Title
Public Hearing to Consider an Ordinance Amending Olympia Municipal Code Related to the 2026 Parking Business Improvement Area Rates - First and Final Reading
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Conduct a public hearing and move to approve on first and final reading an ordinance amending Olympia Municipal Code to set the 2026 Parking Business Improvement Area (PBIA) assessment rate at $0.
Report
Issue:
Whether to conduct a public hearing and approve an ordinance amending Olympia Municipal Code section 3.62.030 to set the 2026 Parking Business Improvement Area assessment rate at $0.
Staff Contact:
Jennica Machado, Economic Development Division Director, Community Planning and Economic Development, 360.480.9167
Presenter(s):
Jennica Machado, Economic Development Division Director, Community Planning and Economic Development
Background and Analysis:
The Olympia PBIA was formed in 2005 to fund downtown activities and projects such as, parking improvements, clean and safe services, beautification, public art, wayfinding, business recruitment and retention, and marketing. The PBIA has historically been funded through annual special assessments on businesses within its boundaries.
In 2024, the PBIA Advisory Board determined that a full program evaluation was needed and initiated that process in 2025, with completion expected in February 2026. To allow for evaluation and implementation of recommended changes, the Advisory Board reached a consensus that the PBIA assessment rate for 2026 should be set at $0 so the program can be restructured without levying additional assessments during this transition year.
Under RCW 35.87A.140, any change to a PBIA assessment rate requires Council approval. This ordinance setting the PBIA assessment rate to $0 for 2026, if adopted after the public hearing, shall take effect on January 1, 2026.
Climate Analysis:
There are no climate impacts in relation to this action.
Equity Analysis:
Setting the 2026 PBIA rate at $0 reduces financial burden on downtown businesses. The evaluation and implementation period provides an opportunity to assess and improve equity in the PBIA fee structure.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
The downtown Olympia neighborhood would be interested considering PBIA-funded programs directly impact cleanliness, safety, beautification, and overall economic vitality in the area. No public or neighborhood comments were received.
Financial Impact:
Setting the 2026 PBIA assessment rate to $0 means the City will not collect any assessment revenue for that year.
Options:
1. Conduct a public hearing and move to approve on first and final reading an ordinance amending Olympia Municipal Code to set the 2026 Parking Business Improvement Area assessment rate at $0.
2. Conduct a public hearing and do not move to approve the ordinance amending Olympia Municipal Code section 3.62.030 to set the 2026 Parking Business Improvement Area assessment rate at $0.
3. Take other action.
Attachments:
Ordinance