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Mar
25

King County–Cities Climate Collaboration (K4C)

King County-Cities Collaboration (K4C) is a partnership of local governments working together to accelerate climate action.

We have an urgent need to act boldly as a collective to create a healthier, more just, and resilient region.

That’s why the King County-Cities Climate Collaboration (K4C) exists.

We’re a partnership of local governments of all sizes working together to accelerate climate action. We combine our knowledge, resources, and advocacy power to shape policy and programs that cut harmful greenhouse gas emissions. This helps our region thrive in a changing climate. 

Together we represent more than 86% of the King County population. 

K4C partners work together to reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions by:

  • Sustainably increasing mobility
  • Investing in renewable energy
  • Promoting clean energy use in buildings and vehicles
  • Expanding farm and forest protection.

We design programs with equitable delivery and community participation in the forefront. These projects also include climate preparedness initiatives and legislative measures.

Photo of elected officials at the October 13th, 2023 K4C Elected Official Work Session

K4C partners

Since we began in 2012, the K4C has grown to 23 partners:

  • King County
  • Bellevue
  • Bothell
  • Burien
  • Duvall
  • Issaquah
  • Kenmore
  • Kent
  • Kirkland
  • Lake Forest Park
  • Maple Valley
  • Mercer Island
  • Newcastle
  • Normandy Park
  • North Bend
  • Redmond
  • Renton
  • Sammamish
  • Seattle
  • Shoreline
  • Snoqualmie
  • Tukwila
  • The Port of Seattle

Don't see your city listed? You can still join us!

Map of K4C partner cities, which together represent 1.9 million people and 86% of King County's population.

How to join K4C

All cities in King County are welcome to join K4C. Membership requires:

  • Signing an Interlocal Agreement
  • Modest annual dues (based on the member’s population size) that are invested in projects
  • A commitment to provide staff resources for regular meetings

Members are encouraged to sign the Joint Climate Action Commitments that outline actions and policies to meet our ambitious regional climate targets.

Learn more 

Case studies 

The case studies below showcase how individual K4C partners are working on innovative projects to act on climate, while saving money and investing in their communities. 

K4C Shared comment letters 

We have greater influence when we speak with a collective voice. K4C will weigh in on state and Federal policies that are relevant to our climate goals for energy supply, efficiency, and clean vehicles and fuels. 

While these letters are grounded in the King County – City Joint Commitments, they do not represent the opinion of all K4C partners, only those that have signed on to each document. 

K4C events and elected official work sessions

The K4C and elected officials from partner cities host occasional town halls on issues of current interest to the public.

In May 2022, King County Executive Dow Constantine, Bellevue Council Member Janice Zahn, and Maple Valley Council Member Victoria Schroff hosted a virtual Town Hall to discuss key themes from the recent K4C Elected Official Work Session. Topics of discussion included:

  • State and federal funding opportunities for advancing regional climate priorities
  • Mobility safety as a climate and public health policy
  • Opportunities to reduce regional greenhouse gas emissions with increased urgency
  • Communicating the climate crisis with residents

Watch the Zoom recording (May 10, 2022 Town Hall)

Once or twice a year, elected officials from partner cities meet to discuss climate issues at Elected Official Work Sessions.

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