Title
Approval of Recommended Updates to the City Council Guidebook
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve recommended updates to the City Council Guidebook and forward to the full City Council for consideration.
Report
Issue:
Whether to approve recommended updates to the City Council Guidebook and forward to the full City Council for consideration.
Staff Contact:
Susan Grisham, Assistant to the City Manager, 360.753.8441
Presenters:
Susan Grisham, Assistant to the City Manager
Background and Analysis:
The City Council Guidebook’s primary purpose is to serve as a reference guide for Councilmembers. It also contains useful information on common practices and policies as it relates to the City of Olympia.
On December 5, 2024, the City Council approved updates to the City Council Guidebook. There are several new updates to discuss. Over the past year, the City began the process of transitioning court services to Thurston County and an Assistant to the City Council position was created. These two items necessitate updates to the guidebook.
Climate Analysis:
The City Council Guidebook is not expected to have an impact on greenhouse gas emissions.
Equity Analysis:
The City Council Guidebook includes the following statement: The Olympia City Council is committed to making Olympia a safe and equitable place for all. We cannot make meaningful progress unless we include those most impacted by institutional and structural racism in decision making.
As leaders in our community, it is our responsibility to champion and defend policies and practices that reduce inequities and provide the transparency and accountability that earns trust.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
Neighborhoods or other communities were not involved in the update of the City Council Guidebook.
Financial Impact:
No financial impact
Options:
1. Move to approve recommended updates to the 2025 City Council Guidebook and forward to the full Council for consideration.
2. Move to approve recommended updates to the 2025 City Council Guidebook based on feedback from the Committee and forward to the full Council for consideration.
3. Do not approve the recommended updates to the 2025 City Council Guidebook and schedule a future meeting for discussion.
Attachments:
Revisions to the City Council Guidebook (tracked changes)
Council Guidebook Update Summary