Title
Approval of a Resolution Stating the Intention to Change the Olympia Parking and Business Improvement Area Assessment Rate and Setting a Timea and Place for the Hearing on Such Rate Change
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve a Resolution stating the intention to change the Olympia Parking And Business Improvement Area Assessment Rate and setting a time and place for the hearing on such rate change.
Report
Issue:
Whether to approve a Resolution stating the intention to change the Olympia Parking And Business Improvement Area Assessment Rate and setting a time and place for the hearing on such rate change.
Staff Contact:
Mike Reid, Economic Development Director, 360-753-8591
Presenter(s):
Mike Reid, Economic Development Director
Background and Analysis:
The Olympia Parking and Business Improvement Area (PBIA) was established by the City Council in 2005 under Ordinance No. 6375. The PBIA provides funding for various downtown programs, including parking improvements, public safety, beautification efforts, and business support initiatives. An assessment applied to businesses within the PBIA funds these services.
In 2010, the City Council removed the PBIA’s renewal clause, allowing ongoing operations without a mandatory recertification or required program renewal. Other than a boundary modification there having been very few changes to the program as adopted in 2005, including there has been no change to rates, business classifications, or operational practices.
For 2025, the PBIA Advisory Board recommends conducting a comprehensive evaluation of the PBIA’s effectiveness and future role in downtown Olympia. To support this, they suggest setting the 2025 assessment rate to $0 for all ratepayers, utilizing $60,000 of the PBIA’s estimated $85,000 fund balance for program evaluation and downtown beautification, and retaining $25,000 as a reserve.
The 2025 evaluation will engage stakeholders to address questions regarding the PBIA’s structure, funding, and goals to determine the optimal approach to supporting downtown needs.
The proposed 2025 evaluation is expected to include collaboration between the City and the PBIA Advisory Board to conduct a series of stakeholder engagements and listening sessions, exploring key questions and issues such as:
• Is the existing PBIA an effective model for supporting downtown needs?
• What changes would make the PBIA a more effective program?
• What is the role and structure of the Advisory Board
• Should the rates and ratepayer structure be changed?
• Should the program be a business assessed model or a property owner assessed model?
• How should the program administration, invoicing, and fee collection process function?
• What are the program priorities?
• How and who will execute projects utilizing program funding?
The City would hold a public hearing at the December 10 regular meeting of City Council on this matter.
Climate Analysis:
This resolution does not have a specific impact on climate.
Equity Analysis:
The PBIA’s mission to improve downtown Olympia aligns with broader city goals of fostering a safe, accessible, and attractive environment for all residents and businesses. The evaluation process will consider diverse community needs, ensuring equity remains a central priority in any potential restructuring or realignment of PBIA programs.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
Downtown businesses and community members are likely to be interested in the future direction of the PBIA. The evaluation process will offer a platform for their input, addressing issues such as safety, aesthetics, and economic vitality.
Financial Impact:
The resolution recommends no new assessment for 2025. The PBIA will fund evaluation activities and downtown enhancements from its existing balance.
Options:
1. Approve the Resolution.
2. Approve the Resolution with Amendments.
3. Do Not Approve the Resolution.
Attachments:
Resolution