Title
Briefing on Olympia’s Downtown Strategy
Report
Issue:
The City kicked off the public process to form a Downtown Strategy last fall. Staff will provide an update and overview of the process and role for advisory boards.
Staff Contact:
Amy Buckler, Senior Planner, Community Planning & Development
abuckler@ci.olympia.wa.us <mailto:abuckler@ci.olympia.wa.us>, 360.570.5847
Presenter(s):
Amy Buckler
Background and Analysis:
On May 19, 2015, the City Council adopted a scope to guide formation of Olympia’s Downtown Strategy (attachment 2). On October 6, following an extensive selection process, the City Council approved a contract with MAKERS architecture and urban design for their assistance in leading formation of the strategy.
The public process is outlined in attachment 2. Learn more at the Downtown Strategy website (attachment 3.)
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
Materials and raw input from the first public workshop held on November 21, 2015 can be found on the Downtown Strategy website (link in attachment 3), under “Developing the Downtown Strategy / Step 1.Gather Information.”
Financial Impact:
Briefing is included in the City’s $250,000 budget for formation of a Downtown Strategy. There may be additional costs in the future to implement recommendations that emerge from a completed Downtown Strategy.