Title
Election of Olympia Metropolitan Parks District (OMPD) Advisory Committee Chair and Vice Chair
Recommended Action
Move to elect a Chair and Vice Chair for the Olympia Metropolitan Park District (OMPD) Advisory Committee.
Report
Issue:
Whether to elect a Chair and Vice Chair for the OMPD Advisory Committee.
Staff Contact:
Sylvana Niehuser, Interim Director, Parks, Arts and Recreation, 360.753.8068
Presenter(s):
Sylvana Niehuser, Interim Director, Parks, Arts and Recreation
Background and Analysis:
The Advisory Committee Charter, adopted by the Olympia Metropolitan Park District (OMPD) Board, states:
“The committee shall elect a chair and vice-chair who shall serve one-year terms.”
This election fulfills the annual requirement to appoint committee leadership. The Chair and Vice Chair play a critical role in facilitating meetings, guiding discussion, and serving as key liaisons to staff and the Board.
Climate Analysis:
While the election of committee officers does not have a direct climate impact, the OMPD Advisory Committee plays an oversight role in the use of MPD funding. Many funded projects contribute to climate resilience, including those that promote carbon sequestration and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. A notable example is the Park Stewardship Program, which is fully funded through MPD resources and helps manage and enhance the city’s natural areas.
Equity Analysis:
MPD funding supports programs and capital investments that promote equitable access to parks and recreation throughout Olympia. The City is committed to Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging, and the Parks Department uses an equity-based framework to prioritize projects in underserved neighborhoods. Committee leadership helps ensure that equity considerations remain central in advisory discussions and recommendations.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
The YES Olympia Parks coalition was instrumental in establishing the OMPD and continues to be actively engaged in its operations. Members of the community remain attentive to Advisory Committee activities, including leadership elections, as they reflect the direction and representation of the committee’s work.
Options:
• Elect a Chair and Vice Chair for the OMPD Advisory Committee.
• Decline to elect officers at this time and postpone the decision to a future meeting.
Financial Impact:
There is no direct financial impact associated with the election of OMPD Advisory Committee officers. However, it is important to note that the Olympia Metropolitan Park District (OMPD) levy collects approximately $5-6 million in annual revenue, which funds parks, arts, and recreation programs, as well as facility maintenance and capital development. Committee leadership plays a key role in overseeing the compliance of the Interlocal Agreement funding allocation.
Attachments:
None