Olympia City Council approves financial feasibility review for museum expansion

In a special meeting held on July 11, 2025, the Capitol Area Regional Public Facilities District (PFD) discussed significant developments regarding the expansion of the Hands On Children's Museum in Olympia, Washington. This meeting was crucial as it addressed the financial feasibility review (FFR) required for the project, a process mandated by state law since 2012.

The City of Olympia, in partnership with the museum, is moving forward with plans to finance the expansion through a public-private partnership. This initiative is supported by dedicated sales tax revenues allocated to two public facilities district projects: the Hands On Children's Museum and the regional athletic complex. The discussions highlighted the necessity of a financial feasibility review, which assesses whether the revenue generated will adequately cover the costs of the debt incurred for the project.

Key points from the meeting included the requirement that the request for the FFR must originate from the PFD rather than the project sponsors. The estimated cost for this review ranges between $20,000 and $40,000, with the City of Olympia committing to reimburse the PFD for these expenses. The review process is expected to take approximately two to three months, which may delay the timeline for issuing bonds necessary for the museum's expansion.

The board reviewed several documents, including a draft interagency agreement and a request from the City of Olympia to initiate the FFR. The urgency of the meeting stemmed from the need to align the review process with the city's schedule for bond issuance, which is critical for maintaining momentum on the project.

As the meeting concluded, board members expressed their commitment to facilitating the review process to ensure the project remains on track. The discussions underscored the collaborative efforts between the city, the museum, and the PFD, reflecting a shared goal of enhancing community resources through this expansion. The anticipated next steps include formal approval of the FFR request and the interagency agreement, paving the way for the project to advance.