Title
Approval of a Resolution Accepting the Transportation Benefit District 2024 Annual Report
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve the Resolution accepting the Transportation Benefit District 2024 Annual Report
Report
Issue:
Whether to approve the 2024 Transportation Benefit District Annual Report, as required by Charter.
Staff Contact:
Sophie Stimson, Transportation Director, Public Works, 360.753.8497
Presenter(s):
None - Consent Calendar Item.
Background and Analysis:
A Transportation Benefit District (TBD) is a quasi-municipal corporation and independent taxing district. It was created for the sole purpose of acquiring, constructing, providing, and funding transportation improvements within the district.
The Olympia City Council established a TBD in 2008. The boundaries of the TBD are identical with the City limits. A $40 TBD fee is collected at the time of renewal for all registered vehicles within City limits.
In 2023, Olympia City Council passed a TBD sales tax of 0.1%. The new revenue will be used for pedestrian, bicycle, and other active transportation projects. Approximately $3.1M is collected annually and collection began in April 2024. Starting in 2025, projects will be funded by this revenue. The preliminary 2026-2031 Capital Facilities Plan will reflect the use of these funds on several bicycle and pedestrian projects.
The City Council, or City Staff at the City Council’s direction, shall issue an annual Transportation Benefit District report, pursuant to the requirements of RCW 36.73.160(2), as required by Olympia Municipal Code 12.14.020(D). The annual report indicates the status of transportation improvement costs, expenditures, revenues, and construction schedules to the public and the newspapers of record in the District. Each year, the annual report is posted on the City’s website, on the page describing the TBD.
As of December 31, 2024, the financial status of the TBD was $5,683,296 of available resources. This reflects an ending balance of $9,357,016 minus the financial commitments of $3,673,721 to cover approved capital projects. TBD funds are not required to be spent in the year they are received.
Climate Analysis:
In the Thurston Region, transportation is the second largest source of greenhouse gas emissions. One way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions is to make walking, biking, and transit more safe and inviting. When we build sidewalks and bike lanes, we make it easier for people to get around our city without a car. To the degree that high-quality pavement surfaces make walking, biking, and transit more safe and inviting, pavement preservation can also help reduce car trips and overall emissions.
Equity Analysis:
A more efficient, multimodal, and well-maintained transportation system is more reliable and increases options to access jobs, services, and social connections.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
The annual report is published on the City’s website for the public to review.
Financial Impact:
There is no financial impact associated with adopting the report.
Options:
1. Move to approve the Resolution accepting the Transportation Benefit District 2024 Annual Report. The annual report satisfies the requirements of the TBD charter.
2. Do not approve the Transportation Benefit District 2024 Annual Report as proposed. Direct staff to make Council recommended adjustments.
3. Take other action.
Attachments:
Resolution
Transportation Benefit District Annual Report