Title
Briefing on Olympia Strong: A Roadmap for Economic Resiliency
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Briefing only. No action requested.
City Manager Recommendation:
Briefing only. No action requested.
Report
Issue:
Discussion about Olympia Strong, the public process to form a long-term economic resiliency plan with a goal to help residents, businesses, the broader community and the City organization weather challenging times and thrive.
Staff Contact:
Amy Buckler, Strategic Projects Manager, Economic Development, Office of Community Vitality, 360.280.8947
Presenter(s):
Amy Buckler, Strategic Projects Manager
Background and Analysis:
In July, the City kicked off a public process for Olympia Strong: A Roadmap for Economic Resiliency. Olympia Strong will identify a long-term strategic framework and specific actions the City of Olympia and partners can take to achieve community-defined economic goals. With this planning effort we aim to expand upon the economic strengths and opportunities Olympians’ value, elevate more people of all backgrounds and abilities into economic security, sustain economic growth, attract investment and generate revenue to fund community goals and needs.
Read the attached article from our Actually Olympia blog to learn more about this project, and what we are learning so far.
Olympia Strong will inform an update to the Economy chapter of the Comprehensive Plan. It will also identify a strategic framework and specific actions to inform the work of the City’s Economic Development Department.
The final plan is expected to be complete in Summer of 2023. A timeline is attached.
At the meeting, staff will:
• Provide an overview of the project and emerging areas of focus
• Discuss what comes next in the process
• Engage Commissioners in a discussion about Olympia’s economy and the role of heritage/historic preservation
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
Approximately 500 people responded to an online survey in summer of 2022. The survey report is available at Engage Olympia.
Options:
1. Receive the briefing.
2. Do not receive the briefing.
3. Receive the briefing at another time.
Financial Impact:
The City Council has allocated $100,000 toward development of Olympia Strong. $90,000 has been allocated for consultant services and $10,000 will go toward project staffing.
Attachments:
Link to Article
Timeline
Link to Engage Olympia Webpage