Olympia 2045: Comprehensive Plan Update

The Community Values & Vision chapter captures the aspirations our community holds for the future of Olympia, based on shared values. For each of the Plan’s existing chapters, there is a statement about what we value related to that topic. Next, a vision statement of what the future of Olympia will be like is provided. This chapter helps shape the entirety of the Comprehensive Plan

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The Public Participation & Partners chapter provides guidance for outreach and engagement of the community in a meaningful, inclusive, and equitable way. The voices of residents, local business owners and organizations provide the perspective and information that are absolutely essential to effective planning and decision-making regarding issues that will shape our community for generations to come.

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The Natural Environment chapter addresses the many benefits we receive from a thriving natural environment and the ways we can work together to keep it healthy. From community-based habitat stewardship opportunities to regulations protecting critical areas from the impacts of development, the goals and policies outlined in this chapter aim to promote both human well-being and environmental health.

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The chapter will address both climate mitigation (the reduction of greenhouse gases) and resiliency (the ability to adapt to our changing climate). The chapter will be designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and vehicle miles traveled, improve climate preparedness, response, and recovery efforts to enhance resiliency and avoid the adverse impacts of climate change, and prioritize environmental justice and avoid creating or worsening localized climate impacts to vulnerable populations and overburdened communities.

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The Land Use & Urban Design chapter discusses patterns of development, neighborhoods, historic preservation, the built environment, Downtown, transitioning to a more urban community with vibrancy and destinations within walking distances of most residences, and connections to nature, food production, and transportation networks.

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The Housing chapter provides policies and guidance for addressing the housing shortage in the community. The chapter addresses multiple aspects of housing such as:: existing housing conditions; supply; affordability; population growth; and planning for future residents of Olympia.

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The Transportation chapter will address how we’ll keep people moving even as we experience population growth over the next 20 years. It will incorporate many of the changes and feedback we heard while creating the Transportation Master Plan, which was adopted in 2021. We anticipate that the current vision of “complete streets that move people, not just cars,” will continue to guide the overarching policy structure of the chapter.

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The Parks, Arts and Recreation chapter sets goals and policies to ensure that the City is meeting the needs of the community equitably when it comes to leisure and recreational activities, vibrant public arts and events, and stewardship of the natural environment. These services build community, improve individual health and support the local economy.

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The Utilities chapter of the City’s Comprehensive Plan covers both city-owned and privately run utilities. City-owned utilities include Drinking Water, Wastewater, Storm and Surface Water, and Waste ReSources (garbage and recycling). Coordination with private utilities ensures that customers receive safe and reliable service at reasonable rates.

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The Economy chapter is our roadmap to a healthy, inclusive and sustainable economy. Its goals and policies will guide City programs, partnerships and investments that will foster positive economic conditions for all. Topics include inclusive education and workforce pathways, business and entrepreneurial support, the creative economy, tourism and other conditions that foster community pride and investment.

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