Lacey Human Services Commission hosts discussion on challenges faced by DEIB programs

Representatives from Lacey, Olympia and Tumwater are working on a regional response to challenges faced by diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB) programs.

The Lacey Human Services Commission hosted a regional discussion on the issue at its meeting on Thursday, Feb. 5.  

The gathering brought together members of the Lacey Commission on Equity, Lacey Human Services Commission, Lacey Youth Council, Olympia Social Justice and Equity Commission and Tumwater officials, whoa are recruiting for a newly authorized equity commission.

"These are things happening right here in Thurston County that we need to acknowledge in order to move forward on working on them," said Lacey Commission on Equity Vice Chair Thelma Jackson said. "We just need to keep that in front of us as these lists grow and grow." 

Participants identified common goals, including removing silos between jurisdictions, creating clear communication channels, expanding community engagement and defining equity work clearly as national debates politicize DEIB programs. 

Regional wins

Among recent collaborative successes, Lacey reported results from the inaugural Thurston County Homebuying Expo held at the Lacey Community Center on Nov. 8, 2025. The event drew nearly 100 attendees and has produced three completed home purchases with 10 more in escrow. 

The expo earned Lacey Equity and Inclusion Program Manager Veronica Hand recognition as the Thurston County Realtors Association's 2025 Partner of the Year, as The JOLT News previously reported. A second homebuying event is scheduled for April at the Olympia Center. 

Upcoming events

Lacey and Olympia youth councils are jointly planning their 2026 Youth Summit under the theme "Adulting 101," to help young people build skills for college and career readiness.

The event will feature a youth discussion panel, keynote speaker, resume reviews, headshots and community resources. A joint subcommittee is coordinating between the two councils to finalize a location. 

The Hispanic Roundtable also announced its Latin Youth Summit would shift to a digital-only format on April 18. The decision followed security consultations at South Puget Sound Community College.

Jurisdictional updates 

Each jurisdiction also shared progress on local equity initiatives. 

The City of Tumwater is accepting applications through Feb. 20 for seven positions on its equity commission.

Assistant City Administrator Kelly Adams said the commission is going to identify community barriers to participation in public policies and services, with an initial focus on economic development barriers. 

Olympia Social Justice and Equity Commission, through Staff Liaison Margo Morales, reported completing a review of all comprehensive plan chapters for equity considerations.

The city is continuing work on community experiences of discrimination and revisiting recommendations from its "reimagining public safety" process. 

Lacey Commission on Equity work planned for 2026 includes selecting the city's next poet laureate, launching the Community and Cultural Events Grant Program, reviewing utility relief programs and developing a community connectivity tool for resource sharing. 

Moving forward, participants outlined specific collaborative projects, including developing a shared community resource calendar, creating a regional equity map, establishing regular chair meetings and coordinating cultural events. 

The next regional meeting is tentatively scheduled for the third quarter 2026, following the annual Thurston Forward DEIB Summit.