Downtown Strategy public meeting set for Aug. 20

The public is invited to an open house to meet finalists for Olympia’s Downtown Strategy consultant team. The event will run 6-8:30 p.m. Aug. 20 at City Hall, 601 Fourth Ave. E.

The city has narrowed the field to three urban design firms: MAKERS architecture and urban design, Walker Macy, and Crandall Arambula. The firm chosen will assist the city with public input and analysis as the city forms its strategy for meeting the goals in the city’s comprehensive plan, a blueprint that outlines the city’s vision for the next 20 years.

The public process for developing the strategy will begin in the fall and define what actions the city will take over the next five to six years. It will focus on four areas: reducing uncertainty for development, encouraging private investment, enhancing public spaces, and preserving downtown’s natural or historic qualities.

To learn more, contact senior planner Amy Buckler at DTS@ci.olympia.wa.us or visit olympiawa.gov/DTS.

This story was originally published August 11, 2015 at 9:17 AM with the headline "Downtown Strategy public meeting set for Aug. 20."