Title
Briefing on the Olympia Strong Work Plan
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Receive a briefing on the Olympia Strong Work Plan.
Report
Issue:
Whether to receive a briefing on the Olympia Strong Work Plan.
Staff Contact:
Jennica Machado, Economic Development Director, Community Planning and Economic Development, 360.480.9167
Presenter(s):
Jennica Machado, Economic Development Director
Background and Analysis:
Background
The Olympia Strong plan was developed in response to the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent recovery efforts. Building on the regional Thurston Strong initiative, Olympia Strong identifies local priorities to expand economic opportunity, improve resiliency, and address disparities experienced by residents and businesses. Finalized in late 2024, the plan provides pathways to economic opportunity by aligning City policies, programs, and partnerships with community identified needs.
Implementation
Implementation is carried out across multiple City departments and external partners, including nonprofits and educational institutions. Initiatives are tracked through an internal implementation matrix that identifies roles, timelines, and funding considerations. Initiatives across workforce and education, housing, business support, and community are at various stages of completion, underway, or planned.
Upcoming Work
Proposed efforts focus on advancing annual, ongoing, and near-term initiatives. Consideration for prioritization included assessing capacity, funding needs and available resources, the potential to leverage partnerships, and the ability to build on existing infrastructure. The study session will provide an overview of the plan, highlight progress to date, and outline upcoming and proposed work.
Climate Analysis:
The Olympia Strong plan was drafted with consideration of the City’s climate goals. Several initiatives support mitigation strategies including land use efficiency and supporting green job development.
Equity Analysis:
The Olympia Strong plan is intended to expand economic opportunity for residents and businesses and is expected to provide broad community benefits through workforce development, housing, and business support initiatives. While benefits are expected to be widely distributed, outcomes will depend on inclusive implementation to ensure historically marginalized populations are able to access programs and resources. The plan is anticipated to support more equitable economic outcomes by addressing barriers to participation and expanding access to opportunity.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
No neighborhood or community concerns are identified. No public comments were received.
Financial Impact:
Olympia Strong initiatives span multiple City departments, with a variety of existing funding sources already supporting different efforts.
Options:
1. Receive a briefing on the Olympia Strong Work Plan.
2. Do not receive a briefing on the Olympia Strong Work Plan.
3. Take other action.
Attachments:
Olympia Strong Report
Implementation Matrix
Implementation Summary of Annual, Ongoing and Near-Term Initiatives