Title
Approval of Downtown Welcome Center Proposal
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Authorize staff to contract with Capital Recovery Center for the establishment and management of a Downtown Welcome Center one year pilot project, contingent upon signed memorandums of understanding with partnering organizations.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to authorize staff to contract with Capital Recovery Center for the establishment and management of a Downtown Welcome Center one year pilot project, contingent upon signed memorandums of understanding with partnering organizations.
Report
Issue:
City Council allocated $20,000 from the 2015 parking fund to establish a Downtown Welcome Center (DWC) for visitors and tourists. A proposal has been brought forward involving several downtown stakeholders.
Staff Contact:
Brian Wilson, Downtown Liaison, Community Planning & Development, 360.570.3798
Presenter(s):
No Presentation - Consent Item
Background and Analysis:
During 2015 budget discussions, Mayor Pro Tem Jones proposed and City Council allocated $20,000 for a Storefront Partnership to be paid from the Parking Fund. The specific proposal states:
Storefront Partnership - $20,000; Partner with PBIA, VCB, Ambassadors, and ODA to create a "welcoming center" in the core of downtown. The storefront would provide information for visitors and newcomers, would provide an open presence for people looking for local resources or attractions, would support office activities for any of the four organizations, plus Police Volunteers, special events staff, and others.
Staff met with representatives from the Parking & Business Improvement Area (PBIA), Visitor & Convention Bureau (VCB), Downtown Ambassador Program (DAP), and Olympia Downtown Association (ODA) to discuss how all of the organizations can work together to establish a "Downtown Welcome Center" and fulfill the vision provided by Council.
At the January 28, 2015 General Gov...
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