Title
Briefing on Downtown Strategy Public Process
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Receive the information on the Downtown Strategy Public Process. Briefing only; no action requested.
Report
Issue:
Update on the upcoming public Workshop #2 for the Downtown Strategy, where we are in the process and future steps.
Staff Contact:
Amy Buckler, Senior Planner, Community Planning & Development, abuckler@ci.olympia.wa.us <mailto:abuckler@ci.olympia.wa.us>, 360.580.5847
Presenter(s):
Amy Buckler, Senior Planner
Background and Analysis:
Staff will provide a quick synopsis of what’s been achieved so far on the Downtown Strategy, and what will happen at the February 20 public workshop.
At this stage in the downtown strategy process, we are evaluating ‘big picture’ proposals emphasizing land use, transportation connections and infrastructure, design character and other special features. The public will be asked to help evaluate which proposals are priorities; would have a positive strategic impact toward our downtown goals; and would be realistic. Priority proposals will be integrated into a guiding framework that will inform the remainder of the downtown strategy work.
Once the guiding framework is established, we will have a better picture of the intensity, function and character planned throughout downtown, allowing us to be more objective in our approach to implementation. While similar exercises have been done in past years, there is a need to better align our current approach with the significant market and demographic changes that have occurred in the past decade.
Next Steps:
• Feb 20 - Public Workshop #2, 9:30-Noon at the Olympia Center, followed by an online opportunity
• Feb 25 - Briefing for Land Use & Environment Committee on scope and timeline for development standards associated with the Downtown Strategy (DTS), and review of public process for the upcoming viewshed analysis
• (tentative) April 5 - Council Study Session to review the guiding framework
• Topics for subsequent DTS meetings (dates TBD) - Design elements, viewshed analysis, business and development tools/incentives, clean and safe initiatives; a downtown Parking Strategy that will be integrated with the DTS.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
The public participation timeline for the DTS is attachment #1. A report summarizing the public process and input from Step 1 is attachment #2. Public input from the recent online survey is still in review.
Learn more about the Downtown Strategy at olympiawa.gov/DTS <http://olympiawa.gov/community/downtown-olympia/downtown-strategy.aspx>
Options:
Briefing only
Financial Impact:
$250,000 has been budgeted to form a Downtown Strategy. Additional funds for implementation steps may be appropriated, subject to annual budget decisions.