Title
Work Plan Review and Discussion
Recommended Action
Information Only, no action requested.
Report
Issue:
Discussion on the progress and goals for the Heritage Commission’s annual workplan.
Staff Contact:
Brittany Gillia, Historic Preservation Officer, Community Development Department, 360.753.8427
Presenter(s):
N/A
Background and Analysis:
OVERVIEW- Each year the Heritage Commission develops an annual work plan in January to share with City Council in March. Based on the information below, this year we will be providing an end of year update to Council to inform their work planning process and to share the work that we have completed. This business item will be a discussion led by each subcommittee chair to inform the larger group on their workplan progress and status.
BACKGROUND- On May 14, 2025, the Community Livability and Public Safety Committee (CLPS) discussed the effectiveness of City Council appointed advisory bodies in meeting the communication and community engagement goals for which they were created. Former Assistant City Manager Debbie Sullivan presented an extensive evaluation of the existing bodies that included analysis of advisory body works plans, referrals from Council, attendance and member survey results. Following discussion of the results, CLPS directed staff to continue the evaluation process, and to bring back recommendations
One challenge identified through the evaluation process was effective two-way communication between advisory bodies, and the City Council. This need was also addressed at the June 24, 2026 CLPS meeting with advisory body chairs.
A solution proposed was an annual end of year update from advisory bodies to the Council on their work plan progress and to share the work they have completed, upcoming projects remaining in their current work plan cycles, and share emerging issues or community concerns related to their advisory body’s scope to help inform Council work plan discussions. A standard update form was developed for each advisory body to complete and submit to Council in December to inform their Council work plan discussions in January of the new year.
The purpose of this agenda item is for the Social Justice & Equity Commission (SJEC) to complete the Work Plan Update form and approve it to be forwarded to the City Council to inform their 2027 Council Work Plan discussions.
Climate Analysis:
This is not expected to have an impact on greenhouse gas emissions.
Equity Analysis:
The Heritage Commission is dedicated to providing information to the community about historic homes, the Olympia Heritage Register, cultural heritage projects, and more. As such, the Commission is working to achieve outreach and engagement that reaches new demographics and creates opportunities for all who may be interested to participate in the City’s historic events and heritage projects.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
N/A
Options:
1. Discuss and approve the Heritage Commission work plan update for City Council.
2. Discuss the Heritage Commission work plan update for City Council and revisit the completed draft in November.
3. Do not provide an update on workplan items or community concerns to submit to City Council for 2026.
Financial Impact:
To reduce barriers to community member participation, the City offers stipends of $25 per meeting attended to Advisory Committee members. Those members who certify as low income are eligible to receive stipends of $50 per meeting attended. Advisory Committee members may waive the stipend upon request.
Attachments:
Q4 Work Plan Update Template
2026 OHC Work Plan