Workshop covers views versus development in downtown Olympia

The public is invited to attend a workshop Monday about the Downtown Strategy, a still-in-the-works plan that will define what actions Olympia will take in the next six years concerning development, private investment, public spaces and historic preservation in the city’s downtown core.

The workshop will begin at 6 p.m. Monday at The Olympia Center, 222 Columbia St. N.W. Free child care will be available.

The discussion will focus on balancing priorities between protecting scenic views of landmarks such as Mount Rainier and the State Capitol Dome while also encouraging more residential and commercial development downtown.

The workshop also will review the progress so far with the Downtown Strategy, which is expected to be finished by the end of the year. The strategy involves the implementation of goals in the city’s comprehensive plan, which outlines planning and policy goals for the next 20 years.

The plan is part of the city’s preparations for an expected population growth of about 20,000 residents, including 5,000 in downtown Olympia, in the next 20 years. That growth will generate more demand for housing, businesses, parking and lodging, according to a recent market analysis.

Another goal of the comprehensive plan is to create a more walkable and bike-friendly landscape in downtown Olympia.

This story was originally published June 3, 2016 at 3:47 PM with the headline "Workshop covers views versus development in downtown Olympia."