Title
City of Olympia 2026 Draft Legislative Agenda Items Discussion
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Discuss the City of Olympia 2026 Draft Legislative Agenda items.
Report
Issue:
Whether to discuss the City of Olympia 2026 Draft Legislative Agenda items.
Staff Contact:
Susan Grisham, Legislative Liaison, 360.753.8441
Presenter(s):
Susan Grisham, Legislative Liaison
Kyla Shkerich Blair, Principal, Capitol Path Consulting
Daniel Pailthorp, Senior Associate, Capitol Path Consulting
Background and Analysis:
Several months ago, the City issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) to solicit submissions from qualified firms to provide state legislative consulting services in support of the City’s policy, funding, and regulatory priorities at the Washington State Legislature.
A total of six applications were received and reviewed by a panel consisting of Mayor Payne, Assistant City Manager Debbie Sullivan, and Assistant City Manager Stacey Ray. Following interviews with each of the firms, the panel selected Capitol Path Consulting to represent the City of Olympia in its state legislative lobbying efforts moving forward. At this meeting, Kyla Shkerich Blair, Principal, and Daniel Pailthorp, Senior Associate, with Capitol Path Consulting, will introduce themselves and present draft legislative items for City Council consideration.
The introduction of a new lobbying team provides an opportunity to take a fresh approach to the City’s state legislative engagement. In contrast to previous years, when the City presented the 22nd Legislative Delegation with a finalized legislative agenda in we propose that the annual meeting with the delegation occurs in December to share and discuss preliminary items of interest. This will also create space to learn more about the delegation’s priorities for the upcoming legislative session. The final 2026 Legislative Agenda will then be brought forward for City Council approval at the first meeting in January, allowing the City’s newest Councilmember to participate in its adoption.
Given the upcoming short legislative session and the State’s anticipated budget shortfall, this updated approach will enable the City to concentrate its advocacy on the most impactful priorities while laying the groundwork for future legislative initiatives.
The draft legislative agenda items reflect topics of interest identified by the City Council and Executive Team and represent potential priorities for the 2026 Legislative Session. Key areas of focus include continued advocacy for:
• Deschutes Estuary Project, supporting the Department of Ecology’s management efforts, securing additional funding, and strengthening long-term partnerships.
• Enhanced local revenue authority, including councilmanic options, the ability to place a Fire Benefit Charge before voters, pursue progressive revenue tools such as a local income tax, and raise the 1% property tax cap.
• Housing, homelessness, and infrastructure, priorities include protecting and funding Tiny Home Villages, supporting key state initiatives like the Encampment Resolution and Main Streets programs, expanding infrastructure support for affordable housing, enabling Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) in HOA areas, improving sidewalk infrastructure, and advancing commuter rail and Nisqually Bridge reconstruction.
• Technical policy extensions are proposed to continue the City’s ability to form a second Public Facilities District and to extend the Annexation Sales Tax Diversion Program.
Together, these focused priorities outline Olympia’s commitment to sustainable growth, housing stability, environmental restoration, and fiscal flexibility.
The intent is this during the presentation, staff and the Capital Path will receive feedback from the City Council to ensure that the proposed legislative items align with Council’s direction and priorities as we move into the 2026 Legislative Session.
In alignment with the new approach to developing the 2026 Legislative Agenda, we are also proposing to hold the first “Olympia Day on the Hill.” This will create an opportunity for Councilmembers to meet with lawmakers and state officials, providing an opportunity to directly advocate for Olympia’s specific legislative priorities. While “Days on the Hill” are a common practice, this would mark the City of Olympia’s first participation in such an event, offering a new way to strengthen relationships and elevate the City’s voice in state policymaking.
Climate Analysis:
This item does not directly affect climate; however the City actively advocates to address climate issues.
Equity Analysis:
This item does not directly affect equity; however the City actively advocates to address equity issues.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
There are no specific community concerns regarding this item, however many of the items support the needs and interests of Olympia community members.
Financial Impact:
$52,0000 is allocated for State lobbying services in the general fund budget.
Options:
1. Discuss the City of Olympia 2026 Draft Legislative Agenda items.
2. Do not Discuss the City of Olympia 2026 Draft Legislative Agenda items.
3. Take other action.
Attachments:
Draft 2026 City of Olympia Legislative Agenda Topics