NOVEMBER 2015  
Mayor Murray with Duwamish Valley Youth Corps on Arbor Day (Oct 17)
Hello Friends and Partners...
This year has been a watershed year for climate progress. Last month, the EPA issued new rules limiting carbon pollution from existing power plants. Today the President formally rejected Keystone XL, citing US global leadership on climate. In less than a month world leaders will convene in Paris to commit to a legally binding and global agreement limiting carbon emissions. What cannot be underestimated in all of these events is the role cities play in advancing this progress. Cities are where are bold goals (like becoming carbon neutral by 2050) get embraced, new strategies are piloted, and where residents get engaged. I am honored to be part of a city that is known for being a leader on climate and one that will continue to demonstrate that a climate friendly city is a healthy and thriving city.  
Jessica Finn Coven, Director
Office of Sustainability & Environment 
 
KEY SUSTAINBILITY UPDATES
Smart Growth + Housing Affordability = Climate Action
Seattle is laying the groundwork for how we grow as a city for decades to come. Transportation investments, land use decisions, and housing affordability determine if we will meet our climate goals. Read more about how these strategies are connected to climate here. 
Seattle Launches Two Projects to Help "Green Georgetown"
On Arbor Day (Oct. 17) Mayor Murray announced two innovative tree planting projects to help improve air quality and green infrastructure gaps in Georgetown. The first is a pavement removal and tree planting of three blocks along Corson Avenue. The second involves amending poor soils and tree planting along E. Marginal Way to provide a buffer between residential and industrial areas. More info here.
City Designing Support for Extreme Heat Events
To better understand how we can support residents in Chinatown/International District and Rainier Beach before and during extreme heat events (which are becoming more frequent due to a changing climate), OSE convened two community gatherings to learn more about their needs and expectations during such events. Learn more here.


Join Us
Roundtable on Equity & Social Justice - Thursday, Nov 12
 
Join OSE and other organizations for a roundtable discussion on how we are working to be more equitable and inclusive as well as meaningfully engaging and partnering with communities to develop solutions to environmental and social issues. 


The Office of Sustainability & Environment collaborates with a wide range of stakeholders to develop innovative environmental solutions that foster equitable, vibrant communities and shared prosperity.