Title
Proposed Downtown Improvement District (DID) Operating Plan and Process
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
The Parking Business and Improvement Area (PBIA) Advisory Board voted on January 8, 2020, to endorse the creation of a property-owner funded Downtown Improvement District, as presented, and to provide a formal letter to Council reflecting this endorsement that also includes statements from board members who oppose the endorsement.
City Manager Recommendation:
Receive a briefing on the proposed Downtown Improvement District (DID) operating plan and process.
Report
Issue:
Whether to receive a briefing on the proposed DID Operating Plan and process.
Staff Contact:
Amy Buckler, Strategic Projects Manager, Community Planning & Development,
360-570-5847
Presenter(s):
Amy Buckler, Strategic Projects Manager
Todd Cutts, Executive Director, Olympia Downtown Alliance
Matt DeBord, Timberland Bank
Ron Thomas, Thomas Architecture Studios
Danielle Ruse, PBIA Board Chair
Jeff Barrett, PBIA Board Vice Chair
Background and Analysis:
Downtown property owners are exploring the notion of a Downtown Improvement District (DID), which would be an improvement area in downtown Olympia funded through a property-owner-based fee assessment. The Olympia Downtown Alliance is facilitating this process.
In spring of 2019, the Downtown Alliance formed a DID Steering Committee made up of downtown business and property owners; Councilmember Jessica Bateman and Ms. Buckler participated as non-voting members. At the same time, the Alliance also started outreach with the downtown community. They discussed an initial proposal with the Parking Business and Improvement Area (PBIA) Advisory Board on May 7 and June 26, and with City Council on Aug 13. The Downtown Alliance and City also held a joint public information meeting on Sept 16.
In the Fall, a work group comprised of Mayor Cheryl Selby, Councilmember Lisa Parshley, Mr. Cutts, two members of the DID Steering Comm...
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