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Neighborhood redevelopment fund underused, staff says; $5.9M balance could support new master plans
Summary
Director Williams told council the neighborhood redevelopment fund, established in 2004 and currently funded by a half‑mill levy, holds roughly $5.9 million but that few master plans have been updated since 2021; staff recommended more community outreach and implementation instead of letting plans sit unused.
Director Cynthia Williams briefed the council about the neighborhood redevelopment special revenue fund and urged a shift from planning documents to on‑the‑ground implementation.
Williams explained the fund’s history — created as part of the FY2004 budget and originally funded at 0.2 mills before rising to 0.5 mills — and said the fund is dedicated to neighborhood master plans and improvement projects. “Originally funded at 0.2 mills and then increased to half a mill in the fiscal year ... funding is a dedicated quarter mill from property tax and will be used for the dedicated purpose of redevelopment efforts,” she said while describing the program’s purpose and structure.
Staff described several recent activities: the Olympia overlay ordinance adopted from neighborhood planning work, a neighborhood enrichment grant program that awarded 39 grants totaling about $71,000 last year, monthly trainings in partnership with the Richland County Neighborhood Council and annual neighborhood events. Williams reported the neighborhood redevelopment fund balance at about $5,900,000 and said the program has not produced new master plans or substantial implementation projects since 2021 due to staffing turnover.
Council members urged clearer strategies so plans do not end up on shelves. Williams said staff will update neighborhood contact lists, partner with city‑area neighborhood groups and other agencies, explore updating older master plans and revive focused grant and façade programs. She also identified opportunities to better map neighborhoods and increase outreach so a greater number of neighborhoods can apply for grants and receive assistance.
The presentation was informational; staff said specific project proposals and requests would be included in the recommended budget book where appropriate.
