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

Tumwater’s Planning Commission met with Land Use and Housing Planner Erika Smith-Erickson (right) and Planning Manager Brad Medrud yesterday, July 26, for a discussion on Thurston County’s Hazards Mitigation Plan. JOLT Staff via Zoom

Planners update Tumwater’s planning commission on Thurston’s Hazards Mitigation Plan

The Thurston Regional Planning Council (TRPC) is embarking on the fourth update of the regional Hazards Mitigation Plan , last updated in 2017. Land Use and Housing Planner Erika Smith-Erickson … more

By P. Jade Asumbrado | 7/26/23 | 3 comments

Non-profit looks to house more high school students experiencing housing issues

Non-profit TOGETHER! is looking to provide more high school students experiencing housing instability with short-term housing through its Host Homes Program. Host Homes Program Director Tami … more

By Jerome Tuaño | 7/26/23

Ballots being sorted, photo November 7, 2022.

Thurston County invites community members to observe random audit of election

Thurston County’s Auditor will be holding a random audit of the primary elections on August 1 to test and demonstrate the tabulation equipment’s accuracy. In a statement released by … more

7/26/23

Acting Executive Director Rudy Rudolph says that the original recommendation of $300,000 as the new contract amount would have saved the Port Commission time from needing to re-amend it.

Port renews contract with lawyers assisting with Local 47-B union negotiations

The Port of Olympia Commission authorized Acting Executive Director Rudy Rudolph to sign an amendment to the contract of the law firm of Chmelik Sitkin & Davis, extending their services until the … more

By Jerome Tuaño | 7/25/23 | 2 comments

Lacey Veterans Services Hub (LVSH) Manager Keith Looker said suicide has been an ongoing problem across the veterans and active-duty community.

Lacey Veterans Services Hub reports increasing suicide problem

Lacey Veterans Services Hub (LVSH) Manager Keith Looker reported that suicide has been an ongoing problem across the veterans and active-duty community. Speaking during the Lacey Commission on … more

By JC Medina | 7/25/23 | 1 comment

When the gavel hits the sound block, it means the judge has ruled.

Olympia accepting applicants for municipal court judge

With incumbent Municipal Judge Scott Ahlf moving to serve as Washington State’s court services director for the Administrative Office of Courts, Olympia is seeking applicants who will finish … more

7/25/23

Environmental consultant James Maul briefs the Port Commission about a $300,000 Ecology grant.

Port seeks Ecology grant for waterway remediation projects

The Port of Olympia is seeking a $300,000 grant from the Department of Ecology (Ecology) to support various remediation projects. The Port Commission authorized Acting Executive Director Rudy … more

By Jerome Tuaño | 7/25/23

Olympia survey shows difference between 2021 survey findings and 2023 survey findings.

70% of residents believe Olympia is heading on the wrong track

70% of residents believe Olympia is heading on the wrong track Survey shows big declines in satisfaction as place to live, retire and raise a family more

By Lorilyn Lirio and Danny Stusser | 7/24/23 | 14 comments

Thurston County Sheriff Derek Sanders informed county commissioners what his department plans to do with funds from the proposed public safety tax on July 18, 2023

New public safety tax up for vote this November

Thurston County residents are set to vote on a new public safety tax in the November 7 general elections. If approved, retail sales taxes throughout the county would increase by 0.2%, or … more

By Jerome Tuaño | 7/24/23 | 7 comments

Olympia Armory Creative Campus is moving forward with "dream vision" and design, says building manager

Armory Building Manager Valerie Roberts has updated the Olympia City Council about the Olympia Armory Creative Campus phase one plan, which focused on designing with the community through artists' … more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 7/24/23

Water Resources Director Dan Smith briefs the Public Works Committee about the utility components of the 2024-2029 Capital Facilities Plan.

Tumwater proposes adding 6 water utility projects to the upcoming capital facilities plan

Tumwater City staff is proposing six new projects as part of the drinking water, sanitary sewer, and storm drain components of the upcoming 2024-2029 Capital Facilities Plan (CFP). Water … more

By Jerome Tuaño | 7/24/23

If you live in an 'urban growth area' in Olympia, you might want to watch this meeting

The Thurston Board of County Commissioners will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, August 1, at 3:30 p.m. to discuss the Olympia Joint Plan update. The county reminded the public in a press … more

7/21/23

Climate Change Clock Earth Hands Ticking 3d Illustration - Elements of this image furnished by NASA

How can Olympia face climate change?

Olympia is reminding community members to participate in the Climate Risk and Vulnerability Assessment (CRVA) survey on the city’s website to help the city determine its vulnerability to … more

7/21/23 | 4 comments

Tumwater Inn & Suites is located at 5895 Capitol Blvd SE

County Housing Authority acquires Tumwater Inn for senior housing

Housing Authority of Thurston County (HATC) has acquired Tumwater Inn & Suites, HATC Executive Director Craig Chance told the Tumwater City Council on Tuesday, July 18. HATC plans to convert … more

By Jerome Tuaño | 7/20/23

County Water Resources Manager Tim Wilson briefs the BoCC about the consolidation of community-level utility advisory committees.

Proposed county-level utility advisory committee members to be elected, not appointed

Members of the proposed county-level Utility Advisory Committee (UAC) would be elected by utility ratepayers instead of being appointed, as was proposed by earlier versions of a resolution seeking … more

By Jerome Tuaño | 7/20/23 | 1 comment

Senior Services for South Sound Executive Director Brian Windrope turns to show a 50th anniversary commemorative T-shirt for his organization.

Tumwater recognizes Senior Services for South Sound as it turns 50

Tumwater Mayor Debbie Sullivan signed a proclamation recognizing the contribution of Senior Services for South Sound in uplifting the lives of seniors on Tuesday, July 18, as the non-profit … more

By Jerome Tuaño | 7/20/23

The Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC) of Olympia convened last July 19 for the preliminary 2024 - 2029 Capital Facilities Plan (CFP).

Olympia’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee sets up subcommittee to review preliminary facilities plan

Olympia’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC) formed a subcommittee assigned to review the preliminary 2024 - 2029 Capital Facilities Plan (CFP) yesterday, July 19. “The … more

By P. Jade Asumbrado | 7/20/23

The Olympia City Council on Tuesday, July 18, recognized the Northeast Neighborhood Alliance Association (ONNA), board member Mike Dexel, shown here, and property owners Yu and Jung Kim for transforming the 'eyesore' site into an enhanced neighborhood center.

Olympia recognizes neighbors’ alliance, community members for transforming San Francisco and Bethel Streets into enhanced neighborhood center

The Olympia City Council on Tuesday recognized the Olympia Northeast Neighborhoods Alliance (ONNA), particularly its board member Mike Dexel and property owners Yu and Jung Kim, for successfully … more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 7/19/23 | 2 comments

The Port of Olympia Commission discusses with HR Director Ben McDonald (first to the right) a possible salary raise for future commissioners.

Port Commission wants to know from you if future commissioners deserve increased pay

The Port of Olympia Commission wants to hear from the public whether future commissioners should get increased pay. Port Commissioners are currently paid $600 a month and get $128 for every day … more

By Jerome Tuaño | 7/19/23 | 3 comments

Tumwater Fire Chief Biran Hurley (lower left) reported to the Civil Service Commission their next steps after the rejection of the RFA.

Tumwater fire chief lays out next steps post-RFA

Tumwater’s fire department will now pursue a new strategic plan after voters rejected a ballot measure that would have created a regional fire authority (RFA) with Olympia, Fire Chief Brian … more

By Jerome Tuaño | 7/18/23 | 3 comments