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Nicole Floyd, Olympia's principal planner, provided historical context on the Briggs Village, explaining it was developed with the intent of creating a vibrant, mixed-use community. The urban village plan for Briggs was adopted when commercial was a primary focus for developers. Floyd gave the presentation at an Olympia Planning Commission meeting on Monday, Feb. 24, 2025.

Hearing about urban village zoning amendments extended by Olympia Planning Commission

The Olympia Planning Commission moved to extend the public hearing on proposed amendments to the city's zoning code for urban villages after residents raised concerns about reductions in required … more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 2/26/25 | 5 comments

No action was taken on the Capital Mall Triangle planned action ordinance. At its meeting on Thursday, Feb. 20, 2025, the Land Use and Environment Committee members agreed to bring the proposed ordinance back for further discussion.

Committee defers action on Capital Mall Triangle planned action ordinance

Olympia's Land Use and Environment Committee took no action on the proposed Capital Mall Triangle planned action ordinance ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 2/25/25 | 4 comments

The Port of Olympia Airport, as seen in this undated photo.

Port of Olympia to hold question and answer session about airport master plan

Community members are invited to attend the Port of Olympia’s question and answer session on the airport master plan at ... more

By Edwin Oscar Gutierrez, Jr. | 2/24/25 | 4 comments

A fire district map shows areas covered by Thurston County’s first Community Wildfire Protection Plan, which is set for completion in 2025.

First wildfire protection plan in Thurston County coming in 2025 

Driven by rising wildfire concerns, Thurston County is launching its first-ever protection plan under the leadership of ... more

By Kameko Marquez | 2/20/25

Olympia Mayor Dontae Payne, as seen on Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025.

Olympia to research minimum wage effects before moving on Workers' Bill of Rights policy

The Olympia City Council has opted to research the potential economic impacts of a minimum wage increase before considering the full Workers' Bill of Rights. "The city council has … more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 2/17/25 | 5 comments

Median home price climbs to $540,000 in Thurston County

A tight Thurston County housing market yielded fewer sales and higher prices to start the new year, as options for buyers remained low in the region. The residential market … more

By Wyatt Haupt Jr. | 2/17/25 | 3 comments

The Port of Olympia Commission authorized the purchase of the Dancing Goats Coffee building near the marine terminal entrance for $2,157,850 on Monday, Feb. 10, 2025. The building is located at 200 Market St. NE in Olympia

Port of Olympia Commission approves purchase of Dancing Goats Coffee building

The Port of Olympia Commission authorized the purchase of the Dancing Goats Coffee building near the marine terminal entrance for ... more

By Jerome Tuaño | 2/13/25 | 1 comment

Sixteen of the 18 people who spoke during Port of Olympia Commission meeting on Feb. 6, 2025, commented about the proposed update to the master plan of Olympia Regional Airport. Standing on lectern is Sharon Koontz, who described the port’s approach to the development of the airport as “piecemealing,” which she said was not allowed by the state Environmental Policy Act.

Port determines updated airport master plan would have no adverse impact on environment

The Port of Olympia has determined its proposed update to the master plan of the Olympia Regional Airport would not have a “probable significant adverse impact” on the environment after issuing a ... more

By Jerome Tuaño | 2/13/25 | 6 comments

The Parking and Business Improvement Area Advisory Board held a meeting on Feb. 5, 2024, at which the board discussed plans for a comprehensive assessment of the organization.

Olympia's PBIA board embarks on evaluation to redefine role and structure

Olympia's Parking and Business Improvement Area (PBIA) Advisory Board has begun planning a comprehensive evaluation of the organization to reassess ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 2/12/25

Thurston 2045 code targets housing, energy and JBLM zoning

The Thurston County Planning Commission is reviewing the Thurston 2045 code update, a proposal to adjust zoning regulations, housing policies, energy infrastructure, and military compatibility … more

By Kameko Marquez | 2/11/25 | 3 comments

The Olympia Site Plan Review Committee heard a proposal to build a new two-story medical office building on an undeveloped site at 527 McPhee Road SW at a meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2025.

Olympia Site Plan Review Committee hears proposal for new medical office building on McPhee Road

A local development team is proposing to construct a new two-story, 40,000-square-foot medical office building on an undeveloped, forested site at ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 2/10/25 | 3 comments

Lacey City Council member Carolyn Cox (middle) was elected as the new chair of Intercity Transit’s board of directors on Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2025. To her left is Wendy Goodwin, a community representative to the board, and to her right is Robert Vanderpool, who represents the Olympia City Council.

Carolyn Cox elected new chair of Intercity Transit Authority

Members of the Intercity Transit Authority, the agency’s board of directors, elected Lacey Council member Carolyn Cox as their new chair and Sue Pierce as the vice chair on Wednesday, Feb … more

By Jerome Tuaño | 2/7/25 | 1 comment

The 2025 Energize Thurston campaign seeks to lower energy costs and carbon emissions through subsidized energy-efficient installations for eligible residents in Thurston County.

2025 Energize Thurston secures partnership to combat high utility costs

The Thurston County Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) approved an agreement with South Puget Sound Habitat for Humanity ... more

By Kameko Marquez | 2/6/25

Of the three potential sites the city is considering for a new community center, Corey Wilkerson from Barker Rinker Seacat Architecture, said the WSDOT site “takes the top spot,” followed by the airport site, and then the brewery site.

Early concepts of proposed Tumwater community center emerge

Barker Rinker Seacat Architecture presented to Tumwater City Council on Tuesday, January 28, early programming and layout plans for a proposed community center. City staff has narrowed their … more

By Jerome Tuaño | 2/4/25 | 2 comments

The Port of Olympia Commission authorized a grant agreement as part of its consent agenda on Monday, Jan. 27, 2025.

Port Commission authorizes $6.25 million grant for Budd Inlet cleanup

The Port of Olympia Commission authorized Executive Director Alex Smith to sign a $6.25 million grant agreement with the ... more

By Jerome Tuaño | 2/3/25 | 4 comments

At an Olympia Site Plan Review Committee meeting, Olympia Associate Planner Paula Smith encouraged the project team for an auto repair shop to explore the possibility of a pedestrian connection from the development site on Lilly Rd NE to Martin Way. The meeting was held on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025.

Olympia Site Plan Review Committee looks at proposed auto repair shop development

The Olympia Site Plan Review Committee heard a proposal for a new auto repair shop at 114 Lilly Road NE. The repair shop is intended ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 2/3/25

Advanced Drainage Systems to lay off dozens of workers

A leading designer and manufacturer of pipes and water management products is laying off dozens of workers and shutting down its plant in Olympia. Advanced Drainage Systems Inc. filed a worker … more

By Wyatt Haupt Jr. | 2/3/25

Olivia Salazar de Breaux, Culture and Belonging Manager in the Olympia Parks, Arts & Recreation Department, presented a proposal that supports cultural events under a new sponsored model. She delivered the presentation at a Community Livability and Public Safety Committee meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025.

Olympia committee approves shifting of cultural events to sponsored model

In an effort to ensure the continuity and growth of cultural events in Olympia, the Community Livability and Public Safety Committee approved a proposal to transition the city's cultural events program from ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 1/31/25 | 4 comments

Olympia City Hall, as seen in this undated photo.

Olympia City Hall hours adjusted; to be closed on Fridays

Beginning February 2025, Olympia City Hall will implement new operating hours for its lobbies and customer service counters. The facilities are open to serve the public from 9 a.m. … more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 1/30/25 | 2 comments

The Dancing Goats Coffee building is located at the corner of Market Street and Franklin Street near the gate of the marine terminal.

Port eyes moving admin offices to Dancing Goats Coffee building

The Port of Olympia is considering the purchase of the Dancing Goats Coffee building near the marine terminal to house the port’s administrative offices. Port Executive Director Alex Smith … more

By Jerome Tuaño | 1/29/25 | 4 comments