Friday, October 2, 2026
The Olympia City Council will consider resolutions related to one regional proposition and two statewide initiatives on the Nov. 3 General Election ballot at a meeting next week.
The local proposition is from Timberland Regional Library, which is seeking a levy lid lift. The initiatives are statewide measures related to public schools.
The city council will offer opportunities for people to weigh in on the issues at a meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 6. The meeting starts at 6 p.m. at Olympia City Hall, 601 4th Ave. E.
Timberland Regional Library is proposing a hike in its levy rate.
If passed by voters in the Nov. 3 General Election, the levy rate would increase to $0.35 from $0.22 per $1,000 of assessed property value beginning in 2027.
The levy lid lift would generate approximately $14 million in operating revenue in the first year, data shows.
The funding would be used to restore case reserves, improve services by bringing back staffing levels so libraries can stay open for more hours, as well as increase spending on its collections to reduce waiting time on popular titles.
The funding would also be used to address deferred maintenance on facilities.
A staff report recommends the city council support the resolution in favor of the levy lid lift proposition. The Tumwater City Council approved a similar resolution last month.
Timberland Regional Library serves Grays Harbor, Lewis, Mason, Pacific and Thurston counties through 29 libraries, mobile services and online resources.
The council will also consider a resolution related to participation in K-12 sports. The resolution calls for the city council to oppose the initiative.
According to a staff report, the initiative would require female students who wish to participate in interscholastic athletics to undergo additional physical, genetic or hormonal testing as part of their routine sports physical examination.
The testing would be used to determine whether a student meets the initiative’s definition of being “not biologically male.”
The staff report cites the city’s 2025 resolution declaring Olympia “ an inviting, equitable and safe community for LGBTQIA2S+ people.”
Under state law, the council must provide an opportunity for public comment before taking a collective position on a ballot proposition.
The final resolution concerns parental rights relating to their children in public schools.
"This measure would repeal amendments to a statue listing certain rights of parents and guardians of public-school children and (reenact) the law as it was originally enacted by Initiative to the Legislature 2081," ballot language states.
A staff report states the measure could affect the ability of school counselors and health care staff to provide confidential support to some LGBTQIA2S+ students.
In citing studies, “There are LGBTQIA2S+ youth who may not be safe in their homes due to such issues and need the support that school staff or other trusted adults can provide. Studies have also shown that LGBTQIA2S+ youth who live in unsupportive homes face higher rates of depression, abuse, and homelessness," the staff report states.
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