Thurston County BoCC to revamp proclamation process

The Thurston County Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) is looking to update a proclamation process to provide more substantive community engagement opportunities.  

During the BoCC's Jan. 14 agenda setting meeting, the commissioners discussed their aim to balance routine proclamations requested by organizations that bring attention to important subjects. 

“I believe it's an opportunity for the board to be a (conveyor) of what's taking place in our communities,” said Thurston County Manager Leonard Hernandez. 

“The public needs to see all of that, as sometimes, as we move quickly through the proclamations, we don't always get to highlight the real deep work that county government does, and so it fills a gap of information and communication to our constituents,” he added. 

Commissioner Rachel Grant echoed that sentiment, noting the need to ensure the proclamation process has a clear purpose and impact. 

“I want to bring awareness to success stories to programs that are happening to um ways for people to be involved in and some of the really incredible work that's going on across the county,” Grant said.

“This is an opportunity for us to really highlight ways for people to get connected in our community.” 

The commissioners also discussed the need for a more robust calendar to plan proclamation events, allowing for proper community outreach and involvement.