Title
History of the Washington Center Funding Strategy Briefing
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Receive a briefing on the history of the Washington Center funding strategy.
Report
Issue:
Whether to receive a briefing on the history of the Washington Center funding strategy.
Staff Contact:
Mike Githens, Finance Director, 360-753-8465
Presenter(s):
Mike Githens, Finance Director
Background and Analysis:
The City of Olympia has a long-standing partnership with the Washington Center for the Performing Arts (WCPA). The City owns the facility at 512 Washington Street SE, which reopened in 1985 following significant renovation.
Under a long-term operating lease, WCPA functions as an independent nonprofit organization responsible for programming, operations, and day-to-day management of the facility. This public-private partnership has enabled the City to preserve a valued civic asset while leveraging nonprofit management and private philanthropy to support arts programming and community access.
The City's role has included maintaining ownership of the facility, providing capital stewardship, and contributing financial support consistent with the Center's public purpose.
Historically, City financial support for the Washington Center has consisted of:
* Lodging Tax Funding - 2% of Lodging Tax revenues have been dedicated to support facility operations and capital needs.
* Capital Investment - Periodic investment in major building maintenance, preservation and capital improvements to protect the public asset.
o Approximately 1980-1985: Acquisition, renovation and construction through State appropriations, City funding, sale of City-owned surplus property, local fundraising and private donations.
o 2008-2014: Building rehabilitation including replacement of the exterior, roof replacement, HVAC and mechanical systems replacement through issuance of a General Obligations Bond, Building Rep...
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