Committee OK's economy chapter of comprehensive plan for Olympia

The City of Olympia's Finance Committee approved a revised draft of the economy chapter of the 2045 Comprehensive Plan, which focuses on equity, workforce and community development.  

At a meeting on Monday, June 16, Jennica Machado, the city's new Economic Development Division Director, presented the updated chapter. It was developed through public engagement and review processes, including input from the Olympia Strong initiative, the Olympia Planning Commission and various council committees.  

The updated chapter is rooted in the Olympia Strong framework, a people-centered approach and equity-focused economic strategy launched in July 2022 in response to the economic shifts brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. City staff conducted surveys, focus groups, interviews and other engagement efforts to understand the community's long-term economic needs. 

Olympia Strong emphasized expanding economic opportunity and financial security for all residents, especially youths, low-income households and individuals facing systemic barriers.  

Many of the chapter's new initiatives aim to address gaps through job training, mentorship programs, low-income housing and support for workforce development.  

The plan includes initiatives for the next 10 years, with focus areas on: 

• Education and workforce pathways 

• Housing and a sense of security 

• Business enterprise resources and support 

• Community pride, lovability, and resilience 

Olympia will rely on collaboration with regional partners, including the Economic Development Council, Pacific Mountain Workforce Development, Enterprise for Equity and United Way.  

The draft for the economy chapter of the comprehensive plan was first released in October 2023, underwent a public hearing in February 2024, and received planning commission recommendations in March.

The Social Justice and Equity Commission weighed in last month, and the Squaxin Island Tribal Council was invited to provide feedback. The finance committee previously reviewed the chapter in December 2023. The city council held a work session for the draft in February this year.  

Machado outlined the revisions since the February work session, which include the council's recommendations: 

• Recognize the value of all workers, regardless of career path 

• Incorporate "third place" spaces across the city 

• Address reducing the local affordability gap 

• Collaborate with the Port of Olympia on topics that impact the port's current and future needs 

• Ensure flexibility in commercial infill through mixed zoning 

• Encourage collaboration with partners for "complete blocks" 

• Support space flexibility in storefront sizes and explore living space and commercial space flexibility 

Machado and Community Planning and Economic Development Director Susan McLaughlin proposed additional revisions to clarify language to better align policies with other city plans.  

"There are revisions to enhance the narrative on supply chains, workforce, industry change, expand entrepreneurship and small business support, leverage (the) existing Downtown Community Renewal Plan, assess utilization of public financing tools, adaptive reuse as a revitalization strategy, and supporting efforts to expand year-round tourism and enhance refining signs," Machado told the finance committee.  

The revised economy chapter will be forwarded to the city council for review and potential adoption.