Title
Olympia Strong Update
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a Committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Discussion only. No action requested.
Report
Issue:
Whether to discuss Olympia Strong, the City's long-term economic opportunities plan which is under development. Discussion will include review of draft initiatives.
Staff Contact:
Mike Reid, Economic Development Director, 360.480.9167
Presenter(s):
Mike Reid
Jason Robertson, JRO & CO. Consulting
Background and Analysis:
Like communities everywhere, Olympia emerged from the Covid-19 pandemic to an altered economic landscape and a clearer understanding of the barriers individuals and households face when seeking economic security. The City launched Olympia Strong in July of 2022 to better understand how community members hope to see our economy recover, evolve and grow in the years ahead, and how we can work with partners to create pathways that serve a broader cross-section of those that call Olympia home.
Over the past eight months, staff have analyzed data and deployed surveys, focus groups, person-on-the street interviews and a variety of other engagement activities to understand the long-term economic needs and desires of the community. See the attached public engagement summary. This input will shape updates to the Economy Chapter of Olympia's Comprehensive Plan along with a set of initiatives to be implemented over a 10-year period.
WHAT DOES ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT LOOK LIKE IN OLYMPIA?
Olympia Strong goes beyond what might look like a typical "economic development plan" that focuses on business, taxes and infrastructure. This plan takes a human-centric approach. Many of the proposed new initiatives aim to facilitate pathways to economic opportunity and greater financial security for residents (job training, navigator and mentorship programs, income restricted housing etc.) There is a focus on pathways for youth and those who face higher barriers (people with disabilit...
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