Title
Discussion on next steps for PBIA Phase 2 Project
Recommended Action
Information only. No action requested
Report
Issue:
Discussion on the next steps for Phase 2 of the PBIA Reconfiguration Project
Staff Contact:
Jennica Machado, Economic Development Director, 360.480.9167
Presenter(s):
Jennica Machado, Economic Development Director
Background and Analysis:
The PBIA Board was established to develop an annual recommendation to the City Council about how to invest the PBIA Fund. In recent years, concerns have emerged around the equity of the assessment structure, program sustainability, and administrative complexity.
In 2024, the PBIA Advisory Board discussed potential next steps, including the possibility of dissolving the district. After extensive discussion, however, the Advisory Board determined that further evaluation was needed to assess current conditions and identify potential paths forward for the PBIA. City Council similarly indicated that a comprehensive evaluation would be beneficial.
In late 2025, the evaluation project was initiated, and the PBIA Advisory Board selected Uncommon Bridges as the project consultant. The evaluation examined the PBIA structure, operations, fee, and administrated processes and identified potential recommendations for improvement based on best practices from comparable downtowns. Uncommon Bridges has now completed the evaluation and will present its final findings and recommendations.
The PBIA Advisory Board received the final recommendations at their monthly meeting on March 4, 2026. The Board voted to recommend that City Council approve implementation of the report's roadmap actions by advancing to Phase Two. The recommendation included a contingency requesting that the City match the Advisory Board's use of PBIA funds to support the Phase Two scope of work.
On March 25, 2026, the PBIA Evaluation was presented to the Community Livability and Public Safety (CLPS) Committee. The Committee recommended that Council a...
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