Title
Uncommon Bridges Evaluation Overview
Recommended Action
Recommend accepting the report and to recommend implementation of the road map actions.
Report
Issue:
Whether to accept the report and recommend to City Council to pursue next steps in implementing the recommendations in the report road map.
Staff Contact:
Jennica Machado, Economic Development Director, Community Planning & Economic Development, 360.753.8591
Presenter(s):
Brian Scott, Founding Partner, Uncommon Bridges
Background and Analysis:
During the September 3, 2025 meeting, the PBIA Advisory Board unanimously voted to move forward with the RFP presented by City staff to hire a consultant to conduct an evaluation of the Parking Business Improvement Area. After a selection process was conducted, Uncommon Bridges was the candidate selected to conduct the evaluation. Uncommon Bridges first met with the PBIA Board on November 5, 2025 to kickstart the project.
Uncommon Bridges will present a final draft of their evaluation findings that have been developed after months of stakeholder engagement and research. The presentation will include recommendations for administrative changes, rate structure, and implementation.
Climate Analysis:
The presentation of findings for the PBIA does not directly impact climate goals but could influence future decisions affecting climate sustainability downtown.
Equity Analysis:
The PBIA evaluation incorporated targeted stakeholder engagement to gather input from a diverse range of stakeholders to ensure multiple perspectives were reflected in the analysis.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
The downtown Olympia neighborhood may be interested considering it directly impacts funding to support downtown cleanliness, safety, beautification, and overall economic vitality in the area. Additionally, downtown business owners will be directly impacted if there are any eventual changes in PBIA fees.
Options:
1. Do not make a recommendation.
2. Recommend City Council’s approval to implement the report’s road map actions.
3. Recommend City Council approval to implement the report’s road map actions with contingencies.
4. Recommend that City Council not approve additional action.
Financial Impact:
The evaluation is being conducted by contractor, Uncommon Bridges. The contract is not to exceed $30,000 and is funded by the City’s annual budget. The project is assessing the PBIA fund and will identify recommendations for changes to its fee structure.
If approval is provided to implement the report’s road map of actions, a funding source will need to be identified to support further work.