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

Tumwater will donate an empty house at 6541 Henderson Blvd SE as low-income housing for women.

Tumwater donates vacant house to housing non-profit

Tumwater will donate an empty house at 6541 Henderson Boulevard SE to Homes First, a non-profit corporation based in Washington. Tumwater’s city council approved the donation after they … more

By Jerome Tuaño | 9/7/22

Finance Director Troy Woo presented the 2022 budget amendments during the Lacey City Council meeting on September 1, 2022.

Lacey shifts spending in its fourth-quarter city budget

The Lacey City Council approved budget amendments for the last quarter of 2022 at its meeting yesterday. Finance Director Troy Woo said the amendment does not require extra money but a … more

By JC Medina | 9/2/22

The Olympia Parks Planning Department proposes a 9th Avenue section conversion to parkland. At the August 31, 2022 meeting, the Site Plan Committee postponed the proposal review.

Olympia Site Plan Committee postpones review of Rebecca Howard Park project

The presubmission conference on the proposed project for Rebecca Howard Park was postponed yesterday, August 31, by the Olympia Site Plan Committee. The project would provide community members with a … more

By Lorilyn C. Lirio | 9/1/22

The Olympia Planning Commission's finance subcommittee convened on August 31 to review the financial plan for Capital Facilities Plan 2023-2028.

Olympian Planning Commission starts a review on CFP 2023-2028 financial plan

Olympia's Planning Commission started its review of the city's proposed budget for public facilities and resources that are part of Olympia's 2023-2028 Capital Facilities Plan (CFP). The … more

By Lorilyn C. Lirio | 9/1/22

County proclaims National Preparedness Month and offers free tools to get prepared

The Thurston Board of County Commissioners proclaimed September National Preparedness Month to further promote family and community disaster planning and emergency preparedness. "We encourage all … more

By JC Medina | 8/31/22 | 1 comment

The Great Blue Heron, a protected species living in the George open space.

County approves open space application

The Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) held a public meeting on August 30 to discuss the open space application a 12.12-acre land parcel. The Open Space Taxation Act (RCW 84.34) was passed by … more

By P. Jade Asumbrado | 8/31/22 | 1 comment

Lacey re-orders electric trucks at a higher price

Lacey re-ordered two electronic Ford F-150 Lightning trucks for a higher price than what was initially planned, according to Troy Woo, the city’s finance director. The city had ordered two … more

By Jerome Tuaño | 8/29/22 | 5 comments

The Lacey City Council discussed Neighborhood Commercial zoning in its work session August 25, 2022.

Controversial decisions spur Lacey to look closer at changing its land-use laws

Controversial decisions spur Lacey to look closer at changing its land-use laws By JC Medina Following two recent controversial decisions that allow the Meridian Gas Station and Hicks Lake … more

By JC Medina | 8/26/22 | 1 comment

Olympia: It's the water (level)

A history of flooding and our increasing vulnerability Olympia is blessed to be in such a beautiful location. Nestled at the very southern end of Budd Inlet in Puget Sound, Olympians have long … more

Rich Hoey | Olympia Interim Assistant City Manager | 8/26/22 | 1 comment

The Thurston Board of Health discussed the screening process of applicants for the “citizen seats” of the board during its special meeting on August 24, 2022.

Thurston Board of Health expanding, screening applicants

The Thurston Board of Health (BOH) discussed the screening process of applicants for the “citizen seats” of the board during its special meeting yesterday, August 24. … more

By JC Medina | 8/25/22 | 1 comment

As part of the Puget Sound Starts Here campaign, Olympia environmental services team member Susan McCleary invites Thurston County residents to submit video describing actions they take to protect Puget Sound.

Olympia proclaims September as ‘Puget Sound Starts Here’ Month

Olympia has joined with other governing bodies, organizations, and community groups to strengthen stewardship of the watershed. They encourage community members to take action to improve the health … more

By Lorilyn C. Lirio | 8/25/22

The ordinance seeks to assist the city with locating owners of abandoned/vacant properties, require registration of these properties annually, have a current local representative or contract of the owner, property manager, or agency who has a vested interest in the property and maintain the property per the city's codes, laws, and ordinances.

Vacant and abandoned properties in Olympia now subject to registration

The Olympia City Council approved an ordinance establishing a vacant property registration program, a move that will create a database to identify vacant properties and address squatting on these … more

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

The Thurston County Board of Commissioners authorized the Public Works Department to solicit proposals for a comprehensive stormwater program study.

County seeks a stormwater management consultant

Thurston County is gathering proposals for a comprehensive stormwater program study for its storm and surface water utility. Thurston’s Senior Water Resources Engineer Nate Ensley said … more

By JC Medina | 8/24/22

Attending community members walk out as Lacey City Council adopted the hearings examiner’s recommendation on August 18, 2022, to approve the two proposed residential projects along Hicks Lake, which would provide more than 300 housing units.

Lacey okays plans for 300 residences at Hicks Lake

The Lacey City Council has adopted the hearings examiner’s recommendation to approve two proposed residential projects along Hicks Lake, which are planned to include more than 300 housing … more

By JC Medina | 8/19/22 | 3 comments

Lacey joined Washington State’s efforts to break the stigma of substance overdose by proclaiming August 31 as Overdose Awareness Day during its council meeting on August 18, 2022.

Lacey proclaims August 31 as Overdose Awareness Day

Joining the state’s efforts to break the stigma on substance overdose, the Lacey City Council proclaimed August 31 as Overdose Awareness Day. Lacey Mayor Andy Ryder urged the public to … more

By JC Medina | 8/19/22

The Port of Olympia Citizens Advisory Committee met on August 16 to talk about the lack of membership applications for the committee.

Still no applicants for Port of Olympia citizens advisory committee

There are still no new membership applications for the under-filled Port of Olympia Citizens Advisory Committee (POCAC). There are currently only four members on the committee after the terms of … more

By Jerome Tuaño | 8/17/22 | 6 comments

Tumwater School District and Tumwater City boards met on Oct. 7, 2021 and discussed the city's 21-Day Racial Equity Challenge.

BoCC Appoints Community Members to the Thurston County Council on Racial Equity and Inclusion

The Thurston County Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) is pleased to announce the appointment of the initial seven community members to the Thurston County Council on Racial Equity and Inclusion … more

8/17/22

At the Town Hall meeting held Monday, August 15, 2022, Tumwater Fire Chief Brian Hurley and Olympia Fire Chief Todd Carson discussed the importance of quick response in medical emergencies and fire situations.

Fire department chiefs speak out about why Tumwater and Olympia need a regional fire authority

Tumwater Fire Chief Brian Hurley said that creating a Regional Fire Department (RFA) is the best way to address challenges faced by Olympia and Tumwater fire departments. The RFA planning … more

By Lorilyn C. Lirio | 8/16/22 | 7 comments

Olympia Housing Program specialist Christa Lenssen was at the City Council meeting on Tuesday, August 9, to explain the Rental Housing Code amendments that aim to protect renters.

Olympia City Council looking at new rules for rental housing

The Olympia City Council on Tuesday approved the amendments to the city ordinance code on rental housing, including limits to move-in fees, rent increase notification, and pet damage deposit. The … more

By Lorilyn C. Lirio | 8/15/22 | 2 comments

Housing Programs manager Darian Lightfoot discussed options for the Phase 2 housing development programs at the Land Use and Environment Committee meeting held Friday, August 12, 2022.

More about Olympia's affordable housing initiatives

Olympia is focusing on low-barrier housing development to address the affordable housing crisis and homelessness crisis, the city’s Housing Programs manager Darian Lightfoot said at the Land … more

By Lorilyn C. Lirio | 8/15/22