Business | The JOLT News Organization, a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit

Olympia’s Land Use and Environment Committee discussed developing three rental policy measures during its meeting on May 19, 2022.

Olympia committee seeks to legislate rent-increase notices, limit move-in costs

Olympia’s Land Use and Environment Committee wants to bring three rental policy measures to the city council to provide immediate relief to renters. In a meeting held on Thursday, … more

By Lorilyn C. Lirio | 5/20/22 | 6 comments

Port of Olympia seeking input on Olympia Regional Airport Master Plan Update at third open house

The Port of Olympia will hold the third public open house on the Olympia Regional Airport Master Plan Update (MPU) on Thursday, May 26, 2022, from 2:00 – 3:30 PM via Zoom. The Port of … more

5/18/22 | 2 comments

Seated around the conference table are, l-r, Port Commissioners Amy Evans, Bob Iyall, Joe Downing, executive director Sam Gibboney, Thomas Architecture Studios’ Amos Callender and Ron Thomas.

Destination Waterfront: “A good investment for the next generation”

Thomas Architecture Studios, the firm overseeing development plans for Destination Waterfront, is eager to see green grass growing soon on some of Port of Olympia’s downtown waterfront … more

By Tiziana Piatos and Danny Stusser | 5/17/22 | 1 comment

Holly Chisa, representing the Northwest Grocery Association, asks the Olympia City Council to review the hazard pay ordinance implemented on May 1, 2021.

Hazard pay ordinance still in effect for some grocers

Olympia City Council member Dontae Payne said the hazard pay ordinance, which requires large grocery stores in the city to pay workers an additional $4 an hour, is still in effect. Payne responded … more

By Lorilyn C. Lirio | 5/13/22

A proposed subdivision will be built inside the orange box along Decatur Street, Olympia.

Site Plan Committee reviews office conversion and subdivision proposal

The Olympia Site Plan Committee is reviewing two applications for development projects – one is to use the existing building and the other is a proposal to subdivide 1.4 acres into nine lots … more

By Lorilyn C. Lirio | 5/13/22

CBDG program specialist Anastacia Everett presented the draft fund allocation for project year 2022-2023.

Olympia to receive about $400K from housing fund

The City of Olympia expects to receive around $400,000 from the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, which will fund projects that focus on rehabilitation and maintenance of low-income … more

By Lorilyn C. Lirio | 5/12/22 | 1 comment

Bakers are listed by Stacker as the 26th lowest paying job in our area.

Lowest-paying jobs in Olympia

The U.S. may be one of the wealthiest countries in the world but there’s a growing trend of financial inequality, with middle-class households feeling the most impact. In fact, the number of adults … more

By Stacker | 5/10/22

The INSPIRE Women's Business Conference will be held online again, May 12, 2022.

Women’s business conference is this Thursday – online again

The Washington Center for Women in Business (WCWB) will hold its INSPIRE Virtual Women’s Business Conference this Thursday, May 12, “identifying strategies for women to support … more

By Edwin Oscar Gutierrez, Jr. | 5/10/22

Olympia to install 10 new solar-powered “pay-by-plate” kiosks

Olympia will start installing 10 new solar-powered pay-by-plate parking kiosks to modernize the process of payment for customers, Parking Services Field Representative Chelsea Baker said. In a … more

By Lorilyn C. Lirio | 5/6/22 | 1 comment

A committee that advises the Olympia City Council on rental housing issues is evaluating feedback from the public that might lead to new regulations and requirements.

Olympia wants further discussion on rent issues

Olympia's Land Use and Environment Committee wants to have further discussions on rent increases, move-in fees, and rental registration fees as well as a license and inspection … more

By Lorilyn C. Lirio | 5/5/22 | 5 comments

The dashed line shows the Urban Growth Boundary surrounding the city of Tumwater. The city is proposing to annex all 12 parcels into the city.

Tumwater council planning to annex remaining 12 “islands” into city limits

The Tumwater City Council has approved staff recommendations to schedule final deliberations for the city to annex 12 “islands” in the coming months. These “island” … more

By Larry Madarang | 5/4/22 | 1 comment

The Thurston Board of County Commissioners approved on Tuesday, May 3, a grant agreement between U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development for the HOME American Rescue Plan Program for $3,053,476.

Thurston County receives HUD grant to house “vulnerable populations”

The Thurston Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) approved on Tuesday, May 3, a grant agreement between the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development for the HOME American Rescue Plan (HOME … more

By JC Medina | 5/4/22

The left photo shows how the Martin Way Corridor looked when originally constructed in the early 1930’s. The Corridor was a part of the original highway system. The right photo shows what Martin Way looks like now as the county plans to turn the area from an automobile-dominated roadway to a more pedestrian-friendly road.

Is yours one of the 40,000 vehicles on Martin Way each day?

Community members are invited to provide input and feedback on plans for the Martin Way Corridor in an online public meeting on Thursday, May 12, 5:30 p.m. As part of the Martin Way Corridor Study … more

By Edwin Oscar Gutierrez, Jr. | 5/3/22 | 1 comment

Heritage Commission chief Holly Davies revealed the five nominees for the 2022 Olympia Heritage Award at the Community Livability and Public Safety meeting Wednesday, April 27.

Olympia’s Heritage Commission unveils five small-business nominees for 2022 Olympia Heritage Award

Heritage Commission Chief Holly Davies revealed five nominees for the 2022 Olympia Heritage Award, focusing on businesses contributing to the city's legacy, heritage and culture. Davies was at … more

By Lorilyn C. Lirio | 4/28/22

Stamps chosen for their warm and nonthreatening appearance are seen next to an envelope set to be hand addressed to a tenant facing eviction at the Dispute Resolution Center of Thurston County in Olympia, Washington on April 21, 2022. The staff at the center work to broker deals between landlords and tenants facing eviction.

How rent relief fraud allegations left Thurston County tenants hanging

Nicky spent much of the past decade as a social worker, helping people get into housing or avoid eviction. So when she fell … more

4/28/22

Washington arts center operates in the black

The Washington Center for the Performing Arts is financially afloat despite shutdowns due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the organization’s executive director Jill Barnes said in Olympia’s … more

By Lorilyn C. Lirio | 4/27/22

Amy Buckler update the Olympia City Finance Committee members on Thurston Strong Recovery and Reset program on April 20, 2022.

Thurston Strong’s Phase 2 Recovery and Reset Program now underway, says Olympia economic planner

Implementation of Thurston Strong’s phase 2 Recovery and Reset program – which translate to an $11 million investment – is underway, according to Olympia strategic projects manager … more

By Lorilyn C. Lirio | 4/25/22

Port Executive Director Sam Gibboney explained the committee’s inactivity to the pandemic and staff turnover at the Port.

Port of Olympia citizens committee is lacking members

Port of Olympia Citizens Advisory Committee (POCAC) faces a membership shortage with two of its members resigning and two others ending their terms last year. During POCAC’s meeting … more

By Edwin Oscar Gutierrez, Jr. | 4/20/22 | 6 comments

Approximately 160 people attended the Thurston Green Business Forum event on April 13, 2022.

Thurston Green Business awards presented for 2022

Close to 100 businesses applied for a Thurston Green designation this year and the community celebrated them at the Thurston County Chamber of Commerce's April Green Business Forum on Wednesday, … more

By Danny Stusser | 4/15/22 | 1 comment

"... the whole purpose of being a landlord is to provide housing and services to people in exchange for rent," writes Priscilla Terry.

Rent assistance applicants must re-apply, county says

LiveStories, Thurston County’s new rent assistance contractor, will accept new applications for the county’s Treasury Rent Assistance Program starting Monday, May 2, according to an April … more

By Edwin Oscar Gutierez, Jr. and Danny Stusser | 4/15/22