Title
Briefing on the Homeless Response Plan Process
Recommended Action
Receive a briefing on the Homeless Response Plan Process. Briefing only; No action requested.
Report
Issue:
Receive a briefing on the Homeless Response Plan Process, including timeline, milestones, the various roles, and how stakeholders will be engaged to provide input and develop long-term strategies and actions.
Staff Contact:
Stacey Ray, Senior Planner, Office of Performance and Innovation, Administrative Services, 360.753.8046
Presenter(s):
Stacey Ray, Senior Planner, Office of Performance and Innovation, Administrative Services
Background and Analysis:
Rising homelessness is the most significant and urgent public concern facing our city. In July 2018, the Olympia City Council declared a state of public health emergency related to homelessness; the Thurston County Commissioners also declared a state of emergency last year. Although homelessness is most visible within the urban hub of downtown Olympia, this issue affects all of Thurston County
During 2019, the Olympia City Council is convening a broad, community-driven process to identify strategies and actions to respond to homelessness and its impacts on the city. The approach is based on a framework and methodologies called Participatory Leadership: a community-based approach to addressing complex issues that emphasizes learning, dialogue, equity, and inclusiveness.
A community work group with a diverse set of perspectives and experiences will help host the process, inviting a broad cross-section of the regional community to identify and carry out long-term strategies and actions. This work will be informed by and build upon the County's 5-year Homeless and Housing Plan and Olympia's Comprehensive Plan and Downtown Strategy.
The City of Olympia cannot effectively address this issue on its own. The most effective and impactful response will require strong partnerships among the State, other governmental entities in the regio...
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