Title
Approval of a Resolution Setting a Public Hearing to Consider an Ordinance Amending Olympia Municipal Code Related to the 2027 Parking and Business Improvement Area Assessment Rate
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve the Resolution setting a public hearing to consider an ordinance amending Olympia Municipal Code related to the 2027 Parking and Business Improvement Area Assessment Rate.
Report
Issue:
Whether to approve the Resolution setting a public hearing to consider an ordinance amending Olympia Municipal Code related to the 2027 Parking and Business Improvement Area Assessment Rate
Staff Contact:
Jennica Machado, Economic Development Director, Community Development, 360.480.9167
Presenter(s):
None - Consent Calendar Item
Background and Analysis:
RCW 35.87A authorizes cities to establish Parking and Business Improvement Areas (PBIAs) to support economic development and neighborhood vitality. The Olympia PBIA was formed in 2005 to fund downtown activities and projects such as, parking improvements, clean and safe services, beautification, public art, wayfinding, business recruitment and retention, and marketing. The PBIA has historically been funded through annual special assessments on businesses within its boundaries.
In 2024, the PBIA Advisory Board determined that a full program evaluation was needed and initiated that process in 2025, with the first phase of the project completing in April 2026, leading to phase two of the project continuing through 2026 and into 2027.
To allow for continued project progress and potential implementation of recommended changes, the PBIA assessment rate for 2027 should be set at $0 to allow for project completion without levying additional assessments during this time.
Under RCW 35.87A.140, any change to a PBIA assessment rate must be approved by Council. Prior to such approval, Council must adopt a resolution of intention...
Click here for full text