Title
Olympia 2045 - Economy Chapter of the Comprehensive Plan Update
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
The Finance Committee reviewed the draft Olympia 2045 Economy chapter of the Comprehensive Plan and suggested a few minor revisions. The Committee recommended the chapter be forwarded to the full City Council for discussion at a study session.
City Manager Recommendation:
Review and discuss the draft Olympia 2045 Economy chapter of the Comprehensive Plan.
Report
Issue:
Whether to review and discuss the draft Olympia 2045 Economy chapter of the Comprehensive Plan.
Staff Contact:
Tim Smith, AICP, Interim Director, Community Planning and Economic Development, 360.570.3915
Joyce Phillips, AICP, Principal Planner, Community Planning and Economic Development, 360.570.3722
Presenter(s):
Joyce Phillips, AICP, Principal Planner
Background and Analysis:
Like communities everywhere, Olympia emerged from the COVID-19 pandemic to an altered economic landscape and a clearer understanding of the barriers individuals and households face when seeking economic security. The City launched Olympia Strong in July 2022 to better understand how community members hope to see our economy recover, evolve and grow in the years ahead, and how we can work with partners to create pathways that serve a broader cross section of those that call Olympia home.
Over eight months, staff analyzed data and deployed surveys, focus groups, person-on-the-street interviews and a variety of other engagement activities to understand the long-term economic needs and desires of the community. This input then shaped updates to the Economy chapter of Olympia's Comprehensive Plan along with a set of initiatives to be implemented over a 10-year period.
What Does Economic Development Look Like in Olympia?
Olympia Strong goes beyond what might look like a typical "economic development plan" that focuses on business, taxes and infrastructure. This plan takes a human-centric approach, which ...
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