Olympia Strong: A Roadmap to Economic Opportunities
What’s Happening?
The City of Olympia has launched an effort called Olympia Strong to better understand what actions it can take to help residents, businesses and our City organization thrive – particularly in challenging economic times. The things we learn will help build a roadmap to a healthy, inclusive and sustainable economic ecosystem.
Since July 2022 we’ve heard and learned a lot about how our community hopes to see our economy evolve and grow in the years ahead, and how we can create pathways that serve a broader cross-section of those who call Olympia home. These ideas and aspirations fall into four distinct focus areas:
Education and workforce pathways
- Vision: Every Olympian is afforded quality lifelong educational opportunities that build pathways to upward mobility and financial stability.
Housing and sense of security
- Vision: All Olympians can enter into and sustain stable housing while building household financial security.
Business enterprise resources and support
- Vision: Olympia invests in business training, fosters innovative enterprises, and promotes and supports the City’s small and independent business network.
Community pride, lovability and resiliency
- Vision: Olympia invests in and facilitates projects and partnerships that make Olympia a desirable destination to work, live and play, while also ensuring we are prepared to respond effectively to physical and financial challenges.
Background
At the onset of COVID-19, Olympia joined forces with economic development partners from around the region in an effort known as Thurston Strong(External link). The partners took immediate action to help businesses and workers weather the emergency (a hotline, protective gear, childcare support, $9 million in grants) and implemented a 24-month plan to accelerate regional economic recovery and support workers seeking new job opportunities.
Now, it's time to focus within Olympia on creating the positive economic conditions that can provide long-term support for our city, its employers, and the people who call Olympia home.
Why are we doing this?
Olympia has many strengths. Among them, an overall stable economy, top-rated schools, vibrant economic centers, and people and organizations who genuinely care and work together to make a positive difference. We also face challenges which disrupt our economic system such a housing crisis, climate change, and workforce and supply shortages.
Disruption inevitability leads to change. As we recover from the pandemic, we have an opportunity to shape this change. Olympia Strong invites our community to consider new approaches to our local economic ecosystem and explore how we can:
Elevate more people of all backgrounds and abilities into financial stability and help people overcome economic hardships,
Leverage and expand on Olympia’s economic strengths,
Sustain economic growth and support for Olympian entrepreneurs,
Build on the work of Thurston Strong, and
Ensure municipal funds and other funds are capable of supporting community goals.
Get involved
Open House
On June 12, 2023, we held a public open house to share what the City is already doing to strengthen our economy and advance affordable housing, and gather feedback to help shape Olympia Strong actions. Watch the recording(External link)
Comprehensive Plan
Updates to the 20-year economic goals and policies in the Comprehensive Plan are expected to be reviewed by the Planning Commission in Fall 2023. This will include a public hearing that is yet to be scheduled.
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Who's Listening
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Economic Development Director
Email Updates
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