Franz Anderson unit-mix change raised and deferred; council asks jurisdictions for more information Lehigh requested to change unit mix for the 70-unit Franz Anderson permanent supportive housing project to include 35 units at 50% AMI and 35 at 30% AMI (47 units expected to serve people experiencing homelessness). Jurisdictions asked for more time and possible Interlocal Agreement amendments; a vote was withdrawn and the item was deferred to a future meeting.

A proposed shift in unit mix for the Franz Anderson supportive housing project has sparked intense discussions among Olympia council members over funding and governance implications.

Get the details!

#ThurstonCounty #WA #HomelessnessSupport #InterlocalAgreement #ThurstonCountyHousing

Thurston County directs staff to draft detached ADU cap of 50 with annual review The Thurston County Board of County Commissioners voted Dec. 16 to direct staff to draft ordinance language capping permitted detached accessory dwelling units (ADUs) at 50 per year and to add an annual review to the county's permit-review docket so staff can report trends and recommend adjustments.

Thurston County is taking action to cap detached accessory dwelling units at 50 per year, sparking a crucial annual review to address community needs!

Learn more here

#ThurstonCounty #WA #UrbanPlanning #ThurstonCountyHousing #CivicEngagement #CitizenPortal #HousingPolicy

Regional Housing Council adopts legislative priorities, marks RLTA an 'area of interest' Council adopted its legislative priorities for the coming session, retaining top funding priorities and designating changes to the Residential Landlord-Tenant Act (RLTA) as an area of interest rather than a formal position; members struck language that could be read as authorizing members to represent the RHC to legislators in advance of formal positions.

The Regional Housing Council has adopted its legislative priorities, spotlighting crucial funding for housing programs while navigating complex discussions on the Residential Landlord-Tenant Act.

Click to read more!

#ThurstonCounty #WA #ThurstonCountyHousing #CommunityEducation #CitizenPortal

Developer seeks to change unit mix at Franz Anderson supportive-housing project to close operating gap The Low Income Housing Institute (Lehigh) requested support to change about half of the planned 71 units at Franz Anderson from 30% AMI to 50% AMI to address a projected first-year operating shortfall and attract tax-credit investors; jurisdictions were asked to review and return in January.

A pivotal housing project in Olympia could be at risk unless developers adjust the unit mix to attract crucial funding, raising urgent questions about support for the most vulnerable residents.

Learn more here

#ThurstonCounty #WA #CommunityDevelopment #ThurstonCountyHousing #AffordableHousing

Regional Housing Council begins governance overhaul; considers rotating advisory‑board voting seat In a facilitated governance session the council discussed processes for raising policy recommendations, tech‑team work plans and whether advisory boards should gain voting rights. Staff will draft options, including a rotating advisory vote or more formal referral forms, and return recommendations to RHC.

The Regional Housing Council is shaking things up with a governance overhaul that could give advisory boards a voice in voting—what changes are on the table?

Get the details!

#ThurstonCounty #WA #CitizenPortal #ThurstonCountyHousing #PolicyDevelopment #GovernanceReform #CommunityParticipation

Regional Housing Council recommends Thurston County 2025–2030 homeless housing plan to commissioners The Regional Housing Council unanimously recommended Thurston CountyÕs final 2025–2030 homeless housing plan to the Board of County Commissioners, citing broad stakeholder engagement and staff changes that addressed public feedback. The council will forward the plan to the Department of Commerce pending BOCC approval.

Thurston County's Regional Housing Council has taken a major step towards combating homelessness by unanimously recommending a comprehensive 2025-2030 housing plan to the Board of County Commissioners.

Click to read more!

#ThurstonCounty #WA #CitizenPortal #ThurstonCountyHousing

Thurston County hears public concern over proposal to move land‑use appeals to court and expand SEPA exemptions County staff proposed clerical code edits, timeline updates tied to a referenced Senate bill, SEPA categorical‑exemption increases for housing in urban growth areas, and redirecting appeals to superior court. Residents and environmental groups urged keeping appeals with elected commissioners, citing equity and oversight concerns.

Thurston County is debating significant changes to its permit review process that could reshape housing development and appeal rights—will residents retain their voice in local decisions?

Learn more here!

#ThurstonCounty #WA #LandUseReform #CitizenPortal #ThurstonCountyHousing

City Council Reviews Veteran Housing Assistance and Homeless Prevention Projects Council discusses funding for housing projects aiding veterans and preventing homelessness.

Thurston County is taking major steps to tackle homelessness and support veterans, with new funding on the table and a focus on collaboration among organizations.

Click to read more!

#ThurstonCounty #WA #VeteranSupport #HomelessnessPrevention #CitizenPortal #ThurstonCountyHousing

Thurston County Housing Council develops strategic plan for housing stability funding Thurston County's Housing Council seeks feedback on a draft plan enhancing housing stability.

Thurston County is on the brink of a revolutionary housing strategy aimed at boosting stability and meeting community needs—are you ready to see the plan unfold?

Click to read more!

#ThurstonCounty #WA #CitizenPortal #ThurstonCountyHousing #FiscalResponsibility #CommunityAccountability

Jacinda Discusses Funding Challenges for Accessible Housing in Community Meeting Jacinda highlights funding cuts affecting accessible housing options for vulnerable populations.

Accessibility in housing is under threat as funding cuts jeopardize vital services for individuals with disabilities in Thurston County.

Click to read more!

#ThurstonCounty #WA #CitizenPortal #ThurstonCountyHousing #VulnerablePopulations #FundingCuts #AccessibilityIssues

Board discusses funding allocation changes impacting Unity Commons and Queen Street projects Board deliberates strategies to address altered funding for Unity Commons and Queen Street initiatives.

The Thurston County Board of Commissioners is facing a crucial crossroads as funding changes threaten local housing projects, igniting a passionate call for action to safeguard community support.

Click to read more!

#ThurstonCounty #WA #HomelessnessPrevention #CitizenPortal #ThurstonCountyHousing

Thurston County Council reviews zoning changes to support affordable housing and transit Council discusses updates to zoning regulations for affordable housing near transit hubs.

Thurston County's Planning Commission is reshaping zoning laws to boost affordable housing and improve transit accessibility, all while prioritizing community equity and environmental justice.

Click to read more!

#ThurstonCounty #WA #CitizenPortal #ThurstonCountyHousing #SustainableGrowth

Thurston County adopts comprehensive housing policies for vulnerable populations County leaders commit to safe housing and anti-discrimination measures for marginalized groups.

Thurston County is taking bold steps to ensure safe and stable housing for vulnerable populations, pushing for policies that combat discrimination and promote equity in housing.

Learn more here

#ThurstonCounty #WA #ThurstonCountyHousing #HousingAccessibility #CommunityPartnerships #CitizenPortal

Mayor Ryder advocates for federal coordination on regional legislative priorities Mayor Ryder proposes enhanced federal coordination for optimizing regional legislative priorities.

Thurston County is making bold moves to tackle housing affordability and enhance emergency services, with a new funding initiative set to ease the burden on low-income projects.

Get the details!

#ThurstonCounty #WA #CitizenPortal #EmergencyResponse #ThurstonCountyHousing #PublicDefense

Regional Housing Council faces funding crisis as state budget cuts threaten homeless services Funding for transitional housing faces uncertainty as state budget cuts threaten operational support.

Thurston County is at a critical crossroads as state budget cuts jeopardize funding for transitional housing, leaving vulnerable residents at risk of homelessness again.

Get the details!

#ThurstonCounty #HomelessnessSupport #CitizenPortal #ThurstonCountyHousing #CommunityCollaboration