Title
Olympia Farmland Work Group Policy Recommendations
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
The Farmland Work Group recommends reviewing their recommendations and direct staff to work toward implementation.
City Manager Recommendation:
Review the Farmland Work Group recommendations and direct staff to work toward implementation.
Report
Issue:
Whether to review the Farmland Work Group recommendations and direct staff to work toward implementation.
Staff Contact:
Leonard Bauer, Director, Community Planning and Development, 360.753.8206
Paul Simmons, Director, Parks, Arts and Recreation, 360.753.8462
Presenter(s):
Leonard Bauer, Director, Community Planning and Development
Sarah Moorehead, Executive Director, Thurston Conservation District
Adam Peterson, Resource Specialist, Thurston Conservation District
Marcie Cleaver, Board President, Community Farm Land Trust
Background and Analysis:
The Land Use and Environment Committee received a referral from the Olympia City Council in 2020 to address the loss of urban agriculture and regional farmland. The Committee requested a Farmland Work Group work to provide background and recommendations. Phase 1 of the Work Group’s work was presented to the Land Use and Environment Committee in July 2021.
This second phase of work explored the Olympia Comprehensive Plan policy to “collaborate with community partners to ensure that everyone within Olympia is within biking or walking distance of a place to grow food.” The workgroup mapped access to agricultural resources in Olympia, including urban farms, community gardens, and other places to access locally grown food.
The Work Group’s recommendations offer strategies toward filling gaps identified in the local food system.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
The entire community has an interest in access to locally grown food. This is reflected in the City of Olympia Comprehensive Plan, Sustainable Thurston Plan and the Regional Climate Adaption and Mitigation Plans.
Options:
1. Review Work Group recommendations and direct staff to work toward implementation.
2. Review Work Group recommendations and direct no further action.
3. Review Work Group recommendations and provide other directions for its work.
Financial Impact:
Work Group recommendations are included in current City staff work programs or are recommended for consideration in future staff work programs. Financial considerations of future work program items will be included during consideration of future work programs.
Attachments:
Urban Agriculture Analysis
Policy Recommendations