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

At an Olympia City Council's study session on Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2025, Fire Chief Matt Morris outlined a work plan for the department, including providing mental health support to its members and expanding regional partnerships.

Olympia Fire Department outlines its 2025 priorities

In a presentation to the Olympia City Council, Fire Chief Matt Morris outlined the department's key priorities for 2025, including developing a comprehensive training plan for new hires, creating a … more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 2/7/25 | 4 comments

The Lacey Human Services Commission unanimously approved updates to the city's Human Services Grant Program at its meeting on Thursday, Feb. 6, 2025.

Lacey commission approves updates to Human Services Grant Program

The Lacey Human Services Commission unanimously approved updates to the city's Human Services Grant Program at its meeting on Thursday, Feb. 6. “Right now, we have the same … more

By JC Medina | 2/7/25

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

Approximately 1,500 people assembled in front of the Washington Capitol building on Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2024, to protest policies enacted by President Donald Trump. The protest was orchestrated by the 50501 Movement, which held 50 protests in 50 states in one day.

Protesters gather at Washington Capitol as part of nationwide rally against Trump policies

Hundreds of protesters gathered near Tivoli Fountain in front of the Washington Capitol in Olympia on Wednesday afternoon, Feb. 5, to speak out against recent policies enacted by the Trump … more

By Jessie Darland | 2/6/25 | 10 comments

Public Works Engineering Project Manager Brian Meier (left) presented an item for approval to the Board of County Commissioners on Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2025. The item was a $2.17 million contract for the construction of a roundabout at the intersection of Johnson Point Road and Hawks Prairie Road.

County commissioners award $2.17M contract for roundabout construction

The Thurston County Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) awarded a $2,174,174 contract for the construction of a roundabout at the intersection of ... more

By P. Jade Asumbrado | 2/6/25 | 2 comments

Retired Lacey Fire Department Chief Steve Brooks

Retired Lacey fire chief honored with memorial roadway designation

The Lacey City Council unanimously voted to designate a portion of Franz Street as a memorial roadway honoring the distinguished 20-year career of ... more

By JC Medina | 2/6/25

The Olympia Planning Commission reviewed the transportation chapter of the Comprehensive Plan on Monday, Feb. 3, 2025.

Planning commission pushes for an inclusive, multimodal transportation vision in Olympia

The Olympia Planning Commission reviewed the proposed updates to the transportation chapter of the city's 2045 Comprehensive Plan ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 2/5/25 | 7 comments

Lacey City Hall, as seen in this undated photo.

City of Lacey looking to fill three seats on two boards

The City of Lacey is looking for three members of the community to round out positions on two boards. The Parks, Culture and Recreation Advisory Board is seeking residents to fill two seats. One … more

By Wyatt Haupt Jr. | 2/5/25

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

Thurston County is the process of buying a LEED-certified building in Tumwater for $14.25 million to serve as the new Thurston County Sheriff’s Office headquarters.

Thurston County Sheriff’s Office to relocate to $14.25 million Tumwater facility

Thurston County is set to finalize the $14.25 million purchase for a new Thurston County Sheriff’s Office (TCSO) headquarters in ... more

By Kameko Marquez | 2/4/25 | 1 comment

A survey, which was conducted from Dec. 10-30, 2024, asked participants how they preferred the City of Tumwater fund the costs of a proposed community center.

Tumwater residents weigh in on how to fund proposed community center

A survey conducted by the City of Tumwater to gather public input about a proposed community center showed that a vast majority of participants agree to funding the operating costs of the facility … more

By Jerome Tuaño | 2/4/25

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

Traci McCullah, who joined the Thurston County Coroner’s Office in 2017, is the first chief deputy coroner to serve in the position in more than 30 years.

Thurston County restores chief deputy coroner post after 30 years

For the first time since the 1990s, the Thurston County Coroner’s Office has appointed a chief deputy coroner. Thurston County announced in a press release issued Wednesday, Jan. … more

By Kameko Marquez | 1/31/25

Thirty-eight people participated in a public hearing before the Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) in order to comment on proposed updates to the Countywide Planning Policies. The meeting was held on Jan. 21, 2025.

Residents sound off on proposed updates to Countywide Planning Policies

A public hearing on proposed updates to Countywide Planning Policies for Thurston County gave some members of the public a chance to object to a proposed development off of Old Highway 99. Dozens of people … more

By Jerome Tuaño | 1/31/25 | 6 comments

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

Thurston County has received its 18th consecutive Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association.

Thurston County honored for excellence in financial reporting

Marking nearly two decades of recognition, Thurston County has received its 18th consecutive Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers … more

By Kameko Marquez | 1/31/25 | 1 comment

Thurston County invites public feedback on updated septic system regulations under the Sanitary Code – Article IV.

Thurston County seeking public comment on proposed sanitary code changes

Thurston County Public Health and Social Services (TCPHSS) is calling on residents to weigh in on proposed changes to the Sanitary Code – Article IV , the framework for regulating on-site … more

By Kameko Marquez | 1/30/25 | 4 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

Olympia Mayor Dontae Payne on declaring Olympia as a sanctuary city: "We don't necessarily want to have to declare our city a sanctuary for immigrants and political refugees and reproductive rights and now LGBTQIA2S+ people, but it's because of that preoccupation with who we are that's why we're here."

Olympia declared a sanctuary city for LGBTQIA2S+ community

The Olympia City Council, on Tuesday, voted unanimously to declare the city a sanctuary for individuals of all sexual orientations and gender identities. This declaration comes as … more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 1/29/25 | 29 comments

When the transportation benefit district was originally pitched to voters in 2014, Tumwater city staff expected that the funds from the taxing district would fund the maintenance of streets identified in the left map. The right map shows the status of those streets, which are mostly completed at this point.

Tumwater voters to consider renewing sales tax for street maintenance projects

Tumwater voters will consider a ballot measure on whether to retain a 0.2% sales tax the city uses to fund street maintenance projects. The Tumwater City Council … more

By Jerome Tuaño | 1/28/25 | 1 comment