Public Meetings - Olympia, Washington

Note: The meeting minutes and transcript indicate the meeting occurred on November 19, 2025, but the provided meeting date is November 24, 2025. This summary uses the date supplied in the instructions. The committee (Chair Gilman, members Cooper and Green) convened at 5:31 PM. The agenda was approved, and minutes from October 20, 2025, were approved. Public Comments & Testimony - Jim Lazar spoke about the 1997 half-percent utility tax increase (Ordinance 5753). He argued it has been erroneously included in the general use portion (subject to the 11% interlocal agreement) instead of being dedicated to parks maintenance as originally intended. He urged the council to correct the error before final budget adoption. - Finance Director Mike Githens and Senior Budget Manager Joan Lutz responded that the calculation has been consistently applied historically and is not an error; the formula in the interlocal agreement includes that half-percent, and its use for parks and bike lanes is transparent. Councilmember Cooper suggested making the budget document clearer. Discussion Items - Washington Center for the Performing Arts Annual Report Briefing (25-0973): Executive Director Jill Barnes reported no audit findings, strong fiscal year 2024 results ($78,000 tickets sold, 103,000+ attendance, 345 events, 31,491 students served), new subscriber growth (58% renewal vs. 43% national average), and the success of the Book of Mormon shows (sold out, tickets sold to 37 of 39 Washington counties). She noted a dip in current‑year ticket sales. Facilities maintenance and a new assistive listening system were highlighted. The committee discussed scheduling priority for local artistic partners and the balance between presenting shows and community rentals. Board Chair Tim Coley and Deputy Director Jocelyn Wood attended. The information was received. - Consideration of 2026 Proposed Operating, Special Funds, and Capital Budget (25-0987): Finance Director Githens reviewed the budget, noting no changes from previous presentations. The only new addition discussed was 1.5 FTE for the rental registry program, funded by registration revenue. Councilmember Cooper moved, seconded, to recommend the budget to the full council for final balancing. The motion passed unanimously (3‑0). - 2026 Finance Committee Work Plan Discussion (25-0986): A draft work plan was presented, leaving space for additions. Councilmember Cooper suggested adding a referral on climate funding and more discussion of capital priorities (e.g., the public works maintenance facility). The committee agreed to finalize the work plan in January when a new member joins. Key Outcomes - Motion to recommend the 2026 Preliminary Operating, Special (Dedicated) Funds, and Capital Budget for Final Budget Balancing: Passed 3‑0 (Gilman, Cooper, Green). - Motion to cancel all remaining Finance Committee meetings in 2025: Passed 3‑0. - The Washington Center report was received without a formal vote. - Planning for the 2026 work plan will continue in January. Additional Highlights - Councilmember Cooper offered departing reflections on his tenure, urging attention to the balance between operating and capital spending, the need for future operating revenue, and deeper community engagement in budgeting. City Manager and staff expressed gratitude for his leadership and contributions to priority‑based budgeting.

Note: The meeting transcript and minutes list the date as November 18, 2025, but the official meeting date provided for this summary is November 19, 2025. The Olympia City Council held a regular business meeting on November 19, 2025, addressing a wide range of topics including public comment on automated license plate readers (ALPRs), continuation of a public health emergency for houselessness, the 2026 preliminary budget, legislative priorities, and adoption of several comprehensive plan chapters and housing code amendments. The meeting lasted from 6:00 PM to 10:09 PM. Consent Calendar - Approved the minutes of the November 10, 2025 City Council meeting. - Approved a resolution authorizing an agreement between Thurston County, Lacey, Olympia, and Tumwater to support regionally coordinated implementation of the Thurston Climate Mitigation Plan. - Approved the 2024 Community Development Block Grant Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report. - Approved a resolution authorizing an amendment to the Interagency Agreement with the Department of Enterprise Services and funding for the Armory Phase 1 Renovations. - Approved a resolution adopting the 2025 Thurston County Hazardous Waste Management Plan. - Approved an ordinance imposing a councilmanic public safety sales and use tax of 0.1% (second reading). - Approved an ordinance amending the B&O Tax Program (second reading). - Approved an ordinance amending B&O tax definitions (first reading, moved to second reading November 25). - Approved an ordinance setting 2026 Regular Ad Valorem Tax (first and final reading). - Approved an ordinance setting 2026 Excess Ad Valorem Tax (first and final reading). - Motion carried 7-0. Public Comments & Testimony Public Comment (3:00 PM - 7:40 PM approximately): Over 30 individuals spoke, with the vast majority opposing the city's use of Flock Safety automated license plate readers (ALPRs). Key themes included: - Privacy and civil liberties: Speakers argued that ALPRs track all vehicles, creating a surveillance database that can be misused by stalkers, abusers, and federal agencies. Multiple speakers cited cases in other jurisdictions where Flock data was accessed by ICE or used for unauthorized tracking. - Sanctuary city contradiction: Many speakers stated that operating Flock cameras contradicts Olympia's sanctuary city status, as data can be accessed by federal immigration enforcement through backdoors or partner agencies. - Security vulnerabilities: Commenters noted that Flock cameras run on outdated software with known vulnerabilities and are easily hacked. - Public records concerns: A speaker noted that a recent court ruling classified Flock data as public records, leading to massive liability for the city in responding to records requests. - Middle housing support: Several speakers, including Lou MacMillan (representing St. John Juan Episcopal Church) and Janae Huber, supported the missing middle housing code amendments, emphasizing the need for affordable housing and compact growth. - Budget: Justin Stang spoke during the budget public hearing, urging the council to avoid regressive taxes and to consider long-term sustainability. - Other: One speaker (Jerry Inman) raised concerns about standing water on 28th Avenue, and another (David Webb) expressed support for the houselessness emergency declaration. Council response: Councilmembers Gilman, Madrone, Vanderpool, and Mayor Payne acknowledged the concerns about Flock cameras, noting that a study session on the topic is scheduled for December 2, 2025. Several councilmembers indicated their views are evolving and that they will thoroughly review the information. Discussion Items 5A. Public Health Emergency for Houselessness (First and Final Reading): Community Planning Director Susan McLaughlin presented an ordinance extending the declaration of a public health emergency related to houselessness, originally passed in 2018. The ordinance enables city departments to work more nimbly and urgently. No public testimony was offered. The council voted 7-0 to approve. 5B. 2026 Preliminary Operating Budget, Utility Rates, Fees: Finance Director Mike Githens presented the budget, noting no changes since the first public hearing. The budget includes a 0.1% public safety sales tax, B&O tax increase, and $1.28 million in reductions to balance the budget. The public hearing was held; one speaker (Justin Stang) commented on tax regressivity. The hearing was closed. Councilmembers discussed the regressive nature of taxes and noted ongoing efforts for state tax reform. The budget will be considered for final adoption in December. 6A. 2026 Draft Legislative Agenda: Legislative Liaison Susan Grisham introduced the new state lobbying team from Capitol Path Consulting. The team presented a draft agenda covering priorities: Deschutes Estuary project, revenue options (including progressive revenue and levy lid lift), housing and homelessness funding, infrastructure protection, and climate funding. Councilmembers discussed the need to narrow the agenda to a top three priorities for the short 60-day session, with emphasis on protecting existing funding (do no harm), advancing revenue reform, and supporting the Deschutes Estuary project. The team will refine the agenda based on feedback and meet with the 22nd Legislative District delegation. 6B. Accept Updated Housing Chapter of Olympia 2045 Comprehensive Plan: Associate Planner Casey Schaufler presented the updated Housing Chapter, which includes a revised displacement map and new policies on reparative justice and Black homeownership, as requested by council. The council voted 7-0 to accept the chapter. 6C. Missing Middle Housing Code Amendments (First Reading): Planning Manager Joyce Phillips presented the amendments to implement state requirements for middle housing (duplexes, triplexes, etc.), ADUs, co-living, and unit lot subdivisions. Key policy decisions include meeting tier one city requirements (allowing up to 4 units per lot, 6 near frequent transit or with affordable housing), using frequent transit routes rather than major transit stops, and increasing building height in low-density zones from 35 to 40 feet. The planning commission and land use committee recommended approval. The council voted 7-0 to approve on first reading and forward to second reading on November 25. 6D. Accept Climate Action and Resilience Chapter: Climate Program Director Dr. Pamela Braff and Climate Resilience Coordinator Natalie Weiss presented the first-ever climate element of the comprehensive plan, covering emissions reduction, adaptation, and environmental justice. The chapter integrates climate policies across all other chapters. Council voted 7-0 to accept. 8A. Referral for Thurston County Food Bank Funding: Assistant City Manager Stacey Ray presented a request for $30,000 in support of the Thurston County Food Bank, which has faced $1.4 million in cuts. Councilmember Cooper proposed $30,000 from council goal funds and the city manager's contingency fund. Councilmember Madrone suggested $15,000 from council goal funds only. After discussion, the council voted 7-0 to approve $30,000. Key Outcomes - Public Health Emergency Extension: Approved unanimously (7-0). - Housing Chapter of Comp Plan: Accepted unanimously. - Missing Middle Housing Amendments: Approved on first reading (7-0), second reading scheduled for November 25. - Climate Action and Resilience Chapter: Accepted unanimously. - Thurston County Food Bank Funding: $30,000 approved (7-0). - Budget Hearing: Closed; final budget adoption scheduled for December. - Legislative Agenda: Draft discussed; final agenda to be refined and presented in January. - Closed Session: Postponed to November 25, 2025 meeting. - Next Steps: Study session on Flock cameras on December 2, 2025; budget ordinances on December 9; comprehensive plan full adoption in December.

The Olympia Planning Commission met on November 18, 2025, to approve routine items, receive staff announcements, and discuss its 2026-2027 work plan. Casey Shoffler, associate planner in Community Planning and Economic Development, led the work plan discussion. Commissioners also considered future in-person and hybrid meeting formats and a potential December social gathering. Note: The raw transcript identifies the meeting as November 17, 2025; the provided timestamp is November 18, 2025, which is used in this summary. Consent Calendar - The commission approved the evening’s agenda by voice vote on a motion by Vice Chair Daniel Garcia, seconded by Commissioner Aaron. - The commission approved the October 6, 2025 meeting minutes by voice vote on a motion by Commissioner Jason, seconded by Commissioner Aaron. - Commissioner Marchon was excused; roll call established a quorum. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public signed up to speak, and no attendees raised a hand to give general comment. Staff Announcements - Olympia Transportation will hold an open house on December 4, 2025, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in City Hall council chambers about the Capital Boulevard update. Proposed changes include enhanced crosswalks, new bike lanes, updated transit stops, street resurfacing and repair, and lane reconfiguration. - City advisory committee applications, including one Planning Commission opening, are open through December 12, 2025 at 5 p.m.; terms generally run three years from April 1 to March 31. Discussion Item: 2026-2027 Planning Commission Work Plan - Casey Shoffler explained that advisory committee work plans run April through March, are developed from department work plans and council priorities, and are reviewed by the Community Livability and Public Safety Committee before full council adoption in March. - Staff proposed five priority work areas: - Small-scale commercial uses in neighborhoods and home occupations, tied to the Neighborhood Centers report and the Olympia 2045 land use chapter. - Zoning code review and simplification, prompted by examples such as eight commercial zoning districts in a small downtown area and Olympia having the most zoning types among four regional jurisdictions; expected to be a multi-year effort. - Commercial parking standards and an update to the downtown parking strategy, including evaluation of parking minimums. - Additional Capitol Mall Triangle subarea updates, likely focused on design review, open space requirements, and engineering and development standards. - Continued middle housing work, including unit lot subdivisions, residential unit density calculations, and engineering design standards; staff noted a council first reading on middle housing was expected around December 9, 2025. - Staff also noted outstanding work on the critical area ordinance, code updates to align with Olympia 2045, and a return to comprehensive plan amendment applications twice a year once the moratorium ends. - Process deadlines: Commissioner work plan suggestions are due by the January 5, 2026 meeting; staff asked for suggestions before the December 18, 2025 Land Use and Environment Committee meeting to share with Deputy Director Tim Smith and help align council and commission work plans. A draft work plan will be discussed January 26, 2026, with adoption by February 2, 2026 as a fallback. - Commissioner Saroff asked about downtown revitalization; Shoffler said economic revitalization remains a focus and will not be limited to the downtown core, and the downtown parking strategy is part of that conversation. Commissioner Aaron expressed support for giving downtown more focused attention. - Commissioner Jason raised stormwater and impervious surface issues; Shoffler anticipated future discussions on stormwater management and site development requirements. - Commissioner Erin suggested including shared streets and pavement condition and maintenance in work plan discussions; Shoffler noted transportation coordination would be important. - A commissioner asked about reviewing middle housing projects coming forward that may miss or seek to meet requirements; Shoffler said only a pre-submission conference has occurred, engineering design standards are not yet drafted, and some questions remain state-wide. Other Business: Meeting Format Discussion - Chair Queaton sought feedback on increasing in-person meetings while preserving remote accessibility; ideas included quarterly in-person study sessions or work sessions, casual coffee or restaurant meetups, and a retreat in a winter or spring shoulder season rather than summer. - Commissioner Zanim valued in-person connection but noted remote participation is important for accessibility and family logistics. - Commissioner Jason recalled the quality of pre-COVID in-person meetings and recommended trying an in-person meeting with a substantive topic. - Shoffler noted that public hearings already have an in-person and hybrid option, but hybrid formats can be challenging for online participation; study sessions and educational presentations are easier to run in person. - Staff proposed making the scheduled December 15, 2025 meeting a non-agenda social or networking gathering with notice of possible quorum, rather than a regular business meeting. Key Outcomes - The agenda and October 6, 2025 minutes were approved by voice vote. - No public comment was given. - Commissioners will submit suggested 2026-2027 work plan items by January 5, 2026, with earlier input encouraged before the December 18, 2025 Land Use and Environment Committee meeting. - The commission will review a draft work plan on January 26, 2026 and adopt it no later than February 2, 2026 for forwarding to the Community Livability and Public Safety Committee. - Staff will follow up on comprehensive plan amendment response timing, middle housing engineering design standards, and council actions on urban agriculture and other pending ordinances. - Future meeting format changes, including possible in-person study sessions and a December 15 social gathering, will be explored without formal action.

The Olympia City Council held a regular business meeting covering an ICE enforcement announcement, public comments, public hearings on CDBG and property taxes, an equity strategic plan briefing, acceptance of the Olympia 2045 Land Use & Urban Design Chapter, and a preliminary 2026 budget update. All votes were 6-0 with Councilmember Madrone excused unless noted. Note: The supplied minutes and transcript are dated November 10, 2025, but the meeting date specified for this summary is November 18, 2025; several agenda items reference 'next week on the 18th.' Opening Announcements - Mayor Dontae Payne addressed last week's detention of a community member by federal immigration agents, saying the city was troubled and emphasizing that Olympia's Flock camera contract legally prohibits data use for immigration enforcement. He said an audit showed no access by federal entities and that Flock cameras have helped stop vehicle thefts and assist in violent crime cases. - Interim Police Chief Shelby Parker confirmed OPD was not notified or involved in the enforcement action, that Olympia is a sanctuary city, and that OPD does not cooperate or coordinate with federal immigration enforcement. She said Flock data is not accessible to federal immigration authorities, the contract was strengthened in May 2025, and a public briefing on Flock safety cameras will be held at the December 2 council study session. - The agenda was amended so items 5B and 5C would be public hearings only, with action to follow on the November 18 consent calendar. Consent Calendar - Adopted minutes of the November 3, 2025 City Council meeting. - Adopted a resolution setting a public hearing date for a vacation petition for alley right-of-way south of Legion Way between Adams and Jefferson Streets. - Approved a resolution setting a public hearing date for a vacation petition for right-of-way along Garfield Avenue abutting West Bay Drive. - Consent calendar adopted 6-0 (Madrone excused); items 4D and 4E were pulled for separate action. First Readings Pulled for Separate Action - 4D - Councilmanic Public Safety Sales/Use Tax (HB-2015, 0.1%): Approved on first reading and forwarded to second reading. Motion by Cooper, second by Gilman; passed 6-0. - 4E - B&O Tax Program Amendments (Chapters 5.04/5.05): Approved on first reading and forwarded to second reading. Discussion included concerns about regressive taxation and the impact on small businesses, support as a compromise, and a note that 1,700 small businesses under $1 million in revenue will no longer pay B&O tax. Passed 6-0. Public Comments & Testimony - Karen Chenette (League of Women Voters of Thurston County): Expressed full support for preserving the city's two full-time equity positions in the 2026 budget and praised equity partnerships and the Social Justice and Equity Commission work plan. - Richard Burgess: Described serious air quality problems at his apartment and asked for assistance in relocating; said he has a housing voucher and is chemically sensitive. - Carol Goss (Thurston Forward Coalition): Thanked the city and partner jurisdictions for supporting DEI summit planning and urged continued cross-jurisdictional collaboration during budget shortfalls. - Golden Neal (League of Women Voters of Thurston County): Expressed support for maintaining equity funding, called equity a foundation rather than an extra, and highlighted community events such as Rebecca Howard Park and Lula Fest. - Judy Bardin (online): Opposed several land-use chapter revisions, including Policy 6.2, Policy 6.4, and Policy 20.3, arguing they remove livability protections, allow tall buildings near lower-density neighborhoods, and favor transit/commercial interests over existing residents. Councilmembers later responded that some changes reflect state law and flexibility, and that implementation matters. - Juan Diaz did not join for comment. Public Hearings - 5A - CDBG Program Year 2024 Annual Report: Senior Program Specialist Anastasia Everett presented accomplishments, including 11 home rehabs by Rebuilding Together, 6 Habitat for Humanity critical repairs, and 8 fully subsidized heat pump installations. Hearing opened; no one spoke; hearing left open through November 14. The CAPER is scheduled for approval at the November 18 meeting and must be submitted to HUD by November 28. - 5B - 2026 Regular Ad Valorem Tax: Senior Budget and Finance Manager Joan Lutz explained the 1% cap and estimated levy rate. Hearing opened and closed with no comment. Action deferred to the November 18 consent calendar. - 5C - 2026 Excess Ad Valorem Tax: Joan Lutz explained this voter-approved levy funds 2008 fire service bonds; 2026 debt levy is $1,076,000. Hearing opened and closed with no comment. Action deferred to the November 18 consent calendar. Discussion Items - Equity Strategic Plan Briefing: Assistant City Manager Stacy Ray (on behalf of City Manager Jay Burney) and Amelia Layton (Belonging and Equity Action Team) presented the city's first equity strategic plan, developed from staff interviews and surveys. Goals include employees feeling valued and included, and hiring policies aligned with diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. 2026 actions include creating employee feedback workgroups, departmental DEIB teams, and strengthening employee resource groups. Councilmembers praised the plan; questions covered internal feedback, ERG sustainability, political differences among staff, and applying equity externally. No formal action was taken. - Olympia 2045 Land Use & Urban Design Chapter: Senior Planner David Ginther reviewed changes including a new urban residential designation, small-scale commercial uses, neighborhood centers, urban agriculture, accessibility, and annexation provisions. Planning Commission and other commissions recommended approval. Councilmember Gilman noted late language changes to protect neighborhood livability and limit conversion of housing to commercial use. Councilmember Vanderpool said he wanted next year's work plan to address vacancy. Councilmember Cooper said the future land use map now reflects city values. Motion to accept the chapter by Cooper, seconded by Vanderpool, passed 6-0. - 2026 Preliminary Operating Budget Update: Finance Director Mike Givens presented ongoing general fund enhancements, including $20,000 for downtown baskets and $100,000 for Olympia Strong. Amelia Layton then presented the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC) funding recommendations. She cited $1.25 million in expected lodging tax revenue, a $594,000 draw from reserve, $1.774 million in requests, and a $625,000 allocation; partial funding was recommended. Mayor Pro Tem Huỳnh raised concerns about lower funding percentages for several organizations (e.g., Olympia Farmers Market, Harlequin Productions, South Sound Block Party, Harbor Days, Oly AHA Museum) and suggested sending the list back to LTAC. Councilmembers Green and Gilman cautioned against overriding the advisory committee process. Councilmember Cooper explained committee scoring and the ongoing legal review of the first 2% lodging tax directed to the Washington Center. No motion was made on the LTAC list; staff will refine scoring, reserve policy, and applications in February. Susan McLaughlin then described a proposal to add 0.5 FTE to an existing permit specialist (making it 1.0) and add a program specialist for the rental registry to reach cost-recoverable operation, with a 63% registration target. Councilmember Green said she had 'heartburn' adding positions after recent cuts and asked for a first-quarter discussion; Councilmembers Gilman and Vanderpool said the program is early and needs staffing to succeed. No formal action. Key Outcomes - Consent calendar adopted; two 2026 tax ordinances advanced to second reading. - CDBG public hearing left open; approval scheduled for November 18 and HUD submission by November 28. - Resolution accepting the Olympia 2045 Land Use & Urban Design Chapter passed 6-0. - Budget update discussion ended without a vote; no referral back to LTAC was made. Council directed process improvements for LTAC and asked for more information on rental registry staffing in the first quarter. - Council referrals: Councilmember Cooper's referral on responding to the SNAP/food crisis will come back with a staff report next week; Councilmember Green's referral on speed safety cameras will be discussed December 9. Councilmember Vanderpool reported the Thurston Regional Planning Council selected a new director (pending acceptance).

The PBIA Advisory Board met on November 5, 2025, at 6:05 PM in Council Chambers. The meeting included the appointment of a new board member, a detailed presentation by consultant Uncommon Bridges on the business improvement area evaluation, and a vote on funding for 2026 downtown flower baskets. The board also discussed past challenges with city relations, ratepayer engagement, and the relationship with the Olympia Downtown Alliance (ODA). Consent Calendar - Approved the agenda unanimously. - Approved the October 1, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous). - Approved the October 6, 2025 special meeting minutes (unanimous). Public Comments & Testimony - None. The gallery was full but no public comments were made. Discussion Items - Appointment of Elise Landry (6A): Boardmembers discussed and unanimously appointed Elise Landry (owner of Chicory Restaurant) to fill the vacant seat left by Oliver Stormshack. Vice Chair Davis moved, seconded by Boardmember Landis; motion passed unanimously. - Uncommon Bridges Consultant Presentation (6C): Brian Scott and Ashlee Day from Uncommon Bridges presented an overview of Business Improvement Areas (BIAs) and their evaluation process. They gave examples from Everett, Tacoma, Spokane, Ballard, Lewiston, Pioneer Square, and West Seattle Junction. Key points: - The current PBIA raises $114,000 annually (from 2024 invoices), with 5-10% non-payment (higher than the typical 3-5%). - Current rates (unchanged since 2005) are very low (max $750/year for large businesses); a 30-unit apartment building pays only $200. - The assessment is tenant-based, which is inefficient because there is no reliable list of tenants; staff at the city have been burned out administering it. - The board and consultant discussed the historical lack of cohesion with the city and the ODA, poor communication of PBIA value, and the need for a more sustainable funding model. - The consultant’s assignment is to evaluate board structure, rates, ratepayers, fee collection, administration, and project execution. Timeline: completion by February 2026. - Boardmembers shared perspectives: one member stated they had not paid their assessment in protest of perceived lack of action; another countered that the board has failed to tell its story and that many benefits (clean team, lighting, etc.) are taken for granted. - The relationship with the ODA was discussed: some members favor using PBIA funds to support ODA’s marketing and storytelling, as the PBIA cannot directly promote itself due to city restrictions. Others emphasized the PBIA’s transparency as a city-appointed board versus ODA’s private nonprofit status. - 2026 Flower Baskets (6B): The board debated allocating $20,000 of PBIA funds toward downtown flower baskets, contingent on the city also providing $20,000 (pending city council budget approval in December). The total cost for 70 baskets (including watering, maintenance, and contract extension with ODA) is about $56,000. Arguments for: beautification, visible benefit, and leveraging city funds. Arguments against: optics of spending on flowers when city is cutting services, poor past maintenance, and desire to save funds for the upcoming evaluation. A motion to approve $20,000 contingent on city funding passed 3-1-2 (Ayes: David, Landis, Hobick; Nay: Davis; Abstained: Gavzer, Zohn; Excused: Costelo, Dean, Leamy). Key Outcomes - Appointed Elise Landry to the PBIA board (unanimous). - Approved $20,000 for 2026 flower baskets contingent on city council approving $20,000 (motion passed 3-1-2). - Uncommon Bridges consultant work is underway; next meeting with the board expected in one to two months to discuss draft findings. - December meeting scheduling will be addressed via a survey due to potential conflicts; attendance enforcement was also discussed. - The board will consider forming subcommittees (e.g., for flower basket oversight) and continue exploring alternative funding sources.

This summary is based on the raw transcript; no agenda or minutes were provided. The board met on November 10, 2025, with a quorum, and board members Madrone and Green excused. The meeting covered routine approvals, the 2026 Olympia Metropolitan Park District (OMPD) budget, and the 2026 ad valorem tax resolution. Routine Approvals - The board unanimously approved the meeting agenda. - The board unanimously approved the October 21, 2025 meeting minutes. Public Comments & Testimony - No public commenters were signed up, and none came forward after an open invitation. Discussion Items - 2026 OMPD Budget Resolution: The Director of Parks, Arts and Recreation reported that the budget presented at the October 21 public hearing was slightly higher than projected revenues. The budget was subsequently reduced to match expected revenues, eliminating the need to use fund balance, and the proposed resolution amount was $5,760,213. - 2026 OMPD Ad Valorem Tax Resolution: The board stated this resolution was unchanged from the version presented at the earlier public hearing. No presentation was given. Key Outcomes - Unanimous approval of the resolution adopting the 2026 OMPD budget in the amount of $5,760,213. - Unanimous approval of the resolution setting the 2026 OMPD ad valorem tax. - The board president noted it was his last night as president, and the meeting was adjourned.

Note: The minutes and transcript indicate the meeting occurred on Monday, November 3, 2025, but the provided date is November 4, 2025. This summary uses the required date. The Olympia City Council held a regular business meeting on November 4, 2025, featuring three public hearings on the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), the 2026 Preliminary Operating Budget, and the Preliminary Capital Facilities Plan (CFP) 2026-2031. The council also reviewed proposed utility rates, fees, and special revenue budgets, and discussed the Multifamily Property Tax Exemption (MFTE) program. Key themes included addressing community food insecurity due to the federal government shutdown, balancing the budget through reductions and new taxes, and evaluating the equity of tax exemption policies. Consent Calendar - Items 4A-4D were approved unanimously (6-0, with Councilmember Madrone excused): - Approval of October 21, 2025, meeting minutes. - Authorization of an 8-year MFTE agreement with Urban Olympia 16A, LLC for the Legion and Jefferson project. - Authorization of two 8-year MFTE agreements with Fourth Street’s Cottages, LLC for Cottage Apartments. - Amendment to the interlocal agreement with Tumwater for Community Assistance Referral and Education Services. Public Comments & Testimony - MFTE Program (Consent Items 4B & 4C): Six speakers opposed the tax exemptions, arguing they shift property tax burdens onto other taxpayers and do not produce affordable housing. Speakers included Jim Lazar, Larry Dzieza, Ronda Carson Kramer, Lisa Riner, and John Newman. They characterized the MFTE as a "reverse Robin Hood action" that subsidizes wealthy developers while working families and retirees pay more. - Transportation Improvement Program: Two speakers (Jim Lazar, Karen Messmer) supported the TIP but raised concerns about pedestrian safety crossing treatments, urging use of HAWK signals instead of rapid flashing beacons. Messmer also called for adequate staffing to implement projects. - 2026 Operating Budget: Two speakers (Jim Lazar, Karen Messmer) commented. Lazar identified a calculation error in the budget regarding parks funding and urged reconvening a budget advisory committee. Messmer stressed that relying on vacancies to save money is unsustainable and that staffing is needed for transportation safety projects. - Capital Facilities Plan: Three speakers (Jim Lazar, Kate Davis, Karen Messmer) spoke. Lazar applauded programming of transportation benefit district funds but reiterated safety concerns. Davis highlighted school district partnerships (Freedom Farm, safe routes to school). Messmer emphasized that CFP investments are economic development and urged use of safest crossing technologies. Discussion Items - MFTE Program Debate: Councilmembers extensively discussed the program after public comment. Mayor Pro Tem Huỳnh expressed empathy with concerns about tax shifts. Councilmember Cooper called for establishing performance indicators (e.g., vacancy rates) to guide when to adjust the program. Councilmember Gilman requested project-by-project evaluation and transparent reporting on tax burden per household. City Manager Burney noted that staff committed to developing performance measures for all housing incentives in 2024 and that the current projects followed approved policy. The council agreed to continue evaluation but approved the consent calendar as presented, with Burney suggesting the topic be added to the Land Use and Environment Committee’s 2025 work plan. - 2026 Operating Budget Presentation: Finance Director Michael Githens presented the $230 million preliminary budget, which assumes a 0.1% public safety sales tax increase (estimated $1.5M in 2026, $3M full year) and a Business & Occupation (B&O) tax increase (0.002 for most categories, 0.0015 for retail, with a $500,000 threshold). The budget includes $1.28 million in reductions, including unfilled vacancies, and enhancements such as a four-person sidewalk repair team ($830K first year). Councilmembers praised staff work and noted the budget is sustainable for the near term but acknowledged difficult decisions. - Transportation Improvement Program: Senior Engineer Joey Jones presented projects including Capitol Way South overlay, Martin Way corridor design, Pacific Avenue enhanced crosswalks, and Mottman Road improvements. Council expressed support for safety improvements but questioned project timelines and staffing. - Capital Facilities Plan: Associate Planner Casey Schaufler presented the $77.9 million 2026 capital budget, with $46.9 million for parks (Armory Creative Campus, Yelm Highway Community Park), $10.7 million for transportation, and utility projects. Discussion included fire station remodels, the West Olympia 101 interchange project (funding uncertain), and staff recruitment challenges. - Utility Rates, Fees, and Special Revenues: Multiple staff presented proposed 3.74% increase in typical bi-monthly utility bills, 5% increase in General Facility Charges, 2.7% increase in permit fees, and 10% increase in transportation impact fees (catch-up from prior years). Parking citation fees were proposed to increase after five years without changes. Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC) recommendations totaled $1.04 million for 31 applications; council requested more detail on scoring and original requests before approval, to be provided at the November 10 meeting. The Housing and Homeless Response budget relies on state encampment resolution funding and faces challenges from unexpected costs (e.g., hazardous tree removal, encampment cleanup). Key Outcomes - Consent Calendar adopted 6-0. - Public Hearings on TIP, Operating Budget, and CFP were held and closed; formal adoption votes scheduled for December. - Council directed City Manager Burney to explore a food bank donation from council goal money (approx. $100,000 available) and coordinate with other jurisdictions to address SNAP benefit disruptions. - Council requested additional information on LTAC funding recommendations (scoring and original request amounts) for the November 10 meeting. - MFTE program will be revisited in 2026 as part of the Land Use and Environment Committee work plan; no moratorium or immediate policy changes were enacted. - Staff will provide a briefing on pedestrian safety lighting technologies and automatic enforcement options for school zones and crosswalks. - Next meetings: November 10 (Monday) for budget update and first readings of tax ordinances; November 18 for second hearings and final budget adoption in December.

The Olympia PBIA (Parking and Business Improvement Area) Advisory Board held a special meeting to interview the top three RFP candidates and select a contractor. The meeting was called to order at 6:08 p.m. and adjourned at 7:27 p.m. in Council Chambers at Olympia City Hall. The source minutes and transcript record the meeting date as Monday, October 6, 2025, which conflicts with the provided meeting timestamp of 2025-10-25 14:00:00+00:00; this summary uses the provided date in the title. No public comment was offered. Attendance - Present: Boardmember Jacob David (Chair), Boardmember Alden Davis (Vice Chair), Boardmember Sophia Landis, Boardmember Monique Ossa, Boardmember Timothy Zohn, and Boardmember Cher Hobick. - Excused: Boardmember Oliver Stormshak. - Absent: Boardmember Christina Costelo, Boardmember Janis Dean, Boardmember Anne Gavzer, and Boardmember Kaitlyn Leamy. - Staff present: Economic Division Development Director Jennica Machado. Interview Process - The board interviewed representatives from D-Fine Concepts, Vivid Company, and Uncommon Bridges, using 15-minute sessions and the same five questions for each. - The questions aligned with the published selection criteria: understanding of PBIA goals, evaluation scope, stakeholder engagement approach, evaluation and analysis experience, quality of past work, proposed work plan, and overall clarity. D-Fine Concepts - Representative Dr. Jackie St. Louis expressed support for a community-led, mixed-method approach and described prior outreach work with the Downtown Seattle Association and other BIAs, plus a recent Clark County affordable housing evaluation. - Boardmembers praised her research and engagement style but expressed concerns about the lack of direct BIA/economic-development project experience, limited depth on BIA regulations, and an unclear staffing model. Vivid Company - Kendra Benavidis and Shelly Lackey described Vivid as an Olympia-based firm specializing in stakeholder engagement, multi-channel outreach, and public-sector strategic planning. They noted they had not worked with a BIA specifically and described themselves as a disinterested third party without preconceived agendas. - Board reactions were mixed: some valued their listening approach and local roots, while others were concerned about limited BIA and evaluation experience and their expectation that city staff would serve as subject-matter experts on a contract where the board wanted the consultant to supply expertise. Uncommon Bridges - Brian Scott and Andreas described decades of BIA/BID experience, including current work in Everett, Seattle, Tacoma, Portland, and Berkeley, and deep regulatory knowledge, including helping write Oregon's enabling legislation for such districts. - They said the project team would be led by Brian, with Jacqueline and Skylar supporting and Andreas advising. - Boardmembers viewed Uncommon Bridges as the strongest on experience, regulatory knowledge, team depth, and local tailoring. One concern was that their understanding came partly from news articles and not from recent street-level familiarity with Olympia, which boardmembers expected would improve after direct engagement. Selection and Contract Timeline - In a straw poll, most boardmembers ranked Uncommon Bridges first; rankings for second and third varied. - Motion by Vice Chair Davis, seconded by Boardmember Zohn, to select Uncommon Bridges as the successful candidate: passed unanimously. - Motion by Boardmember Zohn, seconded by Vice Chair Davis, to name D-Fine Concepts as the backup if Uncommon Bridges could not proceed: passed. The minutes record this motion as unanimous, but the transcript shows Boardmember Hobick abstaining and Boardmember Landis's vote unclear. - Motion by Boardmember Hobick, seconded by Boardmember Ossa, to approve a contract timeline ending mid-February: passed unanimously. Announcements and Other Topics - A boardmember announced that Elise Landry of Chicory is willing to join the board for Oliver Stormshak's seat; the appointment will be considered at the next meeting. - A calendar review for next year's meetings was suggested for the November or December meetings. Key Outcomes - Uncommon Bridges was selected as the contractor. - D-Fine Concepts was selected as the alternative/backup contractor. - The contract timeline was set to end mid-February to allow for PBIA and city council review. - The Elise Landry appointment and 2026 calendar review are expected to be taken up at a future meeting.

The Land Use & Environment Committee of the Olympia City Council met on October 24, 2025, at 4:01 PM in Online and Room 112. The meeting was chaired by Dani Madrone and attended by Committee members Jim Cooper and Robert Vanderpool, along with city staff and the Planning Commission Chair. The committee approved two sets of code amendments: one for the Olympia 2045 Comprehensive Plan periodic update and another for middle housing, both unanimously (3-0). Public comment was received on the middle housing proposal. Consent Calendar - Approval of the meeting agenda was moved by Robert Vanderpool, seconded, and approved unanimously. - Approval of the September 25, 2025, Land Use & Environment Committee meeting minutes was moved by Robert Vanderpool, seconded, and approved unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - Kevin McCrae, representing Malvin Brothers Construction, expressed support for the middle housing proposal but recommended removing the 1,000-square-foot size restriction on accessory dwelling units (ADUs). He stated he otherwise supported the recommendations. Discussion Items - Code Amendments for Olympia 2045 Comprehensive Plan Periodic Update (Item 6.A): Joyce Phillips, Community Planning & Economic Development Planning Manager, presented proposed code amendments required as part of the comprehensive plan periodic update. The amendments address state requirements (e.g., notice for resource lands, essential public facilities definitions, organic materials maintenance facilities, impact fees, transportation concurrency, tribal participation) and local consistency measures (e.g., neighborhood retail zoning district size, zoning district table updates, anti-spot zoning provisions). The Planning Commission held a public hearing on October 6, 2025, and recommended approval unanimously. The committee discussed the straightforward nature of the proposal and approved the motion to forward to the City Council for adoption on December 9, 2025. - Middle Housing Code Amendments (Item 6.B): Joyce Phillips presented a detailed overview of the middle housing code amendments to implement state requirements under House Bills 1110 and 2321, addressing middle housing, accessory dwelling units, co-living housing, and unit lot subdivisions. The city is a tier-two city but chose to implement tier-one requirements (e.g., up to four units per lot, six if near transit or affordable housing). Key policy decisions included retaining a 1,000-square-foot maximum for ADUs, eliminating maximum story limits, and using a half-mile distance from frequent transit routes. The Planning Commission, represented by Chair Greg Quetin, recommended modifications: strike the design review requirement for residential units outside the design review district (relying on other zoning standards instead), increase building height in lower-density residential zones from 35 to 40 feet, adjust rear setbacks to 10 feet for primary structures (5 feet for ADUs), and reduce or eliminate minimum site size for manufactured/mobile home parks. The committee discussed these recommendations, with members expressing support for flexibility and density. They also noted future work on engineering standards and design review. The committee approved the motion to accept the Planning Commission's recommendation and forward to the full City Council for a decision on November 18, 2025. Key Outcomes - Vote on Code Amendments for Olympia 2045 Comprehensive Plan: Motion by Robert Vanderpool, seconded by Dani Madrone, passed 3-0 (Madrone, Cooper, Vanderpool). The amendments will go to the City Council on December 9, 2025. - Vote on Middle Housing Code Amendments: Motion by Jim Cooper, seconded by Robert Vanderpool, to accept the Planning Commission's recommendation, passed 3-0. The proposal will go to the City Council on November 18, 2025. - Next Steps: The committee scheduled a special meeting for December 18, 2025, to address the hearing examiner recruitment, engineering design standards (EDS) update, work program items, and the Briggs Village development agreement. The committee also noted that Intercity Transit will present route changes in the future.