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

Thurston Regional Housing Council gives thumbs up to Family Support Center project

The Thurston Regional Housing Council, on Wednesday, approved a $1 million funding award to the Family Support Center for a new affordable housing project. The organization is seeking funding … more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 8/29/24

At Wednesday's Regional Housing Council meeting, Affordable Housing Program coordinator Jacinda Steltjes announced that Olympia and Thurston County are pursuing HUD's Pathways to Removing Obstacles Housing Grant (PRO) Housing funding program.

Olympia, Thurston County team up for second chance at federal housing funds

Olympia and Thurston County are jointly pursuing a federal grant to boost affordable homeownership through the Housing and Urban Development's $100 million Pathways to Removing Obstacles Housing … more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 8/29/24

The Olympia Finance Committee received an update on the Washington State Bar Association’s revised standards for indigent defense services, which would require about $1.2 million to implement the new standards in 2025.

Olympia needs to double its budget for criminal defense attorneys each year until 2027

New state standards obligate the City of Olympia to spend more money in coming years to provide criminal defense attorneys to those who cannot afford to defend themselves in the city's municipal … more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 8/28/24 | 9 comments

Olympia Finance Committee, Monday, Aug. 26, 2024. Joan Lutz, the city's Budget and Finance manager, outlines key budget assumptions. The general fund revenue is estimated at $106 million, while the expenses are estimated at $118 million.

Olympia faces $12 million general fund deficit

City manager outlines budget balancing strategies Olympia is facing a starting deficit of $12 million in the general fund as it begins the 2025 budget update process. At its meeting on Monday, City Manager Jay Burney presented an early look at … more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 8/27/24 | 12 comments

Dan Smith, Tumwater’s water resources director, showed the Tumwater Public Works Committee a map of Brewery Wellfield, which is located near Cleveland Avenue and Tumwater Valley Golf Course and is the site of more than 30 old wells.

Tumwater set to finalize acquisition of Lacey’s water rights in Brewery Wellfield

Tumwater Public Works Committee endorsed to its city council an agreement with Lacey to acquire Lacey’s water rights at the Brewery Wellfield for $2,400,461. The purchase includes transferring … more

By Jerome Tuaño | 8/27/24 | 3 comments

Outgoing Assistant County Manager Robin Campbell

Assistant County Manager Robin Campbell announces retirement

Thurston County Assistant County Manager Robin Campbell has announced her retirement, the county stated in a press release on Saturday, August 23. Campbell will be stepping down from her … more

By P. Jade Asumbrado | 8/27/24 | 2 comments

Tumwater hires contractor for another risk assessment of Davis-Meeker Oak

Tumwater Mayor Debbie Sullivan signed a $48,000 contract with Todd Prager & Associates on Thursday, August 22, to conduct another risk assessment of the Davis-Meeker Garry Oak tree. The mayor … more

By Jerome Tuaño | 8/26/24 | 5 comments

The proposed Coast Welcome Figure is to be installed at Isthmus Park, located at 531 4th Ave W.

Coast Welcome Figure Sculpture proposed for Isthmus Park

At its Wednesday meeting, the Olympia Site Plan Review Committee held a presubmission conference for the proposed installation of a 12-foot welcome figure carving in the city's Isthmus Park. In … more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 8/26/24

The "You Are Not Alone" campaign is a nationwide initiative that the Olympia Police Department is looking to implement locally to combat human trafficking.

Olympia claims decline in robberies, facing challenges vs human trafficking

The Olympia Police Department outlined its efforts to address human trafficking and other crime trends in the city, emphasizing a survivor-focused approach. Olympia Police Chief Rich Allen spoke … more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 8/23/24 | 6 comments

The Thurston Board of County Commissioners has officially adopted a proclamation endorsing the Target Zero initiative, a program spearheaded by the Washington Traffic Safety Commission aimed at eliminating traffic fatalities and serious injuries on Washington roadways by 2030.

Zero Traffic Deaths by 2030

The Thurston Board of County Commissioners adopted a proclamation endorsing the Target Zero initiative, a program spearheaded by the Washington Traffic Safety Commission that aims to eliminate … more

By JC Medina | 8/23/24 | 8 comments

Thurston County Community Planning & Economic Development Interim Director Ashley Arai explained the Less Restrictive Alternative Community Housing Code updates to the Board of County Commissioners at a meeting yesterday, August 21.

Thurston County adds standards to alternative housing for law offenders

The Thurston County Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) received a briefing on the Less Restrictive Alternative (LRA) Community Housing Code update, which aims to add standards to LRA Community … more

By P. Jade Asumbrado | 8/23/24

A slide from Public Works Director Jennifer Walker’s presentation summarizes the estimated yearly revenues from multiple options to fund the county’s transportation benefit district.

Voters would decide next year about a new tax on car tabs and/or sales tax boost

According to the directions the Board of County Commissioners gave county staff, the county plans to hold an advisory vote on a new tax and vehicle tab in next year’s August primary election. … more

By Jerome Tuaño | 8/22/24 | 15 comments

Olympia committee talks about local childcare crisis

The Olympia Community Livability and Public Safety Committee (CLPS) discussed the city's childcare crisis, exploring the issues of affordability, accessibility, and potential solutions to support … more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 8/22/24 | 3 comments

County commissioners support funding plan for Franz Anderson permanent supportive housing

Thurston’s Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) supported a proposed plan to use $3.5 million in funding to support four affordable housing projects at Franz Anderson in case the construction … more

By P. Jade Asumbrado | 8/22/24 | 3 comments

Thurston County Commissioner Carolina Mejia passes by Commissioner Emily Clouse as she excused herself following a statement expressing her disappointment and frustration with the ongoing situation involving her fellow commissioner.

Commissioner Mejia withdraws from meeting during discussion of Clouse issue, ‘disappointed and incredibly frustrated’

Thurston County Commissioner Carolina Mejia excused herself following a statement expressing her disappointment and frustration with the ongoing situation involving fellow Commissioner Emily Clouse. … more

By JC Medina and Jerome Tuaño | 8/21/24 | 8 comments

The Olympia Planning Commission on Monday, August. 19, 2024, reviewed updates on the public safety chapter of the Olympia 2045 Comprehensive Plan.

Olympia Planning Commission reviews public safety chapter updates

At its meeting on Monday, the Olympia Planning Commission reviewed updates to the public safety chapter of the city's Comprehensive Plan, focusing on code enforcement, fire department, and police … more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 8/21/24

Olympia grade schoolers can be a Mayor for a Day by entering an essay contest to be judged by Mayor Donate Payne and the Mayor Pro Tem Yến Huỳnh

Olympia launches 'Mayor for a Day' essay contest for grade schoolers

Olympia announced the launch of a new "Mayor for a Day" essay contest aimed at engaging and educating youth about municipal government. The contest is open to fourth—to sixth-grade … more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 8/21/24 | 1 comment

The Thurston Regional Planning Policy's Urban Growth Management subcommittee convened on Monday, August 19, 2024, and discussed integrating state legislation on UGA boundary adjustments into the region's planning policies.

Planning council talks land swaps to expand housing supply

The 2022 amendment to the Growth Management Act allows counties to swap land inside the UGA with land outside the UGA as long as the revisions do not result in a net increase in the overall urban area. more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 8/20/24 | 8 comments

The Olympia School District Board of Directors meets in the North Mason School District Boardroom in Belfair on Saturday, Aug. 11. The board members sat far from the designated public seating area and/ or had their backs to the public, and they did not use microphones. Pictured are (left-right) Jess Tourtellotte-Palumbo, Darcy Huffman, President Hilary Seidel, Maria Flores, V.P Scott Clifthorne (standing). Back: student reps Kellan Eggleston, Declan Borden, and Vy Le (not pictured: student rep Sovana Roberts, attending via Zoom).

Olympia School Board members air grievances about overheard comment

Note: This article is continues “Tensions flare at Olympia School Board summer retreat,” published in The JOLT last Tuesday. During the Olympia School Board’s summer … more

By Jeffrey Westbrook | 8/19/24 | 1 comment

Workshops offer discounted heat pumps for Olympia residents

Through the Energize Olympia program, the city is holding free educational workshops in August and September on heat pumps, energy savings, and financial incentives to boost home energy efficiency. … more

By Lorilyn Lirio and Jerome Tuaño | 8/19/24