Title
Explanation & Attachments
Report
Issue:
Explanation of draft proposals and materials for the February 20 public workshop
Staff Contact:
Amy Buckler, Senior Planner, Community Planning & Development, 360-570-5847
Background:
To prepare for the meeting, members are asked to review the attached materials. The focus of the meeting is preparation for the February 20 public workshop. John Owen and Rachel Miller from MAKERS will explain how the attached proposals were conceived and will be evaluated leading to establishment of a guiding framework for the downtown strategy. Through group discussion and an exercise, the work group will advise staff & consultants on how to improve the draft proposals, workshop materials and evaluation method. To ensure adequate time for this discussion, a special focus on downtown housing has been postponed.
At this stage in the downtown strategy process, we are evaluating proposals emphasizing land uses (“the big picture”), along with coordinated proposals for transportation connections & infrastructure, character and other special features. Through evaluation are ultimately trying to determine:
• Which proposals will move our downtown goals forward, and are realistic?
• Which should be priorities for the next 6 years of implementation? Which will garner the greatest strategic impact?
• How could the proposals be improved for a guiding framework?
The work group will participate in a small group exercise to test the draft materials that will be used for Workshop #2. These materials include proposals (attachment 1), analysis (attachment 2), and a response sheet for facilitators, which individuals also have the option of filling out (attachment 3).
Proposals are depicted on four category sheets:
1. The Big Picture: proposed areas of emphasis for residential, mixed use, retail, entertainment, etc.
2. Transportation Connectivity & Infrastructure: proposed streets and sidewalks to focus enhancements
3. Special Features: proposed other elements that would be needed to implement the above
4. Character: photos depicting the proposed type and intensity of various developments, the focus on historic character as a tourism goal, etc.
The specific proposals, numbered on each sheet, will be evaluated. Proposals are also reflected through one of three primary lenses: downtown as a place to visit, live and work. All three functions are important for downtown, so we are not trying to choose between these functions, rather to evaluate all the specific proposals shown. Some proposals may benefit all three functions, thus should be noted for the strategic opportunity. Following the Feb 20 workshop, top proposals will be integrated into a guiding framework for the remaining steps of the downtown strategy.
Once the guiding framework is established, we will have better information about the intensity, function and character planned throughout downtown, thus can take a more objective approach to implementation. A draft list of potential implementation steps is included as attachment 4, and downtown strategy relationships to other plans and efforts is attachment 5.
Workshop #2 will be held on Saturday, February 20 at the Olympia Center. Work group members are encouraged to participate as small group facilitators or note-takers. Please let staff know if you are available.