Thursday, October 1, 2026
If Proposition 1 is approved by Olympia voters in the Nov. 4 General Election, a number of local nonprofit organizations believe it could significantly impact their operations and the people they serve.
The YMCA of Thurston County, Hands On Children’s Museum, Boys and Girls Clubs of Thurston County, Thurston County Food Bank, Senior Services for South Sound, Washington Center for the Performing Arts and United Way of Thurston County released a joint statement to help voters make an informed decision about Proposition 1.
The organizations stated it is essential for voters to understand how the proposed wage and benefit changes could impact nonprofit budgets, staffing and program affordability.
Proposition 1, which was placed on the ballot via a citizen initiative, seeks to establish a Workers’ Bill of Rights.
The initiative was brought forward by the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 367 through a petition process. It seeks to establish a $20 minimum wage in Olympia, new labor protections and fair scheduling standards.
“We are not taking a position on the measure. We believe residents deserve clear information about potential impacts,” the organizations stated.
The nonprofits emphasized they remain committed to keeping services as accessible as possible, providing financial support where possible, and communicating any changes clearly and in advance.
Based on a financial blueprint, the organizations anticipate annual operating costs could rise by $70,000 to $400,000 due to labor expenses.
“Because wages make up the majority of our costs, this level of increase would likely require adjustments to program fees, membership dues, and/or staffing levels and services offered for sustainability,” the organizations stated.
The local nonprofits also laid out the impacts Proposition 1 could have on their organizations.
The YMCA of Thurston County expects wage expenses to rise by more than $320,000 in the first year. With this projected increase, it would need to adjust child care fees, membership dues and staffing levels to manage costs.
“Our goal is to keep increasing modestly while sustaining our dedicated team and the programs families depend on,” the YMCA stated.
The impact of approving Proposition 1 could increase operational expenses, including wages, compression and retirement contributions, by more than $150,000.
Without profit to absorb those costs, the museum said it may need to raise prices, reduce part-time teen employment, and scale back some of its 30 access programs that provide discounted or free admission to more than 130,000 visitors each year.
The organization estimates a $268,000 increase in expenses. To offset the projected hike, program fees could rise by as much as 20% or approximately $1,150 per child, per year.
The organization said that may reduce the number of fee-reduction scholarships available to families, 60% of whom already receive financial assistance.
The food bank is already facing major challenges, as federal funding has been significantly cut. The organization said any additional financial challenges could force it to reduce pantry hours, satellite locations, cut youth and senior programs, and reduce food allotments.
Senior Services for South Sound projected wages and benefits would increase by $70,000 in 2026, and more than $300,000 by 2028. The organization said the additional costs could force staff reductions or higher service prices for low-income seniors.
The Washington Center for the Performing Arts estimated its payroll could rise by $90,000 annually. That could result in higher ticket prices, rental fees for local arts groups and fewer free community programs.
While the United Way of Thurston County acknowledged that Proposition 1 aims to improve conditions for workers, the organization cautioned that wage increases may be offset by higher costs of living.
“Even with proposed increases to the minimum wage, many working families will continue to fall short of a survival budget — highlighting that affordability challenges extend well beyond hourly pay,” the organization stated.
The United Way added Proposition 1 could significantly increase nonprofit operating and program costs, reduce services and accessibility for vulnerable populations, and place additional strain on organizations already under pressure.
“While the measure aims to help, it may instead harm the very people it intends to support,” the organization stated.
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HappyOlympian
Proposition 1 awful. Exemplar of good intentions run amok and thrashing on the weakest.
Tuesday, October 28, 2025 Report this
mhjwilson
Repealing the zoning code would reduce the cost of housing and provide a wider selection of alternatives for people without adding to the cost and put money back in the pockets of those who earned it.
Tuesday, October 28, 2025 Report this
JulesJames
A labor union callously overriding the decision of the Olympia City Council to place this on the ballot is enough to put me firmly in the NO category.
Tuesday, October 28, 2025 Report this
Quadlok
What a wonderful list of things that might happen that are either the whole fucking point wrapped in negative language or the same tired old bullshit that gets trotted out whenever anyone suggests raising wages that never comes to pass in reality.
Tuesday, October 28, 2025 Report this
MamaBear
Reality bites!
Tuesday, October 28, 2025 Report this
BobJacobs
The issues addressed by this initiative are very important and the Olympia city council had started the process of considering policies to address them. That process would have included a thorough analysis of every detail, cost estimates, public hearings, meetings with affected parties, etc.
Unfortunately, the sponsors of this initiative gathered the required number of signatures to place it on the ballot without any of the careful consideration these matters should receive. So we don't have the information we need to cast a rational vote. The city's process was required by law to be put on hold until after the election.
Perhaps the worst feature of local initiatives hasn't been mentioned much. If this initiative passes and it turns out that fine tuning is needed, the city council cannot amend it. Every amendment would have to be place on the ballot, a slow and expensive process. And major legislation like this almost always requires fine tuning within the first few years, as experience exposes the need for changes.
Our best course of action is to defeat Proposition 1 and then demand that the local city councils and county commission address the issues it raises. Let's demand that all of them act together so that we have standardized regulations throughout the county.
Bob Jacobs
Wednesday, October 29, 2025 Report this
Olycitymanager
Thanks to these vital nonprofit groups for having the courage to speak out about the many negative impacts of Proposition One.
Wednesday, October 29, 2025 Report this
basicolympian
These cost estimates are "[b]ased on a financial blueprint." What financial blueprint? How were these calculations made? I have read the proposition in full and nothing in there would seem to bring costs that would add up to these amounts, so I can't take this article seriously unless this is spelled out.
I have also worked for a couple of these organizations and I deeply appreciate the role these non-profits play in our community. Most of my professional career has been spent in the non-profit sector. What no one ever mentions about the non-profit sector is that employees are generally very poorly paid (especially compared to other sectors), typically don't have unions and very often lack decent health care or retirement benefits. So just as poorly paid service and retail sector employees getting a modest boost in pay would help the local economy, the same is true for non profit workers.
Wednesday, October 29, 2025 Report this
LindaD
The very organizations that claim to help people are horrified at paying anything close to a living wage to their own people.
Monday, November 3, 2025 Report this
sonshi
"The initiative was brought forward by the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 367 through a petition process. It seeks to establish a $20 minimum wage in Olympia, new labor protections and fair scheduling standards."
This is exactly why UFCW is subject to the Supreme Court Janus ruling. If you're against them using your dues for this kind of political work, exercise your rights to stop having them withheld.
Tuesday, November 4, 2025 Report this