Bainbridge Island city manager Blair King has selected Autumn Salamack as the city’s first Climate Mitigation/Adaptation officer to help the city implement the goals of the Climate Action Plan.

The CAP, approved by City Council in 2020, includes more than 180 actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and prepare the community for the impacts of climate change. The council identified implementation of the CAP as its highest priority item for 2021-22. During the budget process, the council added the climate officer position and provided $500,000 to support CAP implementation.

“Autumn will be establishing precedence in all aspects of this position,” King said. “I am pleased that Autumn is accustomed to being a trailblazer. She has the experience and aptitude to help the city move in the direction of less carbon and improved resilience.”

Salamack will work closely with staff to implement the CAP actions related to code review, green building, utilities, nonmotorized transportation, shoreline management and more. The position will also focus on developing education and outreach materials and programs to promote implementation of the CAP and related programs.

Salamack will also provide technical assistance on climate-related topics to city staff, advisory groups and the community. She will serve as the staff liaison to the Climate Change Advisory Committee, volunteers who provide recommendations to the council.

Salamack has served as Environmental Services coordinator for the city of Shoreline since 2019. She expects to begin her employment with the city in mid-October.