Title
Approval of a Resolution Accepting the Transportation Benefit District 2025 Annual Report
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve a Resolution accepting the Transportation Benefit District 2025 Annual Report.
Report
Issue:
Whether to approve the 2025 Transportation Benefit District Annual Report.
Staff Contact:
Kristin Gilkerson, Transportation Senior Program Specialist, Public Works, 360.709.2731
Presenter(s):
None - Consent Calendar Item.
Background and Analysis:
A Transportation Benefit District (TBD) is a quasi-municipal corporation and independent taxing district. It was created for the sole purpose of acquiring, constructing, providing, and funding transportation improvements within the district.
The Olympia City Council established a TBD in 2008. The boundaries of the TBD are identical to the City limits. A $40 TBD fee is collected at the time of renewal for all registered vehicles within City limits.
In 2023, Olympia City Council passed a TBD sales tax of 0.1%. This revenue is used for pedestrian, bicycle, and other active transportation projects. Approximately $3.1M is collected annually and collection began in April 2024. Starting in 2025, projects have been funded by this revenue. The preliminary 2027-2032 Capital Facilities Plan will reflect the use of these funds on several bicycle and pedestrian projects.
The City Council, or City Staff at the City Council’s direction, must issue an annual Transportation Benefit District report pursuant to the requirements of RCW 36.73.160(2) and Olympia Municipal Code 12.14.020(D). The annual report provides information on transportation improvement costs, expenditures, revenues, and construction schedules. Each year, after adoption, the annual report is provided to newspapers of record in the District and posted on the City’s webpage describing the TBD.
As of December 31, 2025, the TBD has $6,382,487 of available resources. This reflects an ending balance of $13,159,917 minus the financial commitments of $6,777,430 to cover approved capital projects. TBD funds are not required to be spent in the year they are received so funds accumulate to be allocated to future transportation projects.
Climate Analysis:
In the Thurston Region, transportation is the second largest source of greenhouse gas emissions. One way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions is to make walking, biking, and transit more safe and inviting. When the City builds sidewalks and bike lanes, it’s easier for people to get around Olympia without a car. To the degree that high-quality pavement surfaces make walking, biking, and transit more safe and inviting, pavement preservation can also help reduce car trips and overall emissions.
Equity Analysis:
A more efficient, multimodal, and well-maintained transportation system is more reliable and increases options to access jobs, services, and social connections.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
The annual report is published on the City’s website for the public to review.
Financial Impact:
There is no direct financial impact associated with adopting the annual report. The report documents the Transportation Benefit District’s revenues, expenditures, financial commitments, and available resources. As of December 31, 2025, the TBD had $6,382,487 in available resources, after accounting for $6,777,430 in commitments for approved capital projects. Adoption of the report does not authorize additional expenditures or allocate new funding.
Options:
1. Move to approve a Resolution accepting the Transportation Benefit District 2025 Annual Report. The annual report satisfies the requirements of the TBD charter.
2. Do not approve the Transportation Benefit District 2025 Annual Report as proposed. Direct staff to make Council recommended adjustments.
3. Take other action.
Attachments:
Resolution
Transportation Benefit District Annual Report