Olympia PBIA board to vote on hiring consultant for program evaluation 

The Olympia Parking and Business Improvement Area (PBIA) Advisory Board will decide on whether to hire a consultant to evaluate the structure and future of the downtown-focused program.  

The PBIA  will meet in person at Olympia City Hall,  Council Chambers at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 6.

Economic Development Division Director Jennica Machado is recommendingthe city issue a request for proposal (RFP) to find a qualified consultant, who would conduct an evaluation of the PBIA and develop recommendations for either improving the current structure or exploring alternative models for downtown business engagement.  

Funded through fees collected from downtown businesses, the PBIA has supported services, such as marketing, safety coordination and cleanup efforts. But concerns have been raised by members of the PBIA Advisory Board and others about whether the current model is effective or representative of the broader business community. 

The evaluation process began in November 2024, when the board unanimously voted to pursue a program review. In December 2024, the Olympia City Council approved the PBIA's recommendation to set a zero rate for 2025, allowing time for reassessment.  

Discussions on next steps continued this year. In May, the board requested city staff prepare a finalized RFP for consultant review. However, during a June meeting, the board declined to approve the draft and instead requested more information about transitioning into a small business advisory committee to the city council.  

According to city staff, the consultant would conduct a comprehensive evaluation and offer recommendations that could include structural changes or a complete replacement of the PBIA. The report would also examine how the program serves downtown stakeholders and how its resources are distributed.  

Several options remain on the table. In addition to hiring a consultant, the city could adopt a proposal developed by the PBIA board, allow the PBIA to sunset at the end of 2025 when its fee pause expires, or continue with the current model in 2026. 

If the RFP is approved, the consultant's cost would be negotiated based on the scope of work and qualifications. Price would be factored into the city's selection process.