should
be given when vegetation is retained and open space or buffer areas
provided.
Adaptation Adaptation – Protecting vegetation will help
communities fight against stormwater and
flooding
EN-31 Prevent adverse alterations to flow characteristics, siltation, and
polluting or disrupting spawning beds by control of mining, dredging, or
removal of gravel, fill, or similar materials from streams and ground water
recharge or other surface water areas.
Mitigation Mitigation – Mitigating damage to natural
water systems will preserve trades like
fishing
EN-32 Encourage the management of storm water runoff and urban
drainage to protect the man-made and natural environment. Utilize the
natural drainage system where it is possible to do so without significantly
altering the natural drainage ways and/or by upgrading a public storm
drainage system. Require the design of future developments to utilize
natural drainage patterns and incorporate means to entrap storm water and
water pollutants before they are carried down slope or before they enter
watercourses.
Both Adaptation – Changing development habits
can help with drainage issues and avert
flooding
Mitigation – Mitigating development over
natural drainage areas protects the natural
systems ability to drain
EN-33 Recognize the inter-jurisdictional characteristics of storm drainage
management problems and work with Snohomish County, Diking District
Adaptation Adaptation – Coordination with other
surrounding jurisdictions can improve
communities ability to cope with flooding
Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment
Appendix C: Marysville Comprehensive Plan Review | 14
Goals and Policies Adaptation,
Mitigation, or
Both
Notes (Risks Addressed or GHG
Sources Addressed)
No. 3, other jurisdictions, and area-side residents to improve storm
drainage.
EN-34 Conserve and utilize shoreline and flood plain areas within the City
in accordance with the provisions of the City’s Shoreline Management
Master Program; and in planning for areas outside the City limits,
consideration should be given to the County Shoreline Management Master
Program.
None N/A
EN-35 Preserve and develop direct and visual public access to water,
including public docks, aquatic recreation, marine facilities, and scenic
vistas, in a manner consistent with the Shoreline Management Act.
Adaptation Adaptation – Giving the public more areas
of open space will allow for coping with
extreme heat events
EN-36 Restrict developments in designated flood hazard areas only to uses
that can be adequately flood-proofed. Discourage construction in
designated flood hazard areas, and prohibit it in floodway areas.
Adaptation Adaptation – Stopping development in
areas of flooding lowers vulnerability of
communities to flooding
EN-37 Provide continued maintenance of established flood control facilities
along rivers and creeks that provide flood protection to existing populations
and developments, provided this policy is consistent with environmental
guidelines and necessary river maintenance practices.
Adaptation Adaptation – Focus on current flood
controls
EN-38 Encourage the use of native plant materials, rather than imported or
exotic plants, as well as drought tolerate plants to decrease water usage as
well as provide habitats for wildlife.
Adaptation Adaptation – Native plants are more able
to survive in their respective community,
while drought resistant plants require less
water and are more likely to survive heat
waves
EN-40 Design and build developments in a manner that respects and
retains natural vegetation, with emphasis on streams, creeks and other
bodies of water; and on wetlands, steep slopes, and areas adjacent to
major and minor arterials. Density credits should be given when vegetation
is retained and open space or buffer areas provided.
Adaptation Adaptation – Reward development that
protects natural vegetation, which will in
turn give communities better access to
green space and buffer against weather
events
EN-45 Important fish and wildlife habitats identified by the Washington
State Wildlife and Fisheries Departments should be preserved by requiring
adequate setbacks of development from creeks and tributaries and by
limiting alterations to natural vegetative cover through restrictive
development controls in these buffer areas. Also coordinate with the State
Departments of Fisheries, Wildlife and Ecology and the federal Army Corps
Adaptation Adaptation – Enhancing protections for
fisheries helps the chances of those
fisheries continuing to exist through
uncertain times for communities to utilize
Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment
Appendix C: Marysville Comprehensive Plan Review | 15
Goals and Policies Adaptation,
Mitigation, or
Both
Notes (Risks Addressed or GHG
Sources Addressed)
of Engineers to manage or improve conditions for wildlife and habitat in
streams, drainage ways, wetlands, and other watercourses.
EN-46 Encourage public and private entities to identify, preserve and
restore buildings, structures, objects, and sites having historical and cultural
significance or interest.
Both Adaptation – Focus on rehabilitating
buildings instead of new construction
Mitigation – Restoration uses less
emissions than new construction
EN-47 Protect scenic views and sites so present and future generations
may enjoy them.
None N/A
EN-50 Maintain healthy urban forests; promote tree planting to increase
shading and absorb CO2; and support the City’s participation in the Tree
City USA program.
Both Adaptation – Maintaining trees over
development will allow for more sun shade,
important in reducing higher temperatures
Mitigation – Trees help sequester carbon
EN-52 Make energy efficiency a priority through retrofitting City facilities
with energy efficient lighting; where available, use programmable systems
to automatically idle electronic equipment; and urge employees to conserve
energy and save money
Mitigation Mitigation – using less electricity cuts down
on electricity usage, and lowers the
amount of carbon used
EN-53 Conserve fossil fuels. Staff should practice efficient driving habits,
carpool, avoid idling vehicles for longer than 30 seconds, and use
appropriately-sized vehicles. The City should continue to participate in the
Commute Trip Reduction (CTR) program
Mitigation Mitigation – Less driving decreases
emissions
EN-56 Conserve natural resources. Staff shall reduce paper consumption
and plastic bottle use, and recycle all recyclable materials.
Mitigation Mitigation – Cut down on single use items,
and recycling more, lowering the footprint
of the City
EN-59 Monitor and evaluate opportunities to utilize State tools and
resources to support the local program and to stay compliant with State
environmental and energy laws.
Adaptation Adaptation – Adopt local and state
environmental and energy laws, increasing
the communities ability to fight against
extreme weather events
Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment
Appendix C: Marysville Comprehensive Plan Review | 16
Goals and Policies Adaptation,
Mitigation, or
Both
Notes (Risks Addressed or GHG
Sources Addressed)
EN-60 Support appropriate Federal and State policies and legislation that
will lead to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
Adaptation Adaptation – Adopt federal standards to
protect communities
EN-61 Enhance and sustain public health system capacity to prepare for
and respond to heat waves and smoke emergencies, and improve delivery
of information on heat events and cooling centers, especially of isolated
and vulnerable populations.
Adaptation Adaptation – Provide facilities for
emergency heat and weather events for
the public, giving the most vulnerable
options to adapt to weather events
EN-62 Continue to provide assistance to landowners to restore wetlands,
uplands, and riparian zones to increase the capacity for natural water
storage
Adaptation Adaptation – Provide resources for
communities to adapt their own community
to be more resilient towards coming
weather events
EN-64 Improve provision of technical assistance and incentives to increase
storage capacity and to improve conservation, reuse, and water use
efficiency among all consumptive water uses.
Adaptation Adaptation – Help community members
conserve water, ensuring that drought
conditions will not affect residents as much
as they could
EN-65 Develop short- and medium-term climate change adaptation
strategies for urban forests and other fire-prone habitats, and improve
development standards.
Adaptation Adaptation – Having short- and medium-
term strategies for urban forests and fire-
prone habitats will lower the vulnerability of
communities to events like extreme heat
and forest fires
EN-66 Inventory past flood conditions and define and map future flood
conditions.
Adaptation Adaptation – Historical data can help in the
preparedness of communities in the
defense against future flooding
EN-67 Improve capability to rapidly assess and repair damaged
transportation infrastructure, in order to ensure rapid reopening of
transportation corridors
Adaptation Adaptation – Focusing on capacity will
ensure that communities will be able to
respond quickly to weather events
EN-68 Undertake a policy review of City comprehensive, strategic and
specific plans to assure that City policies are appropriately targeted to
prepare for and mitigate potential impacts of climate change. These reviews
may be done to correspond with scheduled plan updates, or accelerated
where either a higher priority is identified or the next update is not
specifically scheduled.
Adaptation Adaptation – Make sure that policies
continue to support actions to build
resilience to climate change
Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment
Appendix C: Marysville Comprehensive Plan Review | 17
Economic Development
Goals and Policies Adaptation,
Mitigation, or
Both
Notes (Risks Addressed or GHG Sources
Addressed)
ED-1 Through its plans, regulations, infrastructure investments, and public
services encourage more manufacturing, wholesale, retail, warehouse,
distribution, assembling, processing, producer’s services, office-using and
high technology firms to locate within Marysville.
None N/A
ED-3 Cooperate with organizations that represent businesses and property
owners so that the City has active and effective input from entities in
addition to residents.
None N/A
ED-4 Separate and buffer newer commercial and industrial areas from
residential areas. Allow mixed use throughout the downtown area.
None N/A
ED-5 Examine current zoning categories and regulations for commercial -
industrial areas in order to: increase flexibility of the mixture of uses within
and among zoning categories; simplify zoning classes so that they are
responsive to market forces; specify high quality amenities, design
guidelines, and infrastructure to make commercial/industrial areas
competitive within the region; make regulatory processes predictable,
certain, flexible, and timely; review these land use regulations every five
years and solicit input from the development and real estate communities.
None N/A
ED-6 Monitor local economic conditions and update economic development
policies at least every five years.
None N/A
ED-7 Take the initiative to identify and prioritize areas with the best
potential for subarea master plans, area-wide environmental impact
statements, and traffic studies and capital facilities investments in advance
of development so that the private sector will be able to quickly and
efficiently ready sites for employment and business activity.
None N/A
ED-8 Define areas of the downtown that could be redeveloped as
pedestrian-oriented mixed use areas that also integrate open space and
recreational opportunities.
Mitigation Mitigation – Replacing potential development
areas with open space reduces potential
emissions
Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment
Appendix C: Marysville Comprehensive Plan Review | 18
Goals and Policies Adaptation,
Mitigation, or
Both
Notes (Risks Addressed or GHG Sources
Addressed)
ED-9 Examine methods to redevelop specific areas of the downtown
commercial and residential areas for locally owned and small businesses
and affordable housing.
None N/A
ED-10 Formulate a long-term transition strategy to access the City’s
waterfront areas for recreation, tourism, and improve the image of
Marysville from the freeway.
None N/A
ED-11 Prioritize necessary public infrastructure into new employment
areas, existing commercial/industrial infill, redevelopment, and rehabilitation
of buildings while maintaining adequate infrastructure in existing residential
areas.
None N/A
ED-12 Work actively with the State of Washington, Snohomish County,
Tulalip Tribes, City of Arlington, and neighboring communities, school
districts, and private property owners to develop joint plans, regulations,
and finance necessary infrastructure and utilities in the areas within and to
the north of Marysville so that this area becomes a major employment
center in Western Washington. Continue to promote development in the
Smokey Point Master Plan Area and to pursue a Manufacturing Industrial
Center (MIC) with the City of Arlington.
None N/A
ED-13 Leverage the visibility and traffic from I-5 into Marysville with:
Appropriate urban design and signage regulations; traffic flow
improvements including BNSF grade separation; freeway interchange
improvements at, 156th Street Overpass, SR529, and 116th Street; and
traffic grid improvements within the City to facilitate residential and
nonresidential traffic on arterials and reduce congestion.
Mitigation Mitigation – Improving flow of traffic reduces
emissions
ED-14 Examine potential recreation and park projects that would
complement and supplement tourism development drawn to the Marysville
area as described in the Parks and Recreation Element of the Plan.
None N/A
Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment
Appendix C: Marysville Comprehensive Plan Review | 19
Goals and Policies Adaptation,
Mitigation, or
Both
Notes (Risks Addressed or GHG Sources
Addressed)
ED-15 Formulate a set of capital facilities financing tools, techniques, and
strategies that allow appropriate public-private funding partnerships such as
LIDs, impact fees, and necessary studies from future users.
None N/A
ED-16 Work with local, regional and State agencies such as the Greater
Marysville Tulalip Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Marysville Merchants
Association, Economic Alliance Snohomish County, Private Industry
Council, and Washington State Department of Commerce to market the
economic assets and opportunities of Marysville.
None N/A
ED-17 Undertake activities to enhance Marysville’s identity and image
within the region and beyond by working with the: Navy Relocation
Services, Economic Alliance Snohomish County, Washington State
Department of Commerce, Greater Marysville Tulalip Chamber of
Commerce and Downtown Marysville Merchants Association, Snohomish
County Tourism Bureau, and other groups.
None N/A
ED-18 Improve marketing of the City’s economic assets by: inventorying
and describing subareas for new and redevelopment activity; engaging in
cooperative activities with the Chamber, tourist development agencies,
Navy, private developers and realtors; and authorizing an economic
development commission that will act as a permanent, internal group to
solicit new development, assist local businesses to expand, and represent
and advocate economic development within the City in conjunction with
local business organizations.
None N/A
ED-19 Improve communications with the Marysville, Lake Stevens, and
Lakewood school districts and other local entities concerned with
enhancing the quality of life for Marysville’s residents.
None N/A
Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment
Appendix C: Marysville Comprehensive Plan Review | 20
Transportation
Goals and Policies Adaptation,
Mitigation, or
Both
Notes (Risks Addressed or GHG Sources
Addressed)
T-1: Maintain and operate the transportation system to provide safe,
efficient, and reliable movement of people, goods, and services using a
variety of travel modes.
Mitigation Mitigation – Providing public transit can lower the
amount of drivers on the road, reducing
emissions
Policy T-2: Protect the investment in the existing system and lower overall
life-cycle costs through effective maintenance and preservation programs.
None N/A
Policy T-3: Maintain and improve the safety of the transportation system for
all travel modes.
None N/A
Policy T-4: Reduce the need for new capital improvements through
investments in operations, demand management strategies, and system
management activities that improve the efficiency of the current system.
Policy T-5: Implement an Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) along the
City’s principal arterials and accesses to the regional highway system to
enhance the efficiency of the City’s transportation system. The City’s ITS
should be coordinated with other agencies to assure compatibility and
reduce operational costs.
None N/A
Policy T-6: Strategically expand capacity and increase efficiency of the
transportation system to move goods, services, and people to and from,
and within the City and its urban growth Marysville Transportation Element
June 2015 77 area. Focus on investments that produce the greatest net
benefits to people and minimize the environmental impacts of
transportation.
Adaptation Adaptation – More public transit that prioritizes
the most people and the environment can create
a more resilient transit oriented community
Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment
Appendix C: Marysville Comprehensive Plan Review | 21
Goals and Policies Adaptation,
Mitigation, or
Both
Notes (Risks Addressed or GHG Sources
Addressed)
Policy T-7: Construct transportation improvements based on adopted
design standards, by roadway function, to meet the multimodal needs of the
City. Allow variances to the standards when it is not practical or cost-
effective to meet the standards, as determined by the Director of Public
Works.
None N/A
Policy T-8: Apply access management practices to arterials to improve the
safety and operational efficiency of the system.
None N/A
Policy T-9: Ensure the freight system meets the needs of regional and local
distribution
None N/A
Policy T-10: Work with WSDOT, Community Transit, and other agencies to
ensure compatibility of traffic signal timing to improve efficiency of travel.
Mitigation Mitigation – more efficient transit flow will lower
idling and emissions
Policy T-11: Encourage and solicit public participation from transportation
advocacy groups, such as Healthy Communities, in the planning, design,
and implementation of a multimodal transportation system.
Adaptation Adaptation – Focus on community minded transit
programs, creating a equitable accessible city
Policy T-12: Work with WSDOT and other stakeholders to improve
multimodal access to the regional high way system.
None N/A
Policy T-13: Coordinate the planning, implementation, and operation of a
safe and efficient multimodal transportation system with stakeholders
including WSDOT, PSRC, Snohomish County, neighboring cities and
counties, the Tulalip Tribes, and transit providers.
None N/A
Policy T-14: Give funding priority to transportation improvements that serve
growth centers and manufacturing and industrial centers, as allocated by
the Regional Growth Strategy.
Both Adaptation – Prioritize transit around urban
development, centering transit and allowing more
options for communities
Mitigation – Creating more transit options lowers
the amount of cars, and therefore emissions
created
Policy T-15: Prioritize investments in transportation facilities and services
that support compact, pedestrian- and transit-oriented densities and
development.
Both Adaptation – Move from single family homes to
transit centered development, increasing density
and increasing resilience of community
Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment
Appendix C: Marysville Comprehensive Plan Review | 22
Goals and Policies Adaptation,
Mitigation, or
Both
Notes (Risks Addressed or GHG Sources
Addressed)
Mitigation – Denser communities pollute less
Policy T-16: Make transportation investments that improve economic and
living conditions so that industries and skilled workers continue to be
retained and attracted to the region.
Both Adaptation – Tying transportation to industry
means communities continue to thrive through a
changing climate
Mitigation – More transit options means less car
use and less carbon emissions
Policy T-17: Maintain and improve the existing freight transportation system
to increase reliability and efficiency and to prevent degradation of freight
mobility.
Adaptation Adaptation – Creating better freight
transportation means a more resilient economy
Policy T-18: Coordinate with the railroads and trucking industry to improve
the safety and efficiency of freight movement and reduce the impacts on
other travel modes. Coordinate planning with railroad capacity expansion
plans and support capacity expansion that is compatible with local plans.
Adaptation Adaptation – Lower the impact of freight on other
modes can help lower idling of cars, while also
making passenger rail more alluring to
consumers, and removing cars from the road
Policy T-19: Implement grade-separated railroad crossings at Grove Street
and to work with others to get a grade-separated railroad crossing at 156th
Street NE (west of freeway) into County.
None N/A
Policy T-20: Apply livable urban design principles for growth centers and
transit areas.
Adaptation Adaptation – More attractive transit
neighborhoods can reduce reliance on cars, and
lessen the vulnerabilities of flooding when people
move to better planned, more dense housing
Policy T-21: Implement transportation programs and projects in ways that
prevent or minimize negative impacts to low income, minority, and special
needs populations.
Adaptation Adaptation – Creating more accessible transit
gives better options to marginalized
communities, giving greater mobility and lowering
the vulnerability of these communities as their
options for movement increase
Policy T-22: Continue to review and update the City’s truck route plan to
help assure efficient truck routing to/from the freeway system and major
destinations and minimizing the impacts on neighborhoods.
Mitigation Mitigation – Efficient truck routes will lower the
amount of CO2 released
Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment
Appendix C: Marysville Comprehensive Plan Review | 23
Goals and Policies Adaptation,
Mitigation, or
Both
Notes (Risks Addressed or GHG Sources
Addressed)
Policy T-23: Protect the investment in the existing and future street system
and associated facilities (e.g., sidewalks, transit stops, landscaping)
through an ongoing street maintenance and preservation program as well
as incorporating the concept of “Complete Streets” as supported by the
National Complete Streets Coalition.
Both Adaptation – Focusing on Complete Streets help
make resilient neighborhoods
Mitigation – Providing options other than driving
helps lower carbon footprints of communities
Policy T-24: Identify a timeline and secure funding for completion of an
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Title II Self -Assessment and
Transition Plan.
Adaptation Adaptation – Create more accessible
neighborhoods for everyone, enabling a more
resilient population
Policy T-27: Improve local street patterns – including their design and how
they are used – for walking, bicycling, and transit use to enhance
communities, accessibility, connectivity, and physical activity.
Both Adaption – Transition from a car centric city to a
multi-modal model, developing different options
that allow for easier movement
Mitigation – Less cars lowers emissions
Policy T-28:Support pedestrian and bicyclist education and safety programs
such as Safe Routes to Schools and Healthy Communities.
Both Adaption – Transition from a car centric city to a
multi-modal model, developing different options
that allow for easier movement
Mitigation – Less cars lowers emissions
Policy T-29:Encourage the connection of streets when considering
subdivision or street improvement proposals, unless topographic or
environmental constraints would prevent it. Limit the use of cul-de-sacs,
dead-end streets, loops, and other designs that form barriers in the
community. Recognize that increasing roadway and non-motorized
connections can reduce traffic congestion and increase neighborhood unity.
Adaptation Adaptation – Connected streets allow for more
community involvement and random interactions
with help communities bond and create resilient
relationships
Policy T-30: Ensure mobility choices for people with special transportation
needs, including persons with disabilities, the elderly, the young, and low-
income populations.
Adaptation Adaptation – Create more accessible
neighborhoods for everyone, enabling a more
resilient population
Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment
Appendix C: Marysville Comprehensive Plan Review | 24
Goals and Policies Adaptation,
Mitigation, or
Both
Notes (Risks Addressed or GHG Sources
Addressed)
Policy T-31:Work with Community Transit to expand transit and paratransit
service to/from and within the City.
Adaptation Adaptation – Create more accessible
neighborhoods for everyone, enabling a more
resilient population
Policy T-31:Coordinate with Community Transit and other jurisdictions on
Commute Trip Reduction programs for major employers in Marysville and
the region. Monitor and expand on program to meet the goals and
requirements of the Commute Trip Reduction Act.
Adaptation Adaptation – Create more accessible jobs,
allowing for more opportunities for community
members while lowering emissions
Policy T-32: Work with Community Transit, WSDOT, and other
stakeholders to locate, construct and operate transit center s, Park & Ride
and park-and-pool lots.
None N/A
Policy T-33: Design transportation facilities to fit within the context of the
built or natural environments in which they are located.
None N/A
Policy T-34: Develop a system that encourages active transportation and
minimizes negative impacts to human health and promotes a healthy
community.
Adaptation Adaptation – Active communities promote
community connection and healthy habits,
creating resiliency within neighborhoods
Policy T-35: Support implementation of transportation modes and
technologies that reduce pollution and greenhouse gas emissions and
improve system performance.
Mitigation Mitigation – Reduce the amount of greenhouse
gasses used for public transit
Policy T-36: Protect the transportation system against disaster, develop
prevention and recovery strategies, and plan for coordinated responses.
Develop and coordinate prevention and recovery strategies and disaster
response plans with state, regional, and local agencies to protect against
major disruptions to the transportation system.
Both Adaptation – Creating a more resilient transit
system also helps communities be more resilient,
and more able to rely on public transit
Mitigation – planning now can reduce the cost
and emissions needed to repair damage from
climate events
Policy T-37: Identify and preserve rights-of-way for future transportation
system needs.
Both Adaptation – focusing on transportation systems
now enables better planning in the future
Mitigation – Planning sooner and preserving
space for transportation lowers the overall
footprint of projects
Policy T-38: Establish concurrency standards for the City based on the
Level of Service of intersecting arterials and signalized intersections during
None N/A
Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment
Appendix C: Marysville Comprehensive Plan Review | 25
Goals and Policies Adaptation,
Mitigation, or
Both
Notes (Risks Addressed or GHG Sources
Addressed)
weekday PM peak hour per the latest version of the Highway Capacity
Manual (HCM), Transportation Research Board.
Policy T-39:Set the acceptable level of service (LOS) for signalized
intersections and intersections of two (or more) arterials as follows: · LOS E
mitigated for: o SR 529/State Avenue/Smokey Point Boulevard within the
City of Marysville o 4th Street/64th Street NE (SR 528) within the City o
88th Street NE (east of I-5 to 67th Avenue) · LOS D for: o All other
intersections of two or more arterials within the City
None N/A
Policy T-40:Set the acceptable level of service (LOS) for unsignalized
intersections as follows: LOS D. However, on a case-by-case basis the City
may allow the level of service for traffic movements from the minor street at
a two-way, stop controlled intersection to operate below the adopted
standard if the Public Works Director (or designee) determines that no
significant safety or operational impact will result.
None N/A
Policy T-41: Implement a transportation concurrency management program
consistent with the six (6) year horizons of GMA and the City TIP to ensure
adequate transportation facilities are concurrent with development.
None N/A
Policy T-42: Monitor travel speeds along key corridors to support project
development, priorities, and reporting (but not for concurrency purposes).
None N/A
Policy T-43: Consider establishing a multimodal level of service standard. Adaption Adaptation – Reducing reliance on cars can be a
good way of increasing transportation options
and giving marginalized communities more forms
of transit
Policy T-44 Develop the annual Six-Year Transportation Improvement
Program (TIP) so it is financially feasible, leverages available City funding,
and is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan.
None N/A
Policy T-45: Pursue grants for funding a range of multimodal transportation
improvements.
None N/A
Policy T-46: Ensure growth mitigates its impacts through payment of
transportation impact fees, State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA)
conditions, concurrency, and other development regulations.
None N/A
Policy T-47: Partner with other agencies to fund regional transportation
improvement projects needed to serve the City.
None N/A
Policy T-48: Work with adjoining agencies to mitigate development traffic
impacts that cross jurisdictional boundaries.
Mitigation Mitigation – Lower traffic impacts can help
reduce idling and emissions
Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment
Appendix C: Marysville Comprehensive Plan Review | 26
Goals and Policies Adaptation,
Mitigation, or
Both
Notes (Risks Addressed or GHG Sources
Addressed)
Policy T-49: Support use of Local Improvement Districts (LID) or other
public/private funding for upgrading existing transportation facilities.
None N/A
Policy T-50: Maintain a transportation database to measure operations and
safety, of the transportation system for use in defining improvement
projects and priorities.
None N/A
Policy T-51: Continue to follow the reassessment strategy identified in the
Transportation Element if funding falls short.
None N/A
Parks
Goals and Policies Adaptation,
Mitigation, or
Both
Notes (Risks Addressed or GHG Sources
Addressed)
PK-1 Acquire, preserve, and develop land, water, and waterfront areas for
public recreation (i.e. trails and parks) based on area demand, public
support, and use potential.
Both Mitigation – Preserving and developing parks
with trees can sequester carbon
Adaptation – Trees and water associated with
parks and trails can provide people with shade
and cooling during extreme heat
PK-2 Maximize utilization of existing school district facilities, organizational,
or other public facilities within each area whenever possible to supplement
new and existing programming.
None N/A
PK-3 Encourage citizen participation in the design and development of
facilities and/or recreational areas.
None N/A
PK-4 Encourage future development of school grounds to compliment the
facilities planned in future park developments and maintain support of a
recently revised interlocal agreement with the district to facilitate this goal.
None N/A
Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment
Appendix C: Marysville Comprehensive Plan Review | 27
Goals and Policies Adaptation,
Mitigation, or
Both
Notes (Risks Addressed or GHG Sources
Addressed)
PK-5 Encourage and promote cultural facilities and social services,
compatible with recreational use to be developed on or contiguous to park
areas and designated buffer zones.
None N/A
PK-6 Develop an approach to project planning and increase standards of
park planning and design by developing support with surrounding
jurisdictions such as Tulalip Tribes, City of Everett, City of Arlington, and
Snohomish County for a regional planning effort.
None N/A
PK-7 Maintain interlocal agreements with Snohomish County to address
parks and recreation deficiencies in unincorporated areas of the City’s
Urban Growth Area and to ensure that park impact fees collected for
developments within the Urban Growth Area are used to address
needs/impacts to the City’s park and recreation system.
Both Mitigation – Maintaining parks and trees can help
sequester carbon and reduce emissions by
preventing development on that land
Adaptation – Maintaining parks and trees
provides shades and prevents erosion and
stormwater runoff
PK-8 Pursue the acquisition of new parklands and proceed with the
planning and development of new and existing parklands and facilities.
Acquire environmentally sensitive areas to include streams, wetlands,
creek, and river corridors, as well as highly sensitive natural archaeological
areas. Ensure that publicly owned land suitable for recreation purposes is
set aside for that purpose.
Both Mitigation – Development of parklands with trees
can sequester carbon
Adaptation – Streams and river corridors with
trees can provide shade and buffer from heat
PK-9 Accommodate new residential, commercial, and industrial
development only when required parks, recreation, and open space are
available prior to or concurrent with development.
Mitigation Mitigation – Limits urban expansion into
agricultural land and open space, preserving
them and limiting emissions
PK-10 Encourage development in areas where parks, recreation, and open
space are already available before developing areas where new parks,
recreation, and open space would be required. Provide urban level parks,
recreation, and open space only in Urban Growth Area.
Mitigation Mitigation – Limits urban expansion into
agricultural land and open space, preserving
them and limiting emissions
Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment
Appendix C: Marysville Comprehensive Plan Review | 28
Goals and Policies Adaptation,
Mitigation, or
Both
Notes (Risks Addressed or GHG Sources
Addressed)
PK-11 Reduce per unit cost of public parks, recreation, and open space by
encouraging urban density development within Urban Growth Area, and
rural densities outside the Urban Growth Area.
None N/A
PK-12 Provide park and recreation facilities within or adjacent to residential
developments, and adjacent to or in conjunction with school district
properties.
Mitigation Mitigation – Reduces emissions by decreasing
travel distance to parks and recreation facilities
PK-13 Developers should have primary fiscal responsibility to satisfy park,
recreation, and open space needs/impacts created by their developments
either by actual provision of these improvements or by a fee in-lieu
alternate at the City’s option.
None N/A
PK-14 As an integral part of neighborhoods and the larger community,
establish and enhance healthy, safe, abundant and varied recreation
resources (both public and private) to serve present and future population
needs.
None N/A
PK-15 Develop recreational facilities to provide accommodations for users
of the area’s recreational amenities.
None N/A
PK-16 Develop a pedestrian and bike system throughout the greater
Marysville area. As possible, use creek corridors and the slough dike for a
portion of these trails. These trails should connect all the Planning Areas,
activity centers, park facilities, and open space system.
Mitigation Mitigation – Reduces emissions by increasing
access to active transportation
PK-17 New or expanded residential developments should be within walking
distance, preferably but not necessarily via paved sidewalk or improved
trail, of a neighborhood park, public recreation area, or in some cases a
school. Existing residential areas should, as possible, also be provided with
a neighborhood park, public recreation area, or in some cases a school
within walking distance, via paved sidewalk or improved trail.
Mitigation Mitigation – Reduces emissions by decreasing
need to drive to parks, recreation areas, and
pools
Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment
Appendix C: Marysville Comprehensive Plan Review | 29
Goals and Policies Adaptation,
Mitigation, or
Both
Notes (Risks Addressed or GHG Sources
Addressed)
PK-18 Buy, lease, or otherwise obtain additional lands and facilities for
parks, recreation, and open space throughout the City/ Urban Growth Area
and specifically in those areas of the City/ Urban Growth Area facing
intense population growth and/or commercial development.
None N/A
PK-19 Equitably distribute park and recreation opportunities by type
throughout the City, Urban Growth Area, and Planning Areas.
None N/A
PK-20 Coordinate park planning acquisition and development with other
City projects and programs that implement the Comprehensive Plan.
None N/A
PK-21 Develop parks and facilities in a quality manner to assure
attractiveness, full utilization, and long-term efficiency.
None N/A
PK-22 Develop a neighborhood and community park system that provides a
variety of active and passive facilities.
None N/A
PK-23 Incorporate utility, storm drainage, and public lands into the open
space and linkage system through cooperative use agreements.
None N/A
PK-24 Permit parks to be located in any part of the City by way of the
conditional use process.
None N/A
PK-25 Provide for an open space system within and between
neighborhoods.
None N/A
PK-26 An open space network should be developed to connect parks,
environmental sensitive areas, preserved areas of trees and native
vegetation suitable for wildlife use and habitat.
Both Mitigation – Improving wildlife habitat can
sequester carbon
Adaptation – Improving wildlife habitat can
provide a buffer from flooding, erosion, and other
climate impacts
Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment
Appendix C: Marysville Comprehensive Plan Review | 30
Goals and Policies Adaptation,
Mitigation, or
Both
Notes (Risks Addressed or GHG Sources
Addressed)
PK-27 Restore or enhance the natural environment on developed and
undeveloped City park sites where appropriate.
Both Mitigation – Restored lands can sequester more
carbon
Adaptation – Restored lands can provide a buffer
from flooding, erosion, and other climate impacts
PK-28 Jointly develop habitat stewardship plans, acquisition/restoration
projects for Endangered Species Act (ESA) benefit, and demonstration
management projects with the Surface Water Division of the Public Works
Department.
None N/A
PK-29 Develop habitat management plans for specific properties where
habitat and public access issued require detailed review.
Both Mitigation – Improving wildlife habitat
management can sequester carbon and limit
emissions from potential development
Adaptation – Wildlife habitat can provide shade
and reduce erosion and stormwater runoff
PK-30 Assign and map stewardship and management designations for
selected City-owned parklands to outlined appropriate uses and identify
management limitations.
None N/A
PK-31 Explore techniques to manage and protect forest lands in City
ownership.
Both Mitigation – Forests sequester carbon
Adaptation – Forests provide shade and prevent
erosion from flooding and stormwater runoff
PK-32 Provide appropriate public access to natural resource areas in order
to promote understanding and support of natural areas.
None N/A
PK-33 Provide interpretive facilities that make it possible for visitors to learn
about natural resources through self-guided exploration.
None N/A
PK-34 Provide outdoor classrooms and gathering places where appropriate
in City parks to facilitate environmental learning programs.
None N/A
PK-35 Explore the possibility of providing an environmental education
summer camp through the existing summer recreation program.
None N/A
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Appendix C: Marysville Comprehensive Plan Review | 31
Goals and Policies Adaptation,
Mitigation, or
Both
Notes (Risks Addressed or GHG Sources
Addressed)
PK-36 Acquire, preserve and responsibly steward natural areas on City
parklands as a key component of the City’s habitat preservation strategy.
Both Mitigation – Preserving wildlife habitat can
sequester carbon and limit emissions from
potential development
Adaptation – Wildlife habitat can provide shade
and reduce erosion and stormwater runoff
PK-37 Coordinate public and private efforts to identify and acquire key
habitat parcels that preserve critical corridors.
Both Mitigation – Preserving wildlife habitat can
sequester carbon and limit emissions from
potential development
Adaptation – Wildlife habitat can provide shade
and reduce erosion and stormwater runoff
PK-38 Partner with public and private organizations to assist in habitat
improvement implementation, monitoring and research on sensitive City
park lands.
Both Mitigation – Preserving wildlife habitat can
sequester carbon and limit emissions from
potential development
Adaptation – Wildlife habitat can provide shade
and reduce erosion and stormwater runoff
PK-39 Partner with local environmental education providers to provide
environmental programs.
None N/A
PK-40 Provide opportunities for Park staff to conduct environmental
education activities and programs.
None N/A
Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment
Appendix C: Marysville Comprehensive Plan Review | 32
Utilities
Goals and Policies Adaptation,
Mitigation, or
Both
Notes (Risks Addressed or GHG Sources
Addressed)
UT-1 Accommodate new residential, commercial, and industrial
development only when required utilities are available prior to, or
concurrent with, development. Concurrency indicat es that utilities are
available within six years of construction of the new development. Payment
of mitigation fees is considered concurrency.
None N/A
UT-2 Coordinate the City’s land use planning with the utility providers’
planning. Adopt procedures that encourage providers to utilize the Land
Use Element and Urban Growth Area in planning future facilities.
Both Adaptation – Coordinating urban growth with
utility growth can ensure that utility facilities are
planned properly, ensuring that services are
resilient as the community grows
Mitigation – Planning ahead on construction can
help reduce the amount of carbon released from
over building utilities
UT-3 Encourage development in areas where utilities are already available
before developing areas where new utilities would be required.
Both Adaptation – Encouraging growth in already
established areas helps lower possibilities of
overextension of services
Mitigation – Developing already established
utilities helps limit the amount of materials,
emissions, and manpower needed to set up new
facilities
UT-4 Provide urban level utilities only in Urban Growth Areas Adaptation Adaptation – Tying utilities to Urban Growth
Areas
UT-5 Provide urban level utilities in Urban Growth Areas to enhance the
quality of life, and maintain viable, efficient, and cost-effective delivery.
Both Adaptation – Conform to urban growth area
Mitigation – Mitigate the cost and amount of
carbon needed to upkeep utilities
UT-6 Give priority to utility line extensions where on-site systems have
created known pollution or health hazards.
Adaptation Adaptation – Prevent pollution and health
hazards
Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment
Appendix C: Marysville Comprehensive Plan Review | 33
Goals and Policies Adaptation,
Mitigation, or
Both
Notes (Risks Addressed or GHG Sources
Addressed)
UT-7 Seek to coordinate, where appropriate, investment in utilities with
business, employment, and economic development opportunities.
Adaptation Adaptation – Coordinate utilities with
development opportunities, investing in
communities
UT-8 Reduce the per unit cost of public utilities by encouraging urban
density development, allowing the distribution of public and private services
more efficiently.
Both Adaptation – Create denser cities
Mitigation – Lower the amount of resources
needed to deliver utilities
Coordinate and consolidate utilities districts, where feasible, to distribute
public and private services more efficiently.
None N/A
UT-10 Facilitate and encourage conservation of resources to delay the
need for additional facilities.
Mitigation Mitigation – Lower the consumption of utilities to
delay need for new facilities
UT-11 Encourage the development of telecommunications infrastructure
city-wide and region-wide.
None N/A
UT-12 Allow location of utility distribution sites within residential areas,
provided they are suitably landscaped and buffered, designed, and
improved to prevent hazards to life and adverse effects on the surrounding
neighborhood.
Adaptation Adaptation – Create more integrated
communities with grids that are resilient to
weather events
UT-13 Use incentives to encourage undergrounding of utility distribution
lines.
Adaptation Adaptation – create more resilient infrastructure
UT-14 Public easements and rights-of-way should be considered multiple-
purpose utility/public facility corridors. New utility systems, including gas,
power, communications and transmission and distribution lines, should be
located in existing public rights-of-way and easements where possible.
None N/A
UT-15 Recognize the inter-jurisdictional characteristics of providing utilities
and work with Snohomish County, other jurisdictions, and area wide
residents.
Adaptation Adaptation – Work with surrounding jurisdictions
to encourage cooperation and overlap of
services
UT-16 Extension of utilities should be carefully staged to achieve orderly,
regular, and compact development.
Mitigation Mitigation – Mitigate the footprint of utility
projects
UT-17 The City/Utility Providers, and school districts should maintain open
communications to keep each other abreast of plans and recommendations
regarding closures, changes, and expansions of schools, streets, utilities,
and other facilities that might impact each other.
None N/A
Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment
Appendix C: Marysville Comprehensive Plan Review | 34
Goals and Policies Adaptation,
Mitigation, or
Both
Notes (Risks Addressed or GHG Sources
Addressed)
UT-18 Process permits and approvals for utilities in a fair and timely
manner, and in accordance with development regulations that ensure
predictability.
None N/A
UT-19 Provide utilities with annual updates of population, employment, and
development projections. The City and utilities will seek to jointly evaluate
actual patterns and rates of growth, and compare such patterns and rates
to demand forecasts.
None N/A
UT-20 Coordinate the formulation and periodic update of the utility element
with adjacent jurisdictions.
None N/A
UT-21 Coordinate and seek to cooperate with other jurisdictions in the
implementation of multi-jurisdictional utility facility additions and
improvements.
None N/A
UT-22 Promote, when feasible, sharing trenches and coordination of
construction timing to minimize construction-related disruptions to the public
and reduce the cost to the public of utility delivery.
Mitigation Mitigation – Sharing trenches can minimize the
impact of construction
UT-23 To facilitate coordination of public and private utility trenching
activities, to promote cost efficiencies, and to reduce disruption in the street
right-of-way, the Public Works Department shall provide timely and effective
notification to interested utilities of road construction and of maintenance
and upgrades of existing roads.
None N/A
UT-24 To ensure that growth is accommodated and adequate utilities are
provided in a timely and cost-effective manner, facility location should be
determined by the needs of facility users and clients, and the requirements
of utility providers. The siting of facilities should address negative impacts
on surrounding neighborhoods. Dispersal among neighborhoods should be
an important consideration, but not a sole determ inant of final siting
decisions. The City’s goal is to foster positive relationships between
facilities and their neighbors, so that facilities will be regarded as assets to
communities.
Adaptation Adaptation – Conduct public relations to tie
communities with their utilities and see them as
their own, understanding them as a piece of their
resilient community
Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment
Appendix C: Marysville Comprehensive Plan Review | 35
Goals and Policies Adaptation,
Mitigation, or
Both
Notes (Risks Addressed or GHG Sources
Addressed)
UT-25 In order that utilities make a positive contribution to the built
environment, the City will consider opportunities to incorporate accessible
open space as an element of major public projects, including public utilities’
facilities. Innovative approaches to planning, design, and development of
these facilities to address existing and growth-related open space needs
will be encouraged.
Adaptation Adaptation – Make utilities multi-use,
encouraging access to open spaces around
utilities
UT-26 Require collocation of telecommunication facilities whenever
possible to minimize the aesthetic impacts of multiple towers in the
community.
Mitigation Mitigation – Mitigate the need for construction
through bundling of utilities together
UT-27 Work with telecommunication providers to construct antennas on
existing structures, and new towers that use materials and structures that
minimize visual impacts to the community.
Mitigation Mitigation – using existing infrastructure lowers
the impact of new construction
Public Facilities and Services
Goals and Policies Adaptation,
Mitigation,
or Both
Notes (Risks Addressed or GHG Sources Addressed)
PS-1 Accommodate new residential, commercial, and industrial
development only when required facilities and services are available prior to
or concurrent with development. Concurrency indicates that facilities are
available within six years of construction of the new development. Payment
of mitigation fees is considered concurrency.
None N/A
PS-2 Assist growth and desired land use types and patterns through the
planning, design, and installation of public services.
None N/A
PS-3 Encourage development in areas where services are already
available before developing areas where new services would be required.
Both Mitigation – Limits emissions by keeping new
development in existing developed areas
Adaptation – Ensures those using new development
have access to public services in case of climate
emergencies
Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment
Appendix C: Marysville Comprehensive Plan Review | 36
Goals and Policies Adaptation,
Mitigation,
or Both
Notes (Risks Addressed or GHG Sources Addressed)
PS-4 Provide urban level facilities and services only in the Urban Growth
Area.
Mitigation Mitigation – Limits emissions by keeping new facilities
and services within UGA, instead of converting
agricultural lands or open space
PS-5 Reduce the per unit cost of public facilities and services by
encouraging urban density development within the Urban Growth Area, and
rural densities outside the Urban Growth Area.
None N/A
PS-6 Siting of proposed public buildings and other facilities should conform
with land use policies and regulations. Local government agencies are not
exempt from their own requirements.
None N/A
PS-7 Locate recreational and community facilities as focal points for the
City.
None N/A
PS-8 The location, design, and construction of public facilities and services
should be compatible with existing and planned land uses and with natural
systems such as drainage ways and shorelines.
Adaptation Adaptation – Reduces risks from flooding and erosion
from extreme rain events
PS-9 Development, residents, businesses, and industries should contribute
their fair share toward mitigating identified impacts on public facilities.
None N/A
PS-10 Implement the International Building Code and related codes,
especially built-in fire protection for each structure in order to reduce the fire
protection burden on the City. The implementation would also include older
buildings, remodeled buildings, and buildings to be expanded that need
updated fire protection facilities.
None N/A
PS-11 Implement National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) codes in
order to govern the maintenance of buildings and premises; safeguard life,
health, property, and public welfare by regulating the storage, use and
handling of dangerous and hazardous materials, substances, processes;
regulate the maintenance of adequate egress facilities; and investigate all
life and fire losses. PS-12 Permit public services and facilities to be located
in any part of the City through
None N/A
PS-12 Permit public services and facilities to be located in any part of the
City through a conditional use permit process.
None N/A