Title
Approval of the Parking and Business Improvement Area Evaluation Recommendations
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
On March 25, 2026, the Parking and Business Improvement Area PBIA Evaluation was presented to the Community Livability and Public Safety (CLPS) Committee. The Committee recommended that Council approve the Evaluation recommendations and proceed with the roadmap implementation plan or “Phase Two”.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve the Evaluation recommendations and proceed with the roadmap implementation plan or “Phase Two”.
Report
Issue:
Whether to approve the Evaluation recommendations and proceed with the roadmap implementation plan or “Phase Two”.
Staff Contact:
Jennica Machado, Economic Development Director, Community Planning & Economic Development, 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 emerged around the equity of the assessment structure, program sustainability, and administrative complexity.
In 2024, the PBIA Advisory Board discussed potential next steps, including the possibility of dissolving the district. After extensive discussion, however, the Advisory Board determined that further evaluation was needed to assess current conditions and identify potential paths forward for the PBIA. City Council similarly indicated that a comprehensive evaluation would be beneficial.
In late 2025, the evaluation project was initiated, and the PBIA Advisory Board selected Uncommon Bridges as the project consultant. The evaluation examined the PBIA structure, operations, fee, and administrated processes and identified potential recommendations for improvement based on best practices from comparable downtowns. Uncommon Bridges has now completed the evaluation and will present its final findings and recommendations.
The PBIA Advisory Board received the final recommendations at their monthly meeting on March 4, 2026. The Board voted to recommend that City Council approve implementation of the report’s roadmap actions by advancing to Phase Two. The recommendation included a contingency requesting that the City match the Advisory Board’s use of PBIA funds to support the Phase Two scope of work.
On March 25, 2026, the PBIA Evaluation was presented to the Community Livability and Public Safety (CLPS) Committee. The Committee recommended that Council approve the Evaluation recommendations, meaning to proceed with the roadmap implementation plan or “Phase Two”. Any vote to change the rate and administrative structure would be brought forward for Council approval at the conclusion of Phase Two, after additional proposal development and stakeholder outreach is conducted.
Climate Analysis:
The PBIA evaluation does not directly affect climate mitigation sectors. The project is focused on evaluating the PBIA’s fees, structure, governance, and administrative processes to determine whether and how the district could be restructured to continue operating.
Advancing the project to Phase Two would support planning and stakeholder engagement to determine the PBIA’s future structure and operations. While the evaluation itself does not result in direct climate impacts, future PBIA activities could potentially support sustainability initiatives for downtown businesses depending on future priorities and work plans.
Equity Analysis:
Business and property owners within the PBIA district may benefit from the evaluation by gaining a clearer understanding of how the program operates and identifying opportunities to improve fairness, transparency, and effectiveness of the district. Advancing to Phase Two would also provide an opportunity for broader stakeholder engagement to ensure the perspectives of affected businesses are incorporated into potential changes.
The evaluation itself does not impose new financial burdens; however, the existing PBIA assessment structure has raised concerns about equity among assessed businesses. Phase Two planning and engagement would allow stakeholders to explore these concerns and identify potential changes that could create a more equitable fee structure.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
The downtown Olympia neighborhood, specifically the business community, may be interested in the evaluation considering PBIA funded programs directly impact cleanliness, safety, beautification, and overall economic vitality in the area. Additionally, any future change in rates may directly impact downtown business owners within the PBIA ratepayer zones.
Financial Impact:
The PBIA evaluation was conducted by contractor, Uncommon Bridges. The contract was set to not exceed $30,000 and is funded by the City’s annual budget. The project assessed the PBIA fund and identified recommendations for changes to its fee and administrative structure.
If the project moves forward for Phase Two, additional funds will be required to support the scope of work. An anticipated budget for Phase Two would be $50,000. The PBIA Advisory Board indicated they will approve use of the PBIA Fund to cover up to half of the project costs. The Economic Development Fund has been identified as a source for City funds for the remaining portion of the project.
Options:
1. Move to approve the approve the Evaluation recommendations and proceed with the roadmap implementation plan or “Phase Two”.
2. Move to approve the Parking and Business Improvement Area Evaluation Recommendations with modifications.
3. Do not approve the Parking and Business Improvement Area Evaluation Recommendations. If the recommendations are not approved, there is not an identified sustainable path for continuation of the Parking and Business Improvement Area.
Attachments:
Report