Council approves $25,000 emergency award to OLIMAP for trash mitigation and cold-weather supplies at downtown encampment

Jackie Velasco and Dana Evans presented an emergency fund request from Olympia Mutual Aid Partners (OLIMAP) for $25,000 to address hazardous trash burning and supply needs at the downtown encampment known as "the jungle." The proposal described urgent needs for trash mitigation, increased survival supplies (including cold-weather items), and propane distribution to reduce unsafe burning.

HASAB reviewed the submission and concluded that the proposal met emergency-fund eligibility because the ending of regular trash removal created an imminent hazardous-burn risk affecting nearby workers and residents. The advisory board voted 7–1 (with one no) to recommend approval with stipulations: OLIMAP must demonstrate that award funds will supplement existing inventory (not replace it), provide a plan for longer-term sustainability of supplies, and not use the award for staffing or administrative overhead.

Council members discussed reserve levels (emergency fund balance roughly $148,000 prior to the award) and the risk of repeated annual requests for the same purpose. Several members said they supported the award to reduce immediate public-health risks while asking staff and HASAB to work on durable regional solutions to reduce recurring needs. The council voted to approve the HASAB recommendation and the award; the emergency fund would remain available for other requests through June.