Title
Next Steps for PBIA Structure
Recommended Action
Move to approve the issuance of a Request for Proposal (RFP) for a consultant to evaluate and assess strategies for continued downtown business engagement and improvement.
Report
Issue:
Whether to proceed with an evaluation to explore improvements or alternatives to the current PBIA model, including the potential proposal of an ad hoc task force to address specific policies or issues, or the possible dissolution of the PBIA.
Staff Contact:
Jennica Machado, Economic Development Division Director, Community Planning & Economic Development, jmachado@ci.olympia.wa.us, 360.753.8591
Presenter(s):
Jennica Machado, Economic Development Division Director
Background and Analysis:
Timeline:
Since late 2024, the Parking and Business Improvement Area (PBIA) Advisory Board has engaged in extensive discussions regarding the future of the PBIA. These conversations have centered around the structure, function, and effectiveness of the PBIA, including administration of the program by the City, fee and rate structures, and potential alternative models for downtown business engagement.
The following timeline summarizes key PBIA Board discussions and actions over the past several months:
* November 4, 2024- PBIA Board unanimously approved moving forward with a program evaluation.
* December 4, 2024- PBIA Board members discussed the role and direction of PBIA in 2025.
* May 7, 2025- PBIA Board stated a decision had previously been made to no longer collect PBIA fees in the future. PBIA Board discussed the next steps needed to bring in a consultant to evaluate alternative engagement models. City staff agreed to bring a completed RFP to the June PBIA meeting for final review and approval.
* June 4, 2025- PBIA staff liaison brought forward an RFP for the PBIA Board to review. PBIA Board did not move forward the RFP. PBIA Board put forward an alternative request for additional information regarding what the process w...
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