Housing | The JOLT News Organization, a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit

Active residential and condo listings jump, median prices also up in Thurston County

The number of homeowners looking to move residential properties jumped in the final month of 2025, leaving the regional housing market among ... more

By Wyatt Haupt Jr. | 2/2/26

An aerial view of "The Jungle" homeless encampment in Olympia.

No immediate closure for ‘The Jungle’ in Olympia, advocates want residents involved in planning

Olympia Mayor Dontae Payne attempted to quell chatter tied to a remark he made earlier this month about plans for the potential closure of a large ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 1/30/26 | 31 comments

A site plan shows the proposed five-story Franz Anderson Permanent Supportive Housing project at 527 Franz Anderson Road SE in Olympia. The 71-unit apartment building would be built adjacent to an existing tiny shelter village, seen on the east side of Franz Anderson Road.

Lacey City Council holds Franz Anderson financial commitment up over developer concerns

The Lacey City Council put a $3 million commitment to a regional affordable housing project on hold, as it is seeking additional information on the ... more

By Kameko Marquez | 1/30/26 | 4 comments

Renderings of the proposed West Bay Yards development at 1210 West Bay Drive in Olympia.

Olympia issues SEPA determination for West Bay Yards project, seeks public input

Olympia has approved the environmental review for the West Bay Yards development, clearing a key hurdle for the waterfront ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 1/27/26 | 21 comments

The Thurston County REALTORS Association honored Veronica Hand with its 2025 Partner of the Year award. The recognition was announced by Lacey City Manager Rick Walk on Thursday, Jan. 23, 2026.

Lacey Equity and Inclusion Program Manager Veronica Hand honored by real estate group

A City of Lacey employee was honored by a local real estate group for her work with the industry last ... more

By Kameko Marquez | 1/27/26 | 2 comments

A 70-unit multifamily housing development is prorposed for the corner property at Black Lake Boulevard and 21st Avenue SW.

Olympia committee reviews proposed multifamily development near Ken Lake

A proposed 70-unit multifamily housing project near Ken Lake calls for the redevelopment of a site contaminated by an adjacent gas ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 1/9/26 | 11 comments

Median price of a residence inches higher, active listings surge in Thurston County

The final full month of fall was a mixed bag for the Thurston County housing market, as single-family home sales dipped while the median price of ... more

By Wyatt Haupt Jr. | 1/5/26 | 3 comments

A 10-foot-wide strip of right-of-way along the south side of Garfield Avenue, abutting West Bay Drive, is being considered for residential development.

Olympia City Council signals policy review on right-of-way vacation

The Olympia City Council is signaling a future policy discussion on right-of-way vacations after a vote to advance a Garfield Avenue ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 1/2/26 | 3 comments

The Thurston County Board of County Commissioners gave final approval to a five-year homeless housing plan during a meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2025.

Thurston County commissioners adopt five-year homeless housing plan

The Thurston County Board of County Commissioners approved a five-year homeless housing plan, pledging local government and service ... more

By Kameko Marquez | 12/24/25 | 14 comments

Olympia’s Site Plan Review Committee reviewed a townhouse development proposal at 2631 Division St. NW at a meeting on Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025.

Proposed townhouse project reviewed under Olympia’s newly updated middle housing code

A proposed residential development at 2631 Division St. NW is being reviewed under the City of Olympia’s newly implemented middle housing ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 12/22/25 | 5 comments

The City of Olympia’s Land Use and Environment Committee recommended terminating the Briggs Village development agreement on Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025.

Local residents support reduced grocery store size in Briggs Village with conditions

Some Olympia residents could support reducing the minimum grocery store size in Briggs Village to 9,200 square feet ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 12/19/25 | 10 comments

Tenant screening reforms advance in City of Olympia

In a 6-1 vote, the Olympia City Council advanced a proposed ordinance that would limit income-to-rent requirements and prohibit landlords ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 12/17/25 | 11 comments

Members of the Regional Housing Council discussed LIHI’s proposal to adjust unit mix at Franz Anderson Permanent Supportive Housing Project at a meeting on Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2025.

Franz Anderson Permanent Supportive Housing Project seeks approval to serve higher income tenants

Facing a significant operational funding gap, the Low Income Housing Institute (LIHI) is seeking approval to adjust the unit mix ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 12/16/25 | 8 comments

Committee to weigh ending Briggs Urban Village development agreement in Olympia

Olympia’s Land Use and Environment Committee is going to consider a proposal to terminate a long-standing development ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 12/15/25 | 11 comments

Olympia City Council to vote on tenant screening reforms

The Olympia City Council is set to vote on an ordinance addressing tenant screening practices at its meeting on Tuesday ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 12/12/25 | 10 comments

Thurston County Regional Housing Council adopts 2026 funding priorities

The Thurston County Regional Housing Council (RHC) has set funding priorities for 2026, with an emphasis on supporting the ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 12/11/25 | 1 comment

Exterior and interior views of the Bowker House after owners Christa Harvey and Destiny Furbush completed a multiyear rehabilitation of the oldest home in Lacey's historic neighborhood.

Lacey grants property tax reduction for city’s first registered historic home

The oldest home in Lacey's historic neighborhood, and the first property added to the city's register in 1991, now qualifies for a 10-year ... more

By Kameko Marquez | 12/8/25 | 3 comments

Planning Manager Nicole Floyd presented a map showing how groundwater moves through different soil layers during a planning commission meeting on Monday, Dec. 1, 2025.

Review of environmental protection rules starts in Olympia

The City of Olympia has initiated a preliminary review of its Critical Areas Ordinance (CAO), the regulatory framework that guides staff in balancing ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 12/2/25 | 7 comments

Single-family residence, condo prices rise in Thurston County

Single-family home and condominium prices climbed in the first full month of fall, while total active listings in Thurston County were the highest in ... more

By Wyatt Haupt Jr. | 12/1/25 | 2 comments

A proposed short plat calls for eight, single-family home lots on the eastern portion of the 4.8-acre property at 2020 Lister Road NE in Olympia. The western portion is designated for future development.

Developer scaling back plans for Lister Road housing project in Olympia

Citing a challenging housing market, the developer of the Lister Glen project is scaling back plans to an eight-home short plat from 24 with room for future ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 11/27/25 | 7 comments