Title
Consideration of a Referral Regarding the Use of City Council Goal Funds to Support the Olympia Downtown Alliance Downtown Seasonal Lighting Program
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve the allocation of $20,000 in City Council Goal funding to the Olympia Downtown Alliance (ODA) to support the 2026 - 2027 Downtown Seasonal Lighting Program.
Report
Issue:
Whether to approve the allocation of $20,000 in City Council Goal funding to the ODA to support the 2026 - 2027 Downtown Seasonal Lighting Program.
Staff Contact:
Melissa McKee, Assistant to the City Council, 360.753.8443
Presenter(s):
None. Referral Item.
Background and Analysis:
Downtown Olympia experiences significantly reduced daylight during the fall and winter months, creating areas where additional lighting can improve the experience and perception of safety for downtown residents, visitors, employees, and downtown businesses.
The Olympia Downtown Alliance’s seasonal lighting program has provided supplemental lighting in downtown Olympia for more than two decades. Initiated through a City contract in 2002, the program has grown substantially in both scale and popularity. In 2025, seasonal lights were installed in 108 trees throughout the downtown core, providing illumination from October through April.
Although commonly viewed as seasonal décor, the lighting serves an important public-purpose function. Additional illumination in naturally darker months supports a more welcoming environment, encourages pedestrian activity, and complements broader City efforts to maintain a vibrant, active, and safe downtown.
Without continued City funding, the ODA would need to identify alternate resources or reduce the scope of the program.
Climate Analysis:
The seasonal lighting program results in a modest, time-limited increase in electricity use during the darker months of the year. The ODA has indicated that the lights used in the program are LED fixtures, which are generally more energy efficient than traditional lighting, which would help limit the program’s overall climate impact.
By improving comfort and perceived safety in low-light conditions, the supplemental lighting supports pedestrian activity and aligns with broader City goals to maintain a walkable, active, downtown environment.
Equity Analysis:
The seasonal lighting program benefits all downtown users by providing a common public amenity that enhances the experience of public spaces during darker months. The program does not target specific businesses or individuals; rather, it improves accessibility, comfort, and safety for residents, employees, and visitors throughout the downtown core. Continued partnership with the ODA also supports equitable delivery of public-space enhancements by leveraging an organization with established community relationships.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
Seasonal lighting is a valued feature of the downtown environment and is well-received by businesses, residents, and visitors. Its continuity contributes to a welcoming and familiar public realm during the winter months.
Financial Impact:
City Council Goal Funds are an annual allocation of $100,000 that the City Council may use to support emerging issues, opportunities, or community needs that arise during the year. If approved, $20,000 in City Council Goal funds will be provided to Interfaith Works to support this community event.
Options:
1. Move to approve the allocation of $20,000 in City Council Goal funding to the ODA to support the 2026 - 2027 Downtown Seasonal Lighting Program.
2. Move to approve partial allocation of City Council Goal funding to the ODA to support the 2026 - 2027 Downtown Seasonal Lighting Program.
3. Do not provide funding.
Attachments:
Referral
Request Letter