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Tumwater highlights opportunity zone application, seeks $645,000 for brownfield demolition
Summary
At its June 16 meeting, Tumwater’s economic development staff reported on an Opportunity Zone application, a $645,000 demolition request for an old boiler house, and a Pioneer Technologies environmental assessment to support redevelopment.
City economic development staff presented a quarterly update June 16 that highlighted an Opportunity Zone application, brownfield cleanup plans and ongoing business outreach.
Assistant City Administrator Kelly Adams said two census tracts were submitted for designation to the state Department of Commerce and the city expects feedback by late September. Adams described the Opportunity Zone as a federal investment incentive that can help attract long-term capital to eligible census tracts.
Adams said the city requested $645,000 to clean up and demolish an old boiler house on a parcel purchased last year, arguing the site’s proximity to the river makes remediation a priority. The city has signed an agreement with Pioneer Technologies to begin a phase 2 assessment — groundwater and soil sampling — at the end of the month to create a predictable path for investors and developers.
Staff also described business outreach and exit interviews focused on food and beverage businesses, and noted permitting improvements tied to a forthcoming ERP (enterprise resource planning) platform meant to move more processes online and reduce duplication.
Council members asked about metrics for business retention and turnover; staff said they are coordinating with finance and state revenue records to track businesses moving in and out and will follow up with a more detailed report back to council.
