Title
Olympia Farmland Work Group Report
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
The Olympia Farmland Work Group recommends the Committee receive and discuss the report and provide further direction to staff and the Work Group.
City Manager Recommendation:
Receive and discuss report. Provide further direction to staff and Work Group.
Report
Issue:
Whether to receive a report from the Olympia Farmland Work Group on potential approaches to supporting urban agriculture in the City of Olympia and its urban growth area.
Staff Contact:
Leonard Bauer, Director, Community Planning and Development, 360.753.8206
Presenter(s):
Dani Madrone, Councilmember and Chair of Land Use and Environment Committee
Leonard Bauer, Director, Community Planning and Development
Background and Analysis:
On June 2, 2020, a referral to the Land Use and Environment Committee (LUEC) was accepted by the Olympia City Council. The referral requested a proposal be developed for review by the LUEC and staff on a policy for preserving or mitigating the loss of farmland.
With concurrence of the LUEC members, Chair Madrone convened the Olympia Farmland Work Group consisting of herself and Councilmember Parshley; Olympia Community Planning & Development and Parks, Arts & Recreation Directors; staff and board members from the Thurston Conservation District and Community Farmland Trust. The Work Group met monthly for the past year.
Initial work focused on criteria for identifying existing agricultural land within Olympia and its urban growth area. Staff from the Thurston Conservation District completed an analysis combining several data sources. It identified parcels totaling approximately 450 acres of active and potential farmland.
The Work Group’s work program also included the following tasks:
1. Monitor Thurston County Agricultural Advisory Committee process - Ongoing
2. Review Farm Friendly Assessment - April 2021
3. Review Policy Tools from Thurston County Agriculture Survey for Applicability inside urban growth area - April 2021
4. Receive a Summary of Current Activities and Tools of Local Agriculture Organizations - May 2021
5. Review Effective Tools from Other Cities and Counties - June 2021
6. Analyze Data and Form Initial Recommendations for LUEC - June 2021
The Work Group’s draft report is attached. Work Group members will present initial recommendations for continued work on preserving or mitigating loss of urban farmland at the LUEC meeting.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
There is significant interest in urban agriculture in the community. This is reflected in the City of Olympia Comprehensive Plan, Sustainable Thurston Plan and the Regional Climate Adaption and Mitigation Plans.
Options:
1. Direct continuation of work as recommended by the Work Group.
2. Accept the Work Group report and direct no further work on the recommendations.
3. Request specific additional tasks be completed by the Work Group.
Financial Impact:
None at this time. Staff and Councilmember participation has been within the existing City budget. Implementation of some of the recommendations may require additional City funding.
Attachments:
Olympia Farmland Work Group Report
Appendix A Olympia Farmland Analysis
Appendix B Farm-Friendly Assessment
Appendix C Review of Existing Organizations
Appendix D Municipal Food Planning and Production