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

Jacinda Steltjes, Affordable Housing Program manager, discussed a resolution authorizing a 12-year multifamily tax exemption agreement between Olympia and 505 Union Avenue LLC for an affordable housing development project. The city council approved the resolution on Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2025.

Olympia approves 12-year tax exemption for affordable housing project

The Olympia City Council approved a 12-year multi-family tax exemption (MFTE) agreement with 505 Union Avenue LLC to develop ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 3/4/25 | 4 comments

City of Olympia opens grant applications for community development program

The City of Olympia is now accepting applications for its Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program for the ... more

By Darlanne Cruz | 3/3/25 | 1 comment

The City of Lacey’s neighborhood association map illustrates community divisions and Homeowners Association coverage.

Lacey neighborhoods eligible for grants up to $2,500

Lacey locals looking to fix up their streets, refresh parks or create gathering spots finally have a shot at ... more

By Kameko Marquez | 2/27/25 | 1 comment

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

Joyce Phillips, principal planner with Olympia's Community Planning and Economic Development, briefed the Land Use and Environment Committee on the draft housing code amendments on Thursday, Feb. 20, 2025. The city plans to hold public outreach to get input from the community about the draft code that would align with the state mandate on missing middle housing.

Olympia drafting housing code amendments to align with state middle housing laws

Olympia city staff are drafting new housing code amendments to meet the state requirements for the “middle housing" option. The city will hold a comprehensive public outreach … more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 2/24/25 | 5 comments

Tumwater Inn and Suites, as seen in this undated photo, at 5895 Capital Blvd. SW, in Tumwater.

City council reallocates money for renovation of Tumwater Inn

The Tumwater City Council authorized Mayor Debbie Sullivan to amend a contract with the Housing Authority of Thurston County more

By Jerome Tuaño | 2/24/25 | 2 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

The Lacey City Council held a work session on Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025, to discuss the city's comprehensive plan update.

Lacey City Council reviews comprehensive plan update

The Lacey City Council held a work session to discuss the city's comprehensive plan update and tackle a wide range of topics, including land use, housing, transportation and ... more

By JC Medina | 2/14/25 | 2 comments

The Olympia City Council proclaimed Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025, as Black Home Initiative and Homeownership Equity Day.

Olympia council proclaims commitment to Black Home Initiative

The Olympia City Council passed a proclamation recognizing the city's commitment to joining the Black Home Initiative ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 2/12/25 | 13 comments

Tumwater Finance Director Troy Niemeyer (top left) and City Administrator Lisa Parks (top right) gave an update about the city’s life-line program to the Public Works Committee, composed of council members Eileen Swarthout (top left) and Angela Jefferson (bottom left), on Thursday, Feb. 6, 2025.

Utility bill assistance program aims to lower costs for certain households in Tumwater

City of Tumwater Finance Director Troy Niemeyer told the Public Works Committee on Thursday, Feb. 6, that staffers have identified 294 households that are qualified to join a life-line program. more

By Jerome Tuaño | 2/10/25

Thurston County has launched a public survey to gather feedback on homeless housing programs, as part of the development of its 2025-30 Local Homeless Housing Plan.

Thurston County launches two surveys for homeless housing strategy

Thurston County launched a public survey on Tuesday, Feb. 4, inviting residents to voice their opinions on homeless housing programs and services as part of the development of the 2025-30 Local … more

By Kameko Marquez | 2/7/25

Representatives of the Pearl Foundation of Pudget Sound accepted Lacey’s proclamation of Black History Month during a city council meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2025.

City of Lacey celebrates Black History Month, joins Black Home Initiative

The City of Lacey officially proclaimed February as Black History Month, recognizing the invaluable contributions of Black and African Americans ... more

By JC Medina | 2/5/25 | 1 comment

Developers of the Briggs Village project spoke at the Planning Commission meeting seeking code changes to OMC 18.05 on Monday, Jan. 27, 2025.

Planning commission hears proposal on code changes to revitalize the Briggs Urban Village development

Olympia's Planning Commission heard a proposal on Monday, Jan. 27, to amend the Olympia Municipal Code 18.05 related to master planned villages with a focus on ... … more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 1/28/25 | 6 comments

At a Thurston Regional Housing Council meeting on Jan. 22, 2024, Jacinda Steltjes, Olympia's Housing Program manager, gave an overview of a letter urging the state House of Representatives to reintroduce the Affordable Housing Act.

Housing Council pushes for the reintroduction of the Affordable Homes Act

In an effort to bolster funding for affordable housing projects, the Thurston Regional Housing Council (RHC) approved a letter urging state legislators to reintroduce ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 1/27/25 | 1 comment

SHARE Accelerator program to be launched in Olympia

Olympia is set to launch the Safe Housing and Rental Efficiency (SHARE) Accelerator program this year. This voluntary pilot program aims to support landlords in making energy-efficient and … more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 1/24/25

Lacey Housing Coordinator Jennifer Adams presented plans to expand the Multi-Family Tax Exemption (MFTE) program during a city council meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025.

Lacey weighs tax incentives expansion to boost affordable housing

The Lacey City Council held a public hearing on Tuesday, Jan. 21, on plans to expand the Multi-Family Tax Exemption (MFTE) program. The MFTE program currently offers tax exemptions for developers who … more

By JC Medina | 1/23/25 | 3 comments

Olympia leads regional effort to expand an energy-efficient heat pumps campaign

Energize Olympia is going regional after the Olympia City Council signed an interlocal agreement on Jan. 14 to support the implementation of the 2025 Energize Thurston campaign. Olympia is … more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 1/21/25 | 3 comments

Residential and condo prices climb in Thurston County

The median price of residential properties and condominiums in Thurston County climbed in the final month of the year, amid stronger sales in both housing categories. The residential market … more

By Wyatt Haupt Jr. | 1/16/25 | 1 comment

Tumwater received $477,540 from the Washington Department of Commerce to finance the a heat pump program.

Tumwater signs onto Energize Thurston campaign to help residents install heat pumps

Tumwater has joined a countywide program to help residents install home heat pumps. On Tuesday, Jan. 7, the Tumwater City Council authorized the mayor to sign an interlocal agreement … more

By Jerome Tuaño | 1/8/25