Olympia Strong A Roadmap for Economic Resiliency

'Olympia Strong: A Roadmap for Economic Resiliency' discusses Olympia's strategic approach to enhancing economic stability in the aftermath of COVID-19. By leveraging its strong sense of community and collaborative partnerships, Olympia initiated the Thurston Strong Recovery and Reset plan, which allocated over $9 million in grants to assist vulnerable businesses and workers. Although the city has demonstrated a robust recovery, it still faces challenges such as inflation and inequities impacting low-income households, particularly among marginalized communities. The article outlines the goals of Olympia Strong, emphasizing workforce development, housing affordability, and equitable economic opportunities for all residents. Notably, Olympia serves as a job center for Thurston County, hosting a significant percentage of county jobs and retail sales.

With a commitment to fostering small businesses and supporting entrepreneurship, the city aims to create an inclusive environment for economic growth. The ongoing public planning process encourages community involvement to identify specific strategies for addressing economic disparities. Ultimately, Olympia Strong seeks to cultivate a resilient economy that empowers all residents to thrive.