Title
Approval of the 2027 City of Olympia Legislative Agenda
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve the 2027 City of Olympia Legislative Agenda.
Report
Issue:
Whether to approve the 2027 City of Olympia Legislative Agenda.
Staff Contact:
Jay Burney, City Manager, 360.753.8740
Presenter(s):
Jay Burney, City Manager
Kyla Shkerich Blair, Principal, Capitol Path Consulting
Daniel Pailthorp, Senior Associate, Capitol Path Consulting
Background and Analysis:
The City of Olympia engages in state legislative advocacy to advance the City’s policy, funding, and regulatory priorities and to represent the interests of the Olympia community before the Washington State Legislature.
The City contracts with Capitol Path Consulting to provide state legislative consulting and lobbying services. The consulting team works with City staff and the City Council to identify legislative opportunities, develop advocacy strategies, and communicate the City’s priorities to state legislators and other policymakers.
The proposed 2027 Legislative Agenda reflects priorities identified by the City Council and Executive Team and builds on the City’s ongoing legislative advocacy. At this meeting, staff and Capitol Path Consulting will present the proposed agenda for City Council consideration and approval.
The proposed agenda focuses on three primary areas: projects, housing and homelessness, and local government fiscal sustainability.
The City’s proposed priorities include seeking $6.5 million in state investment to support additional housing and accelerate the transition of approximately 270 remaining residents of The Jungle encampment, supporting the Department of Ecology’s $78.3 million budget request for the Deschutes Estuary Project for the 2027-2029 biennium, and seeking $14 million for Capitol Way/Boulevard Corridor Improvements. The corridor improvements would include lane reconfiguration, bicycle facilities, pedestrian enhancements, and bus stop improvements.
The City will advocate for a coordinated statewide response to homelessness. Additional priorities include maintaining Encampment Resolution Program funding with an increase, increasing flexibility in regional housing funding to support movement among housing alternatives, and clarifying eviction processes for residents transitioning from interim and transitional housing while protecting tenant rights and providing housing providers with clear direction.
The proposed agenda includes protecting city revenues from the impacts of the Millionaires Tax by ensuring the Local Government Mitigation Fund is adequate to offset impacts to local revenues. The City will also advocate for removing the 2029 sunset on new sales tax categories, addressing the assessed-value threshold affecting fire protection contracts for state facilities, and supporting predictable, formula-based Climate Commitment Act funding.
Climate-related priorities include sustaining funding for the Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates program and establishing or modifying grant programs to support implementation of adopted Comprehensive Plan climate elements.
In addition to these priorities, the City will continue working with the 22nd Legislative District delegation and state agencies to advance Olympia’s interests and identify opportunities for collaboration. Planned activities include discussions with the Department of Commerce regarding Climate Commitment Act funding, a legislative tour highlighting Olympia’s housing pipeline and nonprofit partners, continued work with the delegation on potential legislative solutions related to fire protection contracts, and potential committee work session discussions regarding the Encampment Resolution Program.
The 2027 Washington State Legislative Session is scheduled to begin January 11, 2027, and run for 105 days. Approval of the 2027 Legislative Agenda will provide staff and Capitol Path Consulting with direction to advocate for the City’s priorities throughout the legislative session and coordinate with legislators, state agencies, and other partners.
Climate Analysis:
This item does not directly affect climate. However, the proposed legislative agenda includes advocacy for predictable Climate Commitment Act funding to support home electrification rebates and implementation of adopted Comprehensive Plan climate elements.
Equity Analysis:
This item does not directly affect equity. However, the proposed legislative agenda includes priorities related to housing stability, homelessness response, tenant protections, and access to infrastructure and community resource
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
There are no specific community concerns regarding this item. The proposed legislative priorities address issues affecting Olympia residents, neighborhoods, businesses, and community organizations, including housing and homelessness, transportation infrastructure, environmental restoration, climate initiatives, and local government services.
public/neighborhood comments were received or if we did surveys or other direct outreach, list a summary of the information in this section.]
Financial Impact:
$52,0000 is allocated for State lobbying services in the general fund budget.
Options:
1. Move to approve the City of Olympia 2027 Legislative Agenda.
2. Move to approve, with amendments, the City of Olympia 2027 Legislative Agenda with amendments.
3. Do not approve the City of Olympia 2027 Legislative Agenda.
Attachments:
Draft 2027 City of Olympia Legislative Agenda