The JOLT - The Journal of Olympia, Lacey & Tumwater

Littlerock Road at 73rd Ave. SW - The property under consideration covers 19 acres of land which the city staff proposes to change from Neighborhood Commercial (NC) to Single Family Medium Density Residential (SFM).

Tumwater city staff propose substantial zoning changes to the city-county Joint Plan

City staff proposed to make substantial zoning changes in several areas in Tumwater as a part of the Joint Tumwater / Thurston County Plan. The proposed … more

By Kristine Javier | 7/28/21

This image shows the special joint meeting of the Port of Olympia Commissioners meeting with Thurston County’s Board of County Commissioners. Five of the six are shown in the top row, second from left.

Six commissioners agree to postpone five-member ballot measure

Port of Olympia Commissioners joined with Thurston County’s Board of County Commissioners last Thu., July 22, for a special meeting to discuss when to propose to voters increasing the size of … more

By Danny Stusser | 7/27/21

Port of Olympia Executive Director Sam Gibboney called the meeting to order during the Port’s revised commission meeting on Monday, July 26, 2021 following a heated exchange between Commissioners Joe Downing and E.J Zita over discussion about an inter-Local agreement related to the lease of 200 acres of port property in Tumwater.

Port Exec Director calls meeting to order following heated exchange between Downing and Zita

“I ask not to be interrupted,” Zita said. Tension rose between the two commissioners during the Port of Olympia Commission meeting yesterday. Port of Olympia Executive Director Sam … more

By Danny Stusser | 7/27/21

This shows the Intercity Transit’s new Vanpool Fare Structure for riders seeking transportation 10 or fewer days each month.

Intercity Transit reviews new fare structure for part-time Vanpool users

On Wednesday, Intercity Transit’s board reviewed a proposal for a new Vanpool fare structure for users who need rides 10 days or fewer each month. Intercity Vanpool Manager Cindy Fisher … more

By Kristine Javier | 7/23/21

In stocking covered feet, visitors tour one of the houses featured in Olympia Master Builders' Tour of Homes in 2019.

Tour of Homes set for this weekend, in-person again

Olympia Master Builders' annual Tour of Homes returns as an in-person event this weekend, with six stops spread across northern Thurston County. more

By Danny Stusser | 7/22/21

Participants at the Thurston Economic Development Council's first Hootenanny, Thu., July 22, can buy a chance to test their skill and, perhaps, dunk their favorite (or least favorite) public official or business community leader.

Tickets almost gone for Thurston EDC's Hootenanny

If getting together with business friends and acquaintances isn't enough of a reason to participate, organizers of the Thurston Economic Development Council's new event are dangling the chance to … more

By Danny Stusser | 7/20/21

Ever wonder what equity means? This diagram explains that Equality means each individual or group is given the same resources or opportunities. Equity recognizes that each person has different circumstances and allocates the resources and opportunities needed to reach an equal outcome, according to the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

New Transportation Priorities Survey seeks your input

Whether you walk, drive, bike, ride the bus or find another way to get around, there’s a new survey to help regional planners to make more and better decisions about new roads, bus routes and … more

By The JOLT Staff | 7/19/21

The Lacey City Council awarded Phil Aasen a Certificate of Achievement for his decades-long safe-driving career during its regular meeting on July 15, 2021. Aasen is shown on the third row, right. His employer, Justin Erickson, CEO of Harbor Wholesale, is shown in the second row, right.

City of Lacey honors veteran truck driver Phil Aasen

For nearly three decades of service, veteran truck driver Phil Aasen received a City of Lacey Certificate of Achievement. During the regular city council meeting yesterday, Lacey Mayor Andy Ryder … more

By Kristine Javier | 7/16/21

One of Intercity Transit's newer full-size busses passes in the east side of the Legislative Building on the Washington State Capitol Campus on Route 13.

Express bus service to Pierce County locations resumes Monday, July 19

Express bus service between Olympia and Lacey to Pierce County resumes on Monday, July 19, 2021. Route 620 will serve the Olympia Transit Center, the State Capitol Campus, Lacey Transit Center, … more

7/16/21

The Thurston County Board of Commissioners conducted a public hearing on July 13, 2021 to discuss proposed rate increases for the Transportation Impact Fee.

Thurston County proposes to increase Transportation Impact Fees for new construction

The Thurston County Board of Commissioners plans to increase the existing Transportation Impact Fee. On Tue., July 13, at its regular meeting, the board held a public hearing on the Traffic Impact … more

By The JOLT Staff | 7/16/21

The Thurston Economic Development Council is doing something it's never done to celebrate a year like no other.

Economic Development Council to present Economic Courage Awards at first-ever Hootenanny

This year, as we emerge from a pandemic, is like no other. So the Thurston Economic Development Council (EDC) is having an event like never before. Instead of its typical annual business awards … more

By The JOLT Staff | 7/15/21

Port of Olympia commissioners and senior staff discuss moving to a five-member board during their meeting on Mon., July 12, 2021. Top row, l-r, Commissioner Bill MacGregor, Commissioner Joe Downing, Port Executive Director Sam Gibboney. Bottom row, l-r, Commissioner EJ Zita; General Counsel VaLiesha Brown.

Port commissioners argue over timing to grow board to five

On Monday, Port of Olympia Commissioners Joe Downing and EJ Zita argued over when would be the right time to move forward with a plan to increase its three-member commission to five … more

By Danny Stusser | 7/13/21

This home at 2142 79th Ave SE in Tumwater was sold by John Duerr for $625,000.

The JOLT Real Estate Report for July 4 - 10, 2021

This weekly report covers single-family home sales in Thurston County over the past week. There were 93 sales completed from Sunday, July 4, through Saturday, July 10, 2021. The median sales … more

By Prachi Gohil | 7/12/21

With a new paint job and door to the new covered patio, New Traditions Cafe is much brighter than before its 2021remodel.

New Traditions Cafe re-opens remodeled after six-month closure

New Traditions Cafe today rejoined its sister operation, New Traditions Fair Trade, as an open and ready business. The Cafe was closed for six months both because of pandemic restrictions and to … more

By Danny Stusser | 7/9/21

Rent overdue? Thurston County has several programs available to help renters get caught up.

Thurston County residents facing eviction can apply for rental assistance programs

Thurston County offers three types of assistance for residents who are struggling to pay their rent according to the Thurston County Housing Action Team. These programs include rent assistance, … more

By The JOLT Staff | 7/8/21

Kristy Woodford, CEO of Holistic Home Group

This is not a housing bubble. It’s a housing affordability crisis.

One of the most common questions real estate agents are asked right now is, “Are we in a housing bubble?”. If you’ve read my previous articles, you may recall that most economists … more

By Kristy Woodford | Holistic Home Group | 7/8/21 | 1 comment

This shows the proposed buildings in the West Bay Yards development. Once completed, the development will have 470 dwelling units and 20,000 sq. ft of commercial space.

Port of Olympia reviews $200 million West Bay Yards Proposal

Port of Olympia commissioners reviewed the proposed $200 million West Bay Yards proposal during a special commission work session yesterday. Brandon Smith and Ron Newman of The West Bay … more

By Danny Stusser | 7/7/21

This home at 6120 60th Ct SE in Lacey was sold by Kristy Woodford for $435,000.

The JOLT Real Estate Report for June 27 - July 3, 2021

This weekly report covers single-family home sales in Thurston County over the past week. There were 116 sales completed from Sunday, June 27, through Saturday, July 3, 2021. The median … more

By Prachi Gohil | 7/5/21

South Bay BBQ fans can look forward to a new restaurant someday at 4336 Martin Way E if Olympia approves the plans of property owners Eric and Suvantha Dickerson.

Three new housing projects reviewed by Olympia Site Plan Review Committee

The Olympia Site Plan Review Committee reviewed three proposed housing projects along Wheeler Ave., Martin Way and Evergreen Park Drive at their meeting on Wed., June 30. These meetings … more

By The JOLT Staff | 7/2/21

The 3000 Pacific Ave. SE building in Olympia will house the offices of county Auditor, Community Planning and Economic Development, Board of County Commissioners, Information Technology, Board of Equalization, Human Resources, Geodata, Central Services Administration and Treasurer.

Commissioners approve purchase of Mottman buildings, lease and improvements for 3000 Pacific Ave. building

The Thurston Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) passed resolutions yesterday that will add two new facilities which will expand office and operations capacity for several departments. The new … more

By The JOLT Staff | 6/30/21