Title
Briefing on the Community Events Permitting Process and Resource Review
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not Referred to Committee
City Manager Recommendation:
Receive a briefing and discuss the City’s community events permitting process, current resource impacts, fee structure and potential improvements; providing direction regarding suggested improvements.
Report
Issue:
Whether to receive a briefing and discuss the City’s community events permitting process, current resource impacts, fee structure and potential improvements; providing direction regarding suggested improvements.
Staff Contact:
Susan Grisham, Assistant to the City Manager, 360.753.8441
Presenter(s):
Scott River, Director of Recreation and Facilities, Parks, Arts and Recreation
Dawn Carvalho, Executive Services Assistant, City Manager’s Office
Background and Analysis:
Festivals and community events are a deeply embedded and important part of Olympia’s community life. There is a long standing practice of providing residents and visitors with multiple opportunities to celebrate Olympia’s history, diversity, and culture while fostering a sense of belonging, inclusion, and connection. These events are well attended not only by Olympia residents, but also by individuals throughout the region, supporting the local economy and highlighting what makes Olympia unique.
After the pandemic, the size and number of permitted community events have grown year-over-year creating growing challenges to accommodate these events while balancing available resources. City staff have sought ways to support and accommodate as many event requests as possible.
In the recent years the City budget has been impacted by decreased staffing as well as limited departmental budget increases. As departments balance available staff resources with the needs and requirements of community events, a growing gap has emerged between the financial cost of providing event-related services and impact on the...
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