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Council hears update on Olympic College allied-health center and public–private partnership exploration
Summary
Council members and staff reported progress on phase 1 (remodel) of the Olympic College Allied Health Center, said a challenge from Tacoma Community College was dismissed, and discussed exploring public–private financing for a phase 2 building to expand allied-health training.
Council members and the mayor provided a lengthy update April 2 on local efforts to grow allied-health education at Olympic College’s Poulsbo campus, describing progress on phase 1 remodeling and early exploration of a public–private partnership model for a second, dedicated building.
Councilmember Stern and the mayor said a legal/academic challenge from Tacoma Community College over course offerings has been resolved in Olympic College’s favor. The mayor thanked Olympic College leadership and legislative partners for support and called the project vital to expanding local healthcare workforce training. “We’re gonna have an allied health center up there in about another 3 years, probably,” the mayor said.
Council and staff described leveraging discretionary funds and outreach to private-sector partners experienced in developing university-district-style facilities; one model discussed resembles a private developer building and leasing specialized space to colleges. Staff cautioned this is an early-stage exploration with many approvals required through the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges and potential lease/rent implications for OC and Western Washington University.
Next steps: staff and council will continue partnership outreach, track State Board requirements and return with further financial and programmatic details as they are negotiated.
