Meeting set for Langley comp plan climate element

Langley residents are invited to weigh in on a segment of the city’s comprehensive plan.

Langley residents are invited to weigh in on a segment of the city’s comprehensive plan known as the climate element.

An open house, designated to help shape the climate element, is planned for 6-7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 26 in Room 126 of the South Whidbey Community Center, located at 723 Camano Ave.

A video of the presentation will be available afterwards on the city’s website, langleywa.org, under the “Community Planning & Building Department” tab.

According to information from a city press release, the climate element is a new requirement which mandates that cities and counties incorporate climate strategies into their comprehensive plan updates.

Besides being shaped by public input, Langley’s climate element will be formed by guidance from city staff, the city council and a number of citizen-led committees, including the Climate Crisis Action Commission, the Planning Advisory Board, the Public Works Advisory Commission, the Dismantling Systemic Racism Commission and the Parks and Open Spaces Commission.

The climate element will build on the community’s existing climate work to establish a vision, goals, and strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance the community’s resilience to both current and future climate impacts, the press release stated. It will feature a set of goals and policies aimed at mitigating climate change.

The initiative is funded by a Climate Planning Grant from the state Department of Commerce.

Questions and comments can be sent to Director of Community Planning Meredith Penny at planning@langleywa.org.