ENVIRONMENT & STORMWATER MANAGEMENT

While much of Lakewood is filled with natural beauty, the fact is that many Lakewood residents live in areas designated as environmentally disadvantaged by state and federal organizations due to our proximity to major corridors and military bases, the historical industrial use of the lands which have left behind multiple brownfields in the city, and the existence of "concrete jungle" areas without sufficient trees to reduce urban heat. 

Additionally, some areas in our community do not have sufficient stormwater management. This can cause flooding in residential areas and create dangerous road conditions. I grew up in one of the rainiest parts of Southwest Washington that also did not have sufficient stormwater management. I am passionate about improving stormwater management. This is more than just an issue of making improvements to infrastructure.

There's more we can do to improve our stormwater management through community action, such as raingardens and rain barrel education and outreach. Uncontrolled stormwater on individual properties can cause flooding and damage to homes. Elderly individuals often are not able to work in their yards or address stormwater management concerns and their properties face potential water damage from standing water. As a community we can organize events and provide education on raingardens, bioswales, permeable ground covering, rainwater collection, and other stormwater management practices that residents can do on their own properties.  

As City Council, I will use my experience with the Washington State Growth Management Act, Clean Water Act, National Environmental Policy Act, State Environmental Policy Act, National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Permitting, Combined Sewer Overflow Reduction, Green Infrastructure, and Stormwater Management to address environmental concerns in our city.