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

The Olympia City Council tackled the Workers' Bill of Rights initiative at a study session on Tuesday, July 17, 2025. The council will decide on July 22 whether to adopt the measure or send the ordinance to voters in the November election.

Olympia City Council tackles Workers' Bill of Rights ahead of July 22 decision

The Olympia City Council reviewed the Workers' Bill of Rights initiative, a proposal that would establish a $20 minimum wage and new workplace ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 7/18/25 | 14 comments

The Olympia City Council received an update on its state legislative priorities, which featured some policy wins and setbacks. Olympia contract lobbyist Nick Frederici delivered the report to the city council at a meeting on Tuesday, July 15, 2025.

Olympia sees funding cuts and policy wins amid state budget deficit

The City of Olympia's contract lobbyist, Nick Federici, briefed the city council on state legislative outcomes, including deep budget cuts in multiple ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 7/17/25 | 4 comments

Allen Acosta, top left, commander of the Military Order of the Purple Heart Chapter 407, was one of the recipients of Tumwater Mayor Debbie Sullivan’s proclamation recognizing Aug. 7, 2025, as National Purple Heart Day.

Tumwater mayor encourages Purple Heart City designation

Mayor Debbie Sullivan encouraged the Tumwater City Council to designate the municipality as a Purple Heart ... more

By Jerome Tuaño | 7/17/25 | 1 comment

Olympia City Council to review Workers' Bill of Rights initiative petition

The Olympia City Council will receive a briefing on a resident-driven Workers' Bill of Rights initiative, as the petition process moves toward potential ballot ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 7/16/25 | 7 comments

Tumwater City Council reviewed the status of the city’s food system plan, particularly its proposed goals and policies, at a meeting on Tuesday, July 8, 2025.

Tumwater’s food system plan aims to address local food insecurity

The City of Tumwater is continuing to work on its food system plan, which seeks to address food insecurity. The council reviewed goals and policies of the plan at a meeting on Tuesday, July … more

By Jerome Tuaño | 7/14/25 | 1 comment

The FIFA Seattle Organizing Committee has designated nine fan zones in Washington where people may watch and celebrate the games. One of the nine fan zones is the “Olympia/Lacey/Thurston County fan zone,” which is being coordinated by the Thurston County Chamber of Commerce.

Tumwater City Council members raise concerns about co-funding FIFA fan zone

Members of the Tumwater City Council expressed concerns about participating in a countywide effort that designates the region as a fan zone for FIFA ... more

By Jerome Tuaño | 7/11/25 | 8 comments

At a city council meeting on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, Parks, Arts & Recreation interim Director Sylvana Niehuser presented the financial analysis and funding approach for Yelm Highway Community Park and Armory Arts Center projects.

30-year debt bond approved for Armory Arts Center and Yelm Park projects

The Olympia City Council approved a 30-year bond package totaling $26.57 million to fund two major projects — construction of the long-planned Yelm Highway ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 7/10/25

Federal Way Municipal Court Judge David A. Larson advocated for keeping Olympia Municipal Court open. He participated in a public comment on April 8, 2025, when the Olympia City Council approved the sale of the 10.47-acre property at 900 Plum St. SE — the current site of the municipal court.

Olympia could face legal risks over plan to terminate Municipal Court

The City of Olympia's plan to terminate its Municipal Court and transfer judicial services to Thurston County could trigger legal repercussions, including possible ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 7/8/25 | 3 comments

Olympia reaffirms its Sanctuary City commitment

The Olympia City Council reaffirmed its Sanctuary City commitment amid growing community concerns over reports that Immigration and ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 6/27/25 | 37 comments

Olympia City Manager Jay Burney, left, briefly discussed funding uncertainty for Quince Street Village during the city council study session on Tuesday, June 24, 2025.

Encampment program funding gaps threaten Quince Street Village's future

Olympia City Manager Jay Burney sounded the alarm over a major funding setback that could threaten the future of Quince Street Village, one of the city's supportive ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 6/26/25 | 14 comments

The Olympia City Council explored new revenue options and potential service reductions for budget sustainability at a study session held on Tuesday, June 24, 2025.

Olympia leaders weigh revenue options, services cuts amid budget challenges

The Olympia City Council is exploring new revenue options and potential service reductions amid early signs of a challenging 2026 budget ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 6/25/25 | 4 comments

Olympia seeks consultant for 'Workers' Bill of Rights' study

Olympia is seeking a qualified consultant to conduct a comprehensive study on the impact and feasibility of labor and wage policies proposed in a potential ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 6/25/25 | 4 comments

Olympia City Council to review housing displacement risk findings

The City of Olympia's Community Planning and Economic Development (CPED) team will present an update on housing policies, including new state-mandated ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 6/23/25

Tumwater City Council member Kelly Von Holtz, top left, read the content of an ordinance that reaffirmed the city’s commitment to protecting civil rights at a meeting on Tuesday, June 17, 2025.

Tumwater City Council revisits ordinance that reaffirms city’s commitment to civil rights

After proclaiming Thursday, June 19, as Juneteenth, the Tumwater City Council revisited an ordinance that reaffirmed the city’s commitment to civil ... more

By Jerome Tuaño | 6/20/25 | 9 comments

Michael Githens, Olympia's new finance director, as seen at a city council meeting on Tuesday, June 17, 2025.

Michael Githens appointed as new finance director of Olympia

Olympia City Manager Jay Burney announced Michael Githens appointment as the new finance director at a city council meeting on ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 6/20/25

The Olympia City Council approved a funding strategy and $20.5 million bond sale for the expansion of the Hands On Children's Museum at its meeting, on Tuesday, June 17, 2025.

$20.5M bond sale approved to support Children's Museum expansion in Olympia

The Olympia City Council has approved a $20.5 million bond sale to support the expansion of the Hands On Children's Museum, a project that will increase the facility's ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 6/19/25 | 5 comments

The Olympia City Council proclaimed June 19, 2025 as Juneteenth. Women of Color in Leadership Movement Executive Director and founder Shawna Hawk announced a celebration will again take place at Rebecca Howard Park on Saturday, June 21, 2025.

City of Olympia to celebrate Juneteenth at Rebecca Howard Park

For the fifth year in a row, the City of Olympia recognized Juneteenth by proclaiming Thursday, June 19, 2025, as a day of ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 6/18/25 | 11 comments

Brian Caughlan, an International Society of Aboriculture-certified arborist, who previously worked at Lacey’s stormwater division, is Tumwater’s new urban forester.

City of Tumwater introduces new urban forester

The City of Tumwater has hired an urban forester, a long-eyed position considered key to the implementation of its urban forest management ... more

By Jerome Tuaño | 6/17/25 | 1 comment

Olympia Municipal Court Judge Pam Nogueira advocated for keeping the municipal court operations within the city government. The judge was given a few minutes to respond to a presentation at the City Council study session on Thursday, June 12, 2025.

Olympia City Council reviews court transition options, judge urges city to keep local court

The Olympia City Council held a study session on Thursday, June 12, as the group continues to explore options to potentially move Municipal Court services to ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 6/13/25 | 1 comment

Olympia to weigh long-term plan for court programs after Justice Center sale

The Olympia City Council will discuss a long-term solution to its Municipal Court and related services following the sale of Lee Creighton Justice Center to the Squaxin ... more

By Lorilyn Lirio | 6/11/25 | 3 comments