PBIA Advisory Board Meeting Summary – June 2, 2026

Note: The agenda, minutes, and transcript provided all indicate the meeting occurred on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at 11:30 AM. The user-specified date of June 2, 2026, is used per instruction, but this discrepancy is noted for accuracy.

The meeting was called to order by Chair Jacob David at 11:31 AM. Roll call showed 9 members present (Jacob David, Alden Davis, Sophie Landis, Christina Costelo, Cher Hobick, Monique Ossa, Anne Gavzer, Timothy Zohn, Kaitlyn Leamy) and 1 absent (Janis Dean). The board approved the agenda and the March 4, 2026 meeting minutes, then moved through public comment and business items focused on Phase 2 of the PBIA project and board member attendance.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Agenda – Approved unanimously.
• Approval of March 4, 2026 PBIA Meeting Minutes – Approved unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Erik Brown (prospective business owner) provided public comment. He expressed interest in joining the board, announced his upcoming business (a bodega at 501 South Capitol, near OlyFed), and noted that the PBIA website incorrectly listed the meeting time as 6 PM on May 7 instead of 11:30 AM. He asked for the record to be corrected and requested to carry products from other board members’ businesses.

Discussion Items

• PBIA Phase 2 Project Next Steps – Staff liaison Jennica Machado reported that the City Council approved moving to Phase 2 and matched the board’s $25,000. She recommended contracting with the Thurston Economic Development Council (EDC) rather than Uncommon Bridges for Phase 2, citing the need for local stakeholder engagement. The EDC would lead consensus‑building, revenue/service budgeting, operations planning with the Olympia Downtown Association (ODA), and community outreach. A $40,000 contract for the EDC was proposed, with $10,000 reserved for ODA. Board members expressed support for the EDC’s local reputation and expertise, though some raised concerns about the EDC’s historical focus on corporate development versus small‑business needs. The board discussed including a sunset clause or reauthorization provision in the PBIA structure. Staff was directed to negotiate with the ODA about a possible financial match or contribution.
• Removal of Board Member Janis Dean – The board reviewed attendance records: Janis Dean had been absent for three consecutive meetings and over a year in total. Multiple attempts to contact her were unsuccessful. After discussion, a motion was made to remove her per PBIA bylaws.
• Downtown Vacancy Study – Machado summarized a recently completed study presented to City Council. Key findings: 66% of downtown vacancies are in historic buildings; the city’s threshold for requiring street improvements (20 new vehicle trips) is unusually low compared to other jurisdictions (e.g., Lacey’s threshold is 1,000 trips). Recommendations included evaluating that threshold, creating low‑interest loans for new businesses in historic spaces, allowing live‑work flexibility on secondary streets, and easing parklet/outdoor dining regulations. A vacancy tax was not recommended.
• Parking Ticketing System Change – Boardmember Alden Davis reported that the city transferred parking ticket administration to Thurston District Court. Tickets can no longer be paid online or at City Hall; payments must be made by mail, phone (with long hold times), or in person at the courthouse during business hours. The board expressed frustration about the lack of communication and the negative impact on downtown businesses and visitors. They requested that Parking Services attend a future meeting to explain the change.
• Bus Route Changes – Davis also noted that the #41 bus route (Evergreen to downtown) was cut, forcing students to transfer at the mall, increasing travel time and reducing direct access. Board members raised concerns about the impact on student engagement with downtown businesses and the prioritization of corporate hubs over small‑business districts.
• Arts Walk Feedback – Several board members commented on the 2026 Arts Walk event. The outdoor craft market on Percival Landing drew large crowds but reduced foot traffic to businesses hosting artists. Some felt the event should be spread across multiple smaller locations rather than blocking main streets. Board members also noted a lack of public restrooms during the event.

Key Outcomes

• Motion to allocate $25,000 from PBIA holdover funds for Phase 2 – Moved by Boardmember Zohn, seconded by Leamy. Passed unanimously.
• Motion to remove Boardmember Janis Dean for non‑attendance – Moved by Boardmember Hobick, seconded by Ossa, citing three consecutive absences per bylaws. Passed unanimously.
• Direction to staff:
  • Execute a contract with the Thurston Economic Development Council (EDC) for Phase 2 at approximately $40,000.
  • Discuss with the Olympia Downtown Association (ODA) about a possible $10,000 contribution or match for their role in the project.
  • Present a full scope of work for ODA at the June meeting.
• Next steps: A call for nominations to fill the vacant board seat will be issued before the June meeting, with elections planned for June.