Olympia’s City Council is preparing for its 2025 Annual Retreat, a two-day event to set budget priorities, finalize operational strategies, and improve committee structures. The retreat also serves as a platform for council members to build cohesion and prepare for the year’s challenges and targets.
On Wednesday, Oct. 30, the Committee of the Chairs, including Mayor Pro Tem Yến Huỳnh, Council Members Dani Madrone and Clark Gilman, City Manager Jay Burney, and Assistant to the City Manager Susan Grisham, are finalizing the logistics and content that will define the council’s upcoming strategic discussions.
The retreat facilitator, Amy Leneker, known for her successful guidance in previous years, is expected to lead the council through team-building and goal-setting exercises to set the tone for the year ahead.
City Manager Jay Burney has recommended two potential dates: January 17-18 or January 24-25.
The dates were carefully chosen to respect the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday and accommodate early January scheduling.
In terms of venue, council members expressed a strong preference for using Council Chambers for the 2025 retreat.
Drawing on past experiences where external locations posed logistical challenges, members agreed that holding the retreat in council chambers would be best. They said it offers reliable technology, accessibility, and a familiar setting, which members agreed would support a more focused and smooth retreat.
In planning the city’s budget following recent reductions, the council eyes on building a more resilient and long-term financial plan.
Council Member Clark Gilman supported a “revenue-focused” strategy to secure essential services and prepare for future challenges. Many council members agreed that a balanced approach—considering new revenue options and further spending cuts if needed—was necessary.
City Manager Jay Burney proposed shifting to a “priority-based budgeting” approach, moving from department-focused spending to prioritizing community needs.
Burney also mentioned that a consultant might be needed to get this model up and running, which council members believe could boost public involvement in budget decisions.
Additionally, the council will explore new revenue options, such as tax initiatives, but agreed that major proposals would require significant community support, likely through a public vote. If these options advance, they plan to have a backup strategy that balances revenue generation with careful spending cuts.
Another primary goal for the council is to clarify and enhance the role of advisory committees and commissions.
Mayor Pro Tem Huỳnh strongly advocated for this restructuring and emphasized the need for clearer roles and expectations to make meaningful contributions.
In response to concerns over the clarity and effectiveness of current advisory roles, the council aims to align these bodies more directly with its objectives and community needs.
The restructuring will likely involve evaluating each committee’s mission, the selection process, and the potential outcomes of their work. They envision these committees as a link between itself and the community to strengthen city decision-making rather than functioning independently.
Anticipating new members, council members stressed the importance of a structured onboarding process to secure smooth integration into council work.
Ideally, Facilitator Amy Leneker shall guide sessions on building strong interpersonal connections, fostering good governance, and deepening mutual understanding among members.
Onboarding will feature a mix of formal and informal activities to help members connect on a personal level, which is essential to council duties and responsibilities.
While legislative advocacy remains a council priority, members agreed to postpone in-depth advocacy planning until later in the year to focus on immediate session needs. A mid-year session will allow the council to assess its advocacy approach and adjust strategies as needed.
Discussions around equity and inclusion are also planned for the retreat, as the team aims to integrate these values into their 2025 work plan.
Furthermore, council members are committed to revisiting equity topics throughout the year to ensure these values are reflected in their policies and operations.
To add a creative pause to the retreat, the council members included another walking tour and an art break—a tradition that has added enjoyment to past retreats. The art break is envisioned to allow members to connect informally with local artists and strengthen ties within the community.
Council Member Madrone noted that such activities reinforce the impact of policy decisions and promote a shared appreciation of Olympia’s community spaces and cultural resources.
As the council solidifies plans for the 2025 retreat, members expressed their commitment to aligning on the goals and priorities guiding their work for the year. The retreat is a key opportunity for council members to collectively set the direction for Olympia to address the city’s challenges and achieve its objectives.
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