Article submitted by the Thurston County Chamber
Like a forward-thinking business, the City of Tumwater has used the recession as an opportunity to prepare for future economic growth.
Early in 2010, the City Council adopted Strategic and Economic Development plans which outline the City’s direction toward improvement of the economic, political, and social well-being of its citizens.
Laid out in these plans are several of newly-elected Mayor Pete Kmet’s priorities, which capture opportunities to build upon the City’s 164-year history.
They also incorporate insights garnered from the Mayor’s 18 years of City Council experience in
order to better guide the Council and community in future decision making. In spite of the recession, several bright spots are showing up in Tumwater…
Historic Brew House
The historic brew house, that iconic structure which has inspired the design of so many buildings in the City, is under new ownership. The owner has begun to clean up the property and is partnering with the City on plans for preservation and new uses. The warehouses, newer brew house, and related property and buildings are being actively marketed after years of sitting empty.
Through the Thurston Regional Planning Council, the City received a grant to engage the community in crafting a vision for the future of the entire brewery property. The City is currently in the consultant selection process for this project.
Capitol Boulevard
Another City priority is developing a new future for Capitol Boulevard. A segment of the historic Highway 99, Capitol Boulevard is now overburdened with vehicular traffic, offers little accommodation for pedestrians and bicyclists, and lacks sufficient opportunities for new businesses.
This spring, the City will begin collaborating with businesses and residents along Capitol Boulevard. The vision for this project is efficient transport of people and goods, increased economic opportunities along a vital city corridor, and significant improvement in visual appearance.
Economic Redevelopment
In order to improve the City’s image and increase opportunities for redevelopment, Tumwater is focusing on projects that leverage investments in areas of already-existing infrastructure.
A revival of the existing commercial area around the Brewery, the historical location of downtown Tumwater, is one such project. It currently includes a mix of smaller scale retail and service uses, a grocery store, and a number of residential uses.
Another area where Tumwater will focus its resources is creating greater consistency for developers and the community. To that end, design guidelines will be updated city-wide this year.
Service Improvement
To provide better service and increase efficiency, the City is also closely scrutinizing its internal operations. Tumwater recently consolidated and reorganized several City departments to reduce costs and improve communications between staff working on similar tasks. The City has also initiated efforts to control costs by changing the health care package offered to many employees.
City staff is also working to improve communication across the board – with businesses and residents, as well as with people who work, shop, and play in Tumwater. The City has established, and is actively growing, electronic mailing lists geared toward specific areas of citizens’ interest. In the coming year, the City will improve their web presence, develop marketing materials, and create an electronic newsletter.
Tumwater is also working to strengthen the City’s relationship with strategic partners including the Port of Olympia, Tumwater School District, Economic Development Council, and local business associations like the Tumwater and Thurston County Chambers. All of these changes will help market the City to prospective investors.
Looking Forward
Even in these difficult times, Tumwater is using the foundation of its rich history to shape a bright and successful future. As staff and administration work hard to position the City for a great future, there is truly a new energy at City Hall!
For more information, go to www.ci.tumwater.wa.us. Visit the website today, but be sure to revisit in the future to explore the updated website as it comes to fruition, and track the City of Tumwater’s ongoing progress.
Thank you to the City of Tumwater for the photo in this article.
