City of Seattle Awarded $5.5 Million from FEMA to Install Air-Conditioning at Five Library Branches

Seattle is feeling the impacts of climate change now - from the extreme heat earlier this summer, to the dangerous wildfire smoke to come. Extreme weather harms the health and wellness of Seattle residents, particularly communities of color who are hit first and worst.

As the City of Seattle works to aggressively reduce emissions that contribute to climate change, we are also preparing residents for what we know is coming.

Today, the City of Seattle celebrated a $5.5 million award from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to install air-conditioning at five library branches!

"Climate change isn't a mystery - it's here, and we know what we need to do to combat it. Major investments like this one from FEMA allow cities to build resilient infrastructure and community spaces in every neighborhood. We are working fast to create a Seattle that is ready and able to protect all residents during climate crises through safe spaces, like libraries, where people can gather, cool off, and breathe clean air."

- Jessyn Farrell, Director of Seattle Office of Sustainability and Environment (OSE)

The grant will help the City upgrade five Seattle Public Library (SPL) branches - the Columbia, Fremont, Queen Anne, University, and West Seattle locations. Un-air-conditioned libraries are typically the first branches to close during extreme heat events. Now, they will not only be able to remain open, but serve as a safe community space.

The branches will join more than 20 other library locations that serve as cooling and clean-air centers during extreme weather.

"Seattle is proud to be global leader on addressing the climate crisis and a key part of that work is our commitment to centering the communities most impacted by changes like extreme heat and smoke."

- Mayor Harrell

Investments like these are part of the City's approach to prepare for climate impacts before they occur by adapting streets, homes, neighborhoods, businesses, and community structures.

OSE is working with community partners and other City departments to plan for "Resilience Hubs," which serve as a network of trusted, community-serving facilities that can support residents during climate emergencies.

OSE is also prioritizing climate adaptation in the Duwamish Valley through a "Resilience District" in the neighborhoods of South Park and Georgetown to prepare for sea level rise and floods, reduce air pollution, and decarbonize buildings.

Seattle is grateful to FEMA for this grant - the first federal cooling center award received in Washington - and to the State Emergency Management Division (EMD) for its contribution. Mayor Harrell made the announcement at SPL's University Branch alongside FEMA Deputy Administrator Victoria Salinas, FEMA Region 10 Administrator Willie Nunn, Chief Librarian Tom Fay, WA EMD Director Ezelle, and Seattle Office of Emergency Management Director Curry Mayer.

Read the full announcement on Mayor Harrell's blog, and watch the announcement on the Seattle Channel. Check the status of Resilience Hub planning on OSE's website.

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