Title
Olympia 2045 - Economy Chapter update of the Olympia Comprehensive Plan - Deliberations
Recommended Action
Move to recommend approval of the update of the Economy Chapter of the Olympia Comprehensive Plan.
Report
Issue:
Whether to recommend approval of the update of the Economy Chapter of the Olympia Comprehensive Plan.
Staff Contact:
Mike Reid, Director of Economic Development, Community Vitality, 360.753.8591
Presenter(s):
None. Planning Commission deliberations.
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 eight months, staff 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. This input then shaped 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, which is reflected in the proposed changes to the Economy Chapter of the Comprehensive Plan. 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 high...
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