Title
Downtown Welcome Center and Ambassador Program Update
Recommended Action
City Manager Recommendation:
Report and discussion only.
Report
Issue:
City and Ambassador Program staff will brief the General Government Committee on the upcoming Downtown Welcome Center and Ambassador Program.
Staff Contact:
Brian Wilson, Downtown Liaison, Community Planning & Development, 360.570.3798
Presenter(s):
Brian Wilson, Downtown Liaison, Community Planning & Development, 360.570.3798
Sharon Holley, Program Manager, Downtown Ambassador Program, 360.570.3900
Background and Analysis:
Downtown Welcome Center
During 2015 budget discussions, Mayor ProTem 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 Government meeting City and DAP staff presented a model for the Downtown Welcome Center that reflected Mayor ProTem Jones' vision. Staff made clear that the space will not serve as a social service drop-in center, intake center, or public restroom. The committee recommended approval of the Welcome Center proposal to full Council. City Council voted unanimously to approve the proposa...
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