Title
Downtown Welcome Center and Ambassador Program Update
Recommended Action
City Manager Recommendation:
Report and discussion only.
Report
Issue:
City and Ambassador Program staff will brief the General Government Committee on the upcoming Downtown Welcome Center and Ambassador Program.
Staff Contact:
Brian Wilson, Downtown Liaison, Community Planning & Development, 360.570.3798
Presenter(s):
Brian Wilson, Downtown Liaison, Community Planning & Development, 360.570.3798
Sharon Holley, Program Manager, Downtown Ambassador Program, 360.570.3900
Background and Analysis:
Downtown Welcome Center
During 2015 budget discussions, Mayor ProTem Jones proposed and City Council allocated $20,000 for a Storefront Partnership to be paid from the Parking Fund. The specific proposal states:
Storefront Partnership - $20,000; Partner with PBIA, VCB, Ambassadors, and ODA to create a "welcoming center" in the core of downtown. The storefront would provide information for visitors and newcomers, would provide an open presence for people looking for local resources or attractions, would support office activities for any of the four organizations, plus Police Volunteers, special events staff, and others.
Staff met with representatives from the Parking & Business Improvement Area (PBIA), Visitor & Convention Bureau (VCB), Downtown Ambassador Program (DAP), and Olympia Downtown Association (ODA) to discuss how all of the organizations can work together to establish a "Downtown Welcome Center" and fulfill the vision provided by Council.
At the January 28, 2015 General Government meeting City and DAP staff presented a model for the Downtown Welcome Center that reflected Mayor ProTem Jones' vision. Staff made clear that the space will not serve as a social service drop-in center, intake center, or public restroom. The committee recommended approval of the Welcome Center proposal to full Council. City Council voted unanimously to approve the proposal, as written, at their February 10, 2015 business meeting.
All partnering agencies signed a memorandum of understanding outlining the responsibilities of each organization in March, 2015.
A steering committee was formed with representatives from the PBIA, ODA, VCB, Ambassador Program, City Council, and City staff. This committee meets weekly to discuss the design of the Welcome Center and service scope. Volunteer recruitment for Welcome Center staff has begun. The PBIA marketing and ODA promotion committees have agreed to tailor Spring advertising toward promotion of the Welcome Center.
Staff will present design images to the General Government committee and answer any questions.
The Grand Opening of the Welcome Center occurred on April 24, 2015 at 10:00 AM, hosted by the Thurston County Chamber of Commerce. Since the opening, hundreds of visitors have visited the center.
Downtown Ambassador Program
The Downtown Ambassador program is a partnership between the City and Capital Recovery Center. The program, in its third program year, provides cleaning and ambassador services to Downtown Olympia. The Clean team operates 5 days/week and focuses on maintaining storefronts, sidewalks, and abating graffiti. The Ambassadors serve as goodwill ambassadors to downtown Olympia dividing their time between tourists/visitors, storefront owners, and referring at-risk individuals to social services.
Sharon Holley, Ambassador Program Manager, and Ann Ryder, Executive Director of Capital Recovery Center, will present performance statistics, goals for Summer 2015, and answer committee questions.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
The Ambassador Program and Downtown Welcome Center provide an informational and welcoming presence in Downtown Olympia. The new Welcome Center will be a space where residents and visitors can learn about local attractions, events, and city-related information.
Options:
N/A - Report Only
Financial Impact:
The Welcome Center and Ambassador Program are already budgeted for 2015.