Title
Update on Transition of the Olympia Creative District from the City to the Nonprofit Downtown Olympia Creative District
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Receive an update on the transition of the Olympia Creative District from the City to the Nonprofit Downtown Olympia Creative District.
Report
Issue:
Whether to receive an update on the transition of the Olympia Creative District from the City to the Nonprofit Downtown Olympia Creative District.
Staff Contact:
Jennica Machado, Economic Development Director, Community Development, 360.480.9167
Presenter(s):
Jennica Machado, Economic Development Director
Background and Analysis:
The Olympia Creative District is a 79-block downtown area certified by the Washington State Arts Commission (ArtsWA) under RCW 43.46.100. It exists to build community connection and belonging and to create economic opportunity. The district grew out of the 2017 Downtown Strategy and the Arts, Culture and Heritage (ArCH) Profile. The City Council set its boundaries in 2018 and revised them in 2024. The City received state certification in 2019, one of the first in Washington, and the district is now recertified through 2029.
The Creative District was designed with the intention that the City would incubate and then hand leadership to a local arts organization. The City contracted with the Olympia Downtown Alliance to lead a strategic plan, and more than 650 community members took part. The Downtown Olympia Creative District Strategic Plan was presented to the City Council in February 2023. The plan recommended that one nonprofit arts organization run the district rather than the City.
Emergence of the Downtown Olympia Creative District
In 2024, the Olympia Artspace Alliance (OAA) carried out Strategic Plan items under a City contract including district branding, the boundary update, and input on City wayfinding. In 2025, the Downtown Olympia Creative District (DOCD) formed with Olympia Artspace Alliance as their fiscal sponsor. They set up an advisory committee, launched a website, published a creative directory and held community events. In 2026, the DOCD board finished a strategic planning process and developed a priority focus area roadmap. The roadmap covers governance, revenue, staffing, and community engagement. The DOCD expects to have its own 501(c)(3) status by 2027.
Transition
Moving certification and administration to the DOCD follows the recommendation of the Creative District Strategic Plan and the original intent when the City pursued designation. As a City program, the district has more limited fundraising opportunities. Transitioning leadership to a community-based nonprofit could expand fundraising opportunities and provide the organizational capacity needed to advance the district’s goals.
Recommended Transition Process
ArtsWA has required documentation to transfer district administration. The following steps fulfill the needed requirements:
1. The City Council adopts a resolution authorizing the transfer.
2. The City sends ArtsWA the signed resolution and the DOCD’s letter of acceptance.
3. The City transfers Creative District assets to the DOCD, including ArtsWA-funded light installations.
4. The City requests an ex-officio seat on the DOCD board.
a. This is not required by ArtsWA but is a recommendation that has been discussed with the DOCD.
The purpose of this agenda item is to provide the City Council with an update on the proposed transition of the Olympia Creative District from the City to the nonprofit Downtown Olympia Creative District (DOCD). Staff will review the proposed transition process, answer questions, and address any concerns before bringing a resolution authorizing the transfer to the City Council for consideration at a future meeting.
Climate Analysis:
This item does not have climate impacts.
Equity Analysis:
If the proposed transfer process moved forward, Creative District leadership will be in the stewardship of the creative community it was built to serve. The DOCD has made inclusion one of its core priorities, including outreach to youth and underrepresented creatives. To maintain City collaboration and partnership, the City may request an ex-officio board seat.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
The Olympia Creative District encompasses 79 blocks in downtown Olympia and supports local artists, creative businesses, and community activities. Transitioning leadership to the DOCD is intended to strengthen community involvement and provide opportunities for continued engagement with downtown stakeholders. No direct outreach regarding the proposed transfer has been conducted, and no comments have been received to date.
Financial Impact:
The Economic Development Division has budgeted $7,000 from its current budget for a one-time, one-year contract with the DOCD, contingent on the City Council approving the transfer at a future meeting. The contract would support the DOCD’s first year as the Creative District lead, including organizational readiness, continued community engagement, and compliance with ArtsWA requirements. No expenditure related to this contract is proposed for approval as part of this agenda item.
Options:
1. Receive the update
2. Do not receive the update
3. Receive the update at another time
Attachments:
Creative District Strategic Plan