TRI-CITIES, Wash. – The Benton-Franklin Council of Governments (BFCOG), along with Benton County and the cities of Kennewick, Pasco, Richland and West Richland, is collaborating on a climate planning project to address natural hazards such as wildfire smoke, drought and extreme heat.
BFCOG said the initiative will guide future land growth and development in response to climate change. The effort is part of updating each jurisdiction’s Comprehensive Plan by 2026, required under a state law adopted in 2023, BFCOG said in a release.
The project is supported by Washington’s Climate Commitment Act, which allocates funding to reduce climate pollution and improve public health. The draft Tri-Cities Regional Climate Element is open for public review from September 9 to October 8, 2025.
Community members are encouraged to provide feedback to help shape the Final Regional Climate Element. Comments can be submitted online, at public meetings or by mail.
Two public meetings are scheduled:
The first meeting will be in person on September 23, 2025, at Pasco City Hall from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
The second meeting will be virtual on September 29, 2025, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Feedback can also be mailed to the Benton-Franklin Council of Governments at 587 Stevens Drive, Richland, WA 99352.
For more information, contact (509)-943-9185 or (509)-492-5201.
