DES seeks public feedback on potential pedestrian bridge banner policy changes

The Department of Enterprise Services is weighing new policy options regarding the banners that are hung from the pedestrian walking bridge over Capitol Way South and is seeking feedback from the public.

Enterprise Services is responsible for permitting free speech events and other activities on the 486-acre state Capitol Campus in Olympia including permitting, hanging and removing banners from the pedestrian bridge, a familiar Olympia landmark located just south of 14th Avenue S.E.

The bridge banner program has been in place since the 1990s. Enterprise Services issues about 120 permits a year to individuals and organizations seeking to hang banners from the bridge.

On Thursday, Jan. 5, 2016, Enterprise Services will conduct an evening open public house in Olympia to share information and gather public feedback on potential banner content options. In addition, Enterprise Services is seeking public feedback until March 1, 2017:

  • Via an electronic form
  • By mail: Tomy Mollas, Visitor Services Manager; Washington Department of Enterprise Services; P.O. Box 41034, Olympia, WA, 98504-1034.

Public feedback will help DES evaluate potential future uses of the bridge as an area to hang banners.

Jan. 5 open house details

What: Open public house to share information and hear public feedback on possible bridge banner policy changes
When: Thursday, Jan. 5, 2016, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Where: 1500 Jefferson St. building, first floor presentation room

The 1500 Jefferson St. building is located between 14th Avenue and Maple Park Avenue in Olympia, just south of the roundabout. Get directions.

Safety review prompts policy change, bridge banner moratorium

Enterprise Services periodically reviews its policies as a best practice. Earlier this year, Enterprise Services reviewed its bridge banner program due to concerns about the safety and management of the banners. The review prompted the department to change its policy so that only Enterprise Services can attach and remove bridge banners. The measure was adopted in October to ensure all banners are properly installed and don’t pose a safety hazard to passing motorists and pedestrians.

The review also prompted questions about clear and consistent evaluation criteria and concerns related to banner content, including safety considerations related to controversial banner content -- especially whether vandalism or confrontations on the bridge could affect pedestrian or motorist safety.

As a result, on Oct. 21, 2016, Enterprise Services enacted a 180-day moratorium on considering new bridge banner permit applications. The department took a pause to:

  • Reassess current campus use policies related to bridge banners, including content.
  • Ensure clarity so evaluation criteria for banners are easy for everyone to understand.
  • Improve safety on the campus by reducing risk for driving distractions and vandalism.
  • Get community feedback to make an informed solution that balances public safety and appropriate community use of the bridge.

Before the moratorium was adopted, Enterprise Services had already issued 37 permits to hang banners from the bridge. The department will honor those permits while the moratorium is underway.

Potential policy options

During the moratorium, DES will be evaluating several different banner policy options including:

  • Prohibiting all banners to be placed on the bridge.
  • Implementing some restrictions on banner content and / or allowing only public service and governmental announcements.
  • Placing no restrictions on bridge banner messaging.

Learn more:

Bridge banner information web page

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