Title
Approval of the Use of the Council Policy Analyst for Work Related to an Economic Ecosystem Study
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
The Finance Committee recommends the use of the Council Policy Analyst, Harvey M Rose Associates, for work related to Economic Ecosystem Study and the Proposed Policy Research Topic form.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to accept the Proposed Policy Research Topic and approve the initiation of work by Harvey M Rose Associates on the Economic Ecosystem Study.
Report
Issue:
Whether to use the contracted Council Policy Analyst to initiate work related to the Economic Ecosystem Study.
Staff Contact:
Mike Reid, Economic Development Director, Community Planning and Development, 360.753.8591
Presenter(s):
None - Consent Calendar Item.
Background and Analysis:
In May 2019 the City Council selected Harvey M Rose Associates to provide policy analyst expertise associated with Council-related goals and objectives. The Finance Committee has been exploring numerous policy matters related to Olympia’s economy, specifically Business and Occupation (B&O) Tax revisions and city-mandated minimum wage. In an effort to make data-driven decisions, a scope of work has been prepared by Harvey M Rose Associates to collect and analyze data, interview external stakeholders, and prepare a final report providing synthesized data on the health, make up, and status of the Olympia economic ecosystem.
The only action at this point is to do analysis, which will draw interest for involvement from varying stakeholders such as business, workforce development, economic development, and labor representation.
The use of the Council Policy Analyst for this project was discussed at the Finance Committee on August 21, 2019, and the “Proposed Policy Research Topic” form was completed and signed by the required three members of Council.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
The only action at this point is to do a study, which will draw interest for involvement from varying stakeholders such as business, workforce development, economic development, and labor representation.
Options:
1. Accept the “Proposed Policy Research Topic” and initiate the work with Harvey M Rose Associates on the Economic Ecosystem Study.
2. Reject the “Proposed Policy Research Topic” and do not initiate the work with Harvey M Rose Associates on the Economic Ecosystem Study.
Financial Impact:
Council has established $100,000 for policy analyst contracted work. If approved the Economic Ecosystems Study work by Harvey M Rose Associates would be $25,435.
Attachments:
Proposed Policy Research Topic
Economic Ecosystems Results Map