Thursday, October 1, 2026
The Olympia City Council is scheduled to consider the future of the city’s Parking and Business Improvement Area (PBIA), including whether to move forward with a proposed overhaul of the program, at a meeting on Tuesday, April 14.
Established in 2005, the PBIA collects fees from downtown businesses to fund services, such as cleaning, safety, marketing and beautification. In recent years, concerns have emerged about the program’s effectiveness, including questions about the fairness of the fee structure, long-term sustainability and administrative complexity.
In 2024, the city council suspended the PBIA assessment rate for 2025 and 2026 pending the results of an independent evaluation.
The evaluation, conducted by consultant Uncommon Bridges, has been completed. It examined the PBIA’s structure, operations, fees and administrative processes, and identified recommendations for improvement based on best practices from comparable downtowns. The consultant will present its findings and recommendations at the meeting.
According to the evaluation, the PBIA “does not align with best practices” and “does not raise enough money to be effective,” and it also identifies challenges with its tenant-based model and administrative workload.
The report recommends increasing funding levels, restructuring the assessment model, and designating a nonprofit program manager, such as the Olympia Downtown Alliance. It also calls for a stronger focus on core services, such as cleaning and public safety.
At a meeting in March, the Community Livability and Public Safety Committee recommended the city approve the report’s recommendations and proceed with Phase Two of the implementation road map.
The PBIA Advisory Board and Community Livability and Public Safety Committee have both recommended the city council advance the PBIA evaluation to Phase Two of its road map, which would further develop potential changes to the program’s structure, funding and operations before any final council action on rates or governance.
If approved, Phase Two is expected to cost about $50,000. A city staff report stated that without approving the recommendations, “there is not an identified sustainable path” for continuing the PBIA program.
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Bobwubbena
If the city council doesn't care about the future of its' downtown, why are we spending all of this tax money for all of the various special interest programs. If not downtown----where?????? Maybe we should lay off all City staff except those that deliver direct benefits to the health and safety of downtown and the incorporated community and community services to all citizens. No more special interest agendas
Recently I was at a presentation where a "special interest group" was asked which other "special interest" should give up the competed for funds. Their answer was that there is always funds to be found----so naive----NO there is a limit to the funds that all are competing for. 'Stop being a "Pollyanna" You are not stealing from my "cookie jar".
Monday, April 13 Report this
TheGreatAnon
"If the city council doesn't care about the future of its' downtown..."
STFU Bob.
Tuesday, April 14 Report this