Title
Parking and Business Improvement Area Preliminary Evaluation Briefing
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Receive a briefing on the preliminary Parking and Business Improvement Area (PBIA) Evaluation.
Report
Issue:
Whether to receive a briefing on the preliminary PBIA Evaluation.
Staff Contact:
Jennica Machado, Economic Development Director, 360.480.9167
Presenter(s):
Jennica Machado, Economic Development Director
Brian Scott, Founding Partner, Uncommon Bridges
Background and Analysis:
The PBIA Board was established to develop an annual recommendation to the City Council about how to invest the PBIA Fund. In recent years, concerns have grown around the equity of the assessment structure and administrative complexity.
In 2024, the PBIA Advisory Board and City Council determined that a comprehensive review was needed. The evaluation was initiated in late 2025, with Uncommon Bridges selected by the PBIA Advisory Board as the project consultant to conduct the evaluation.
The evaluation assesses PBIA fee structure, operations, administration, and identifies recommendations for improvement. Uncommon Bridges is partway through the project and will share preliminary recommendations and best practices.
Climate Analysis:
This agenda item is not expected to result in climate impacts.
Equity Analysis:
The PBIA evaluation provides an opportunity to assess and improve equity regarding PBIA fee structure.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
The downtown Olympia neighborhood may be interested considering PBIA funded programs directly impact cleanliness, safety, beautification, and overall economic vitality in the area. No public or neighborhood comments were received.
Financial Impact:
The evaluation is being conducted by contractor, Uncommon Bridges. The contract is not to exceed $30,000 and is funded by the City’s annual budget. The project is assessing the PBIA fund and will identify recommendations for changes to its fee structure.
Options:
1. Receive a briefing on the preliminary Parking and Business Improvement Area (PBIA) Evaluation.
2. Do not receive a briefing on the preliminary Parking and Business Improvement Area (PBIA) Evaluation.
3. Receive the briefing at another time.
Attachments:
None