Title
Special Session Approval
Recommended Action
Recommend approving a special session if continued discussion is required for the PBIA Evaluation Study final recommendation.
Report
Issue:
Whether there is additional time needed to discuss the evaluation study and potentially move forward with contingencies to the evaluation presented.
Staff Contact:
Jennica Machado, Economic Development Director, Community Planning & Economic Development, 360.753.8591
Presenter(s):
Jennica Machado, Economic Development Director, Community Planning & Economic Development, 360.753.8591
Background and Analysis:
During the September 3, 2025 meeting, the PBIA Advisory Board unanimously voted to move forward with the RFP presented by City staff to hire a consultant to conduct an evaluation of the Parking Business Improvement Area. After a selection process was conducted, Uncommon Bridges was the candidate selected to conduct the evaluation. Uncommon Bridges first met with the PBIA Board on November 5, 2025 to kickstart the project.
Uncommon Bridges will have presented their final draft of their evaluation findings that have been developed after months of stakeholder engagement and research. The presentation will have included recommendations for administrative changes, rate structure, and implementation.
Having been presented with a final draft, the Board may need additional time to discuss their proposed recommendation to Council. A special session would enable the PBIA Advisory Board to continue discussion before the evaluation moves forward to the Community Livability and Public Safety Committee (CLPS) and the full City Council.
Climate Analysis:
The decision on whether to move forward with the recommendation or not, does not directly impact climate goals but could influence future decisions affecting climate sustainability downtown.
Equity Analysis:
The PBIA evaluation being looked over by the PBIA Board of downtown business owners allows for a lens into whether the recommendation presented is equitable for downtown businesses.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
The downtown Olympia neighborhood may be interested considering it directly impacts funding to support downtown cleanliness, safety, beautification, and overall economic vitality in the area. Additionally, downtown business owners will be directly impacted if there are any eventual changes in PBIA fees.
Options:
1. Move forward to approve a special session for further discussion
2. Do not move forward with a special session.
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 assesses the PBIA fund and will identify recommendations for changes to its fee structure
If approval is provided to implement the report’s road map of actions, a funding source will need to be identified to support further work.