Title
Approval of Change to In-Person Meetings
Recommended Action
Move to approve a change from virtual to in-person PBIA Advisory Board meetings.
Report
Issue:
Whether to approve a change of location for PBIA Advisory Board meetings from virtual (Zoom) to in person at City Hall.
Staff Contact:
Daisha Versaw, Economic Development Senior Program Specialist, Office of Community Vitality, 360.570.5874
Presenter(s):
N/A
Background and Analysis:
Prior to the COVID-19 Pandemic, the PBIA Advisory Board held its regular meetings in person at City Hall. In response to the Pandemic, regular meetings switched to virtual (Zoom) and have continued to be held on Zoom. Now that health and safety restrictions have lifted, allowing in-person gatherings, some members of the PBIA Advisory Board have requested a vote on whether meetings should remain virtual or return to being held in person.
Climate Analysis:
There may be some climate benefit to continuing meetings on Zoom as that option could decrease the need to travel, potentially using fossil fuels, to attend.
Equity Analysis:
There may be some benefit to equity to continuing meetings on Zoom as that option may be more accessible to some individuals with physical disabilities or transportation barriers. However, there may also be some benefit to holding meetings in person as that option may be more accessible to individuals without reliable broadband or internet access.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
The PBIA supports a vibrant Downtown, which is relevant to people who live, work, or frequent downtown as well as other Olympia and regional stakeholders.
Options:
1. Move to approve the change to in-person meetings
2. Do not move to approve the change to in-person meetings at this time
Financial Impact:
Administering the PBIA entails significant staffing and other costs to the City. Shifting to in-person meetings may increase that cost by adding some security, utilities, printing, and other miscellaneou...
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