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A site plan shows the proposed expansion of the Hands On Children’s Museum, which features an 18,000-square-foot addition and a connecting pedestrian bridge. Olympia’s Site Plan Review Committee held a presubmission conference on Wednesday, March 25, 2026.

Committee reviews expansion plan for Hands On Children's Museum in Olympia

The Hands On Children’s Museum is proposing a waterfront expansion that would bring indoor and outdoor exhibits, improved public access ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 3/31/26 | 8 comments

Community Foundation invites proposals for second year of Project Connect grants

The Community Foundation of South Puget Sound is taking Project Connect: Civic Life and Belonging Grants into another year of regional ... more

By Kameko Marquez | 3/31/26

Home and condo sales up, prices down in Thurston County

An increase in home and condominium sales did not translate to higher prices in Thurston County, as both markets posted ... more

By Wyatt Haupt Jr. | 3/31/26 | 2 comments

Assistant Superintendent Ben Rarick presented the Reduced Educational Support Program Resolution at Tumwater School District Board of Directors meeting on March 25, 2026.

Tumwater School District cuts support staff positions to save $335K

In a bid to save approximately $335,000, the Tumwater School District Board of Directors terminated the positions of two evening ... more

By P. Jade Asumbrado | 3/31/26 | 4 comments

Several thousand individuals participated in the third "No Kings" rally to protest the policies and actions of President Donald Trump. Olympia’s march began at Percival Landing, proceeded down Capitol Way and ended on the Capitol Campus on Saturday, March 28, 2026.

'No Kings' rally draws thousands of people to Capitol Campus in Olympia

A sea of humanity jump-started the third “No Kings” rally with a march from Percival Landing through the streets of downtown Olympia ... more

By Wyatt Haupt Jr. | 3/30/26 | 17 comments

Port of Olympia joins regional partnership for coordination of Olympia-Lacey FIFA World Cup Fan Zone

The Port of Olympia is joining a partnership with local jurisdictions in Thurston County to organize fan events during the 2026 FIFA World ... more

By Jerome Tuaño | 3/30/26 | 9 comments

The Chambers Lake Stormwater Treatment Wetlands, Lacey's newest major regional stormwater facility, won an Engineering Excellence Award from the American Council of Engineering Companies for social and economic sustainability.

Lacey seeks public input on Stormwater Strategic Plan at upcoming open house

City of Lacey residents will have an opportunity to weigh in on an updated Stormwater Strategic Plan, a nine-year guide for flood control, water quality ... more

By Kameko Marquez | 3/30/26

Local advocate Sam Kellendy spoke at the Olympia City Council meeting on Tuesday, March 24, 2026. Kellendy called for stronger protections for transgender community members.

Olympia proclaims March 31 as Transgender Day of Visibility, advocates call for stronger protections

The Olympia City Council designated March 31 as Transgender Day of Visibility, urging residents to respect and honor the right of ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 3/30/26 | 6 comments

Food inspection results in Thurston County – March 30, 2026

Restaurant inspection reports focus on two types of violations: red and ... more

By Vanessa Casabuena | 3/30/26 | 1 comment

The third Absolutely Free Sharing Market will be held at the Thurston County Fairgrounds on April 2 and April 4.

Absolutely Free Sharing Market to feature free items, food and services

Local residents are encouraged to visit the Thurston County Fairgrounds on April 2 and April 4 for the third Absolutely Free Sharing ... more

By P. Jade Asumbrado | 3/30/26

Jim Burlingame, who served seven years on the Arts Commission, including as chair and vice chair, spoke at the Olympia City Council meeting on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, during a recognition of outgoing advisory board members.

Olympia City Council approves advisory board appointments, honors outgoing members

The Olympia City Council approved a new slate of appointments to advisory boards on Tuesday, March 24, while also recognizing ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 3/27/26 | 1 comment

Regular unleaded gasoline was priced at $5.699 per gallon at Chevron, 1018 Plum St. SE in Olympia on Friday afternoon, March 27, 2026.

Gas prices continue upward march in Olympia, state of Washington

The average price of regular unleaded gasoline is nearing some rarefied air in the Olympia market, as the per gallon cost continues to climb amid an ... more

By Wyatt Haupt Jr. | 3/27/26 | 17 comments

Intercity Transit spending $1.42 million for storage solutions

Intercity Transit is purchasing $1.42 million in storage solutions for the maintenance building at its Pattison Street headquarters in ... more

By Jerome Tuaño | 3/27/26 | 1 comment

Members of the Thurston Regional Housing Council reviewed a short-term funding request for the Quince Street tiny home village at a meeting on Wednesday, March 25, 2026.

RHC recommends allocating $440K for Quince Street village

The Thurston Regional Housing Council (RHC) has recommended allocating $440,000 to help sustain operations at Olympia’s Quince Street ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 3/26/26 | 12 comments

Tumwater looks to amend contract with school district for SRO Program

The City of Tumwater is looking to amend its contract with the Tumwater School District for the School Resource Officer Program to reflect ... more

By Jerome Tuaño | 3/26/26 | 2 comments

Thurston County opens application window for Conservation Futures

Thurston County is accepting 2026 Conservation Futures applications from landowners seeking to preserve their ... more

By Kameko Marquez | 3/26/26

A rendering of the proposed Rebecca Howard Park design features a community hub, performance stage and garden spaces. Olympia Associate Planner Sarah Giannobile presented the plan at a meeting of the Olympia City Council on Tuesday, March 24, 2026.

Olympia City Council approves Rebecca Howard Park development plan

The Olympia City Council unanimously approved the Rebecca Howard Park development plan with the intent to move the project to ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 3/25/26 | 14 comments

Olympia School District budget survey to gather input for priorities, trade-offs

The Olympia School District sent out the 2026-27 Budget Priorities Survey to collect input on what programs and services the ... more

By P. Jade Asumbrado | 3/25/26 | 2 comments

Tumwater City Council approves agreement to pool opioid settlement funds

The Tumwater City Council authorized Mayor Leatta Dahlhoff to sign an amended contract to pool opioid settlement funds with partner ... more

By Jerome Tuaño | 3/25/26 | 1 comment

Vicinity and area maps show the project site for the Lift Station 6 replacement on 32nd Court SE in Lacey.

Bids sought for replacement of Lacey Lift Station 6

The City of Lacey is soliciting bids for the replacement of Lift Station 6, a wastewater lift station on 32nd ... more

By Kameko Marquez | 3/25/26