Title
Downtown Strategy Update
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Receive the update. Briefing only; no action requested.
Report
Issue:
Whether to receive a briefing on the status of the public process to form the Downtown Strategy
Staff Contact:
Amy Buckler, Senior Planner, Community Planning & Development, 360.570.5847
Presenter(s):
Amy Buckler, Senior Planner, Community Planning & Development
Background and Analysis:
The public process to form Olympia's Downtown Strategy (DTS) is in step 4 of 5 (attachment 6.) Over 3,500 people have engaged in workshops and online, and City staff has met with over 30 organizational groups to discuss this community effort.
Major elements of the strategy include:
* Urban design focus with recommended updates to design guidelines, streetscape, historic preservation and view protection
* A housing strategy
* Business (retail) enhancement strategy
* Recommended tools to encourage private investment in line with community goals, including SEPA exemptions
NEXT STEPS IN THE PROCESS
At this time, staff and the MAKERS team are working to bring all the pieces together in preparation for a public open house on Oct. 29. Also occurring this month are additional opportunities for public feedback, including:
* Online Survey regarding housing and views, open Oct. 5-20
* Retail Forum with select business and real estate participants, Oct. 12
* PBIA discussion on draft retail strategy, Oct. 13
At the Oct. 29 open house, recommended actions for the next six years will be displayed and the public will be asked about their priorities (which they think should be completed first). Feedback will help shape the final draft of the Downtown Strategy Report, to be released later this year.
The actions and timelines ultimately recommended in the Downtown Strategy Report will be based on what we understand to be public priorities, budget realities and strategic advantage...
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