Olympia meeting summaries, agendas, and minutes

Olympia City Council weighs housing incentives, budget amendment; boards review arts and tourism funding

Olympia's City Council met Aug. 11 to consider a range of items, including housing incentives for affordable projects, a second-quarter budget amendment, and a master use permit for fiber-optic provider Ezee Fiber. No minutes have been published yet, so final outcomes are pending. Other boards this week reviewed public art, traffic box designs, and the 2027 lodging tax funding process.

City Council

The council's agenda included a resolution to reject all bids and re-advertise the Transmission Main Seismic Valves Installation – Bid Package 1. It also took up an ordinance amending Ordinance 7468 (Second Quarter Budget Amendment) and an ordinance granting a Master Use Permit to Ezee Fiber. Council members were scheduled to discuss housing incentives to encourage affordable housing, approve the Marj Yung Park Public Art Concept Design, and consider using Council Goal Funds and Economic Development Reserves for a Local Food Systems Plan.

Other recent meetings

LEOFF I Disability Board (Aug. 10) – The board met to approve minutes from July 13 and decide on three disability benefit cases: Case #26-6 (vision), Case #26-7 (medical), and Case #26-8 (dental, covering partial, crown, root canal, and filling). It also considered staff-recommended policy updates. The agenda was routine with no public hearings or major contracts.

Cultural Access Program Advisory Board (Aug. 11) – A special meeting to approve July 9 minutes and discuss improvements to the Inspire Olympia program (item 26-0604). Public comment was allowed, but speakers could not promote or oppose candidates or ballot measures.

Arts Commission (Aug. 13) – The commission reviewed recommended designs for 10 traffic box wraps, discussed the 2026 Percival Plinth Project Peoples' Choice Award, and considered upcoming jury opportunities. It also approved minutes from July 9 and July 16.

Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (Aug. 14) – The committee approved October 15, 2025 minutes and discussed the 2027 lodging tax funding application process, including draft guidelines for the 2027 Tourism Funding Application.

Coming up

Planning Commission (Aug. 17) – Public hearing on home-based business code amendments (26-0613) and a briefing on the preliminary 2027-2032 Capital Facilities Plan (26-0609).

Site Plan Review Committee (Aug. 19) – Presubmission conference for a proposed triplex at 1607 Union Ave SE (case 26-0628). No final decisions scheduled.

Design Review Board (Aug. 20) – Conceptual design review for the Hands On Children's Museum expansion (case 26-0631), including the Downtown DR Applicant Narrative.

Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee (Aug. 20) – Briefing on the 2027 Parks Capital Facilities Plan and Capital Asset Management Program (item 26-0601), plus approval of June 18 minutes.

Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (Aug. 21) – Continued discussion of the 2027 lodging tax funding application process (item 26-0634). No votes listed.

Site Plan Review Committee (Aug. 26) – Presubmission conference for the Deschutes Estuary Restoration Project at 501 5th Ave SW PRKG (case 26-0637).

All meetings are open to the public; check the city's website for agendas and participation details.

Civil Service Commission approves police registers, fire job classifications

The Olympia Civil Service Commission approved new police officer hiring registers and updated fire lieutenant job classifications at its July 28 meeting, the only formal votes recorded in the past two weeks. The commission unanimously approved the Entry Level and Lateral Police Officer registers, as well as classification changes for Fire Lieutenant and Paramedic Lieutenant positions to align training and certification standards. All votes were recorded as "All aye."

Civil Service Commission

The commission approved four items without dissent:

• Entry Level Police Officer Register (All aye)
• Lateral Police Officer Register (All aye)
• Fire Lieutenant Job Classification changes (All aye)
• Paramedic Lieutenant Job Classification changes (All aye)

It also approved the July 28 meeting agenda and the June 16, 2026 meeting minutes, both with all aye votes.

City Council

The City Council held four meetings in the period, but none produced formal decisions. Minutes have not yet been published for any of them.

• **July 28 dinner and information sharing:** A procedural session with a single business item (Item 26-0517) for council discussion. No votes or substantive actions were scheduled.
• **July 28 regular meeting:** The council was scheduled to introduce a first reading of an ordinance amending the second-quarter budget (Ordinance 7468), vote on a resolution authorizing a Youth Climate Action Fund grant with Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors, and accept the Transportation Benefit District 2025 Annual Report. A proclamation recognizing Parks and Recreation Month was also on the agenda, along with updates on the Deschutes Estuary Restoration Project, proposed 2026 Traffic Box Wrap Designs, and a quarterly financial report. None of these items have recorded outcomes.
• **July 30 joint meeting with Olympia School District Board:** A special joint meeting with no listed discussion topics or decisions.
• **July 30 dinner with Olympia School Board:** A dinner meeting listed as a business item, with no formal decisions scheduled.

Other meetings

• **Heritage Commission (July 27):** The Heritage Review Committee met to discuss a window replacement case (Permit 26-3098) for the Ossian Anderson House, reviewing preservation and restoration standards. This was an agenda-only meeting; minutes are not yet published.
• **Site Plan Review Committee (July 29):** The committee provided information on three presubmission conferences: Blackberry Hill Phase 3 (2501 Blackberry St SE), RootedHearts Global (902 Union Ave SE), and Evergreen Christian Center Portables (1010 Black Lake Blvd SW). No formal votes or decisions were recorded.
• **Community Policing Board (July 30):** The board was scheduled to receive a briefing on the Police Officer-Involved Critical Incident Investigation Process, including a review of use-of-force policies and the role of the Civilian Police Auditor. It also considered adding in-person public comment to its agendas and reviewed Policy 301 (Use of Force Review Boards) and Policy 305 (Officer-Involved Shootings, Deaths, and Serious Injury). Approval of minutes from March and June 2026 was on the agenda. No decisions have been published.

Coming up

No upcoming meetings are listed in the next 14 days.

Olympia Civil Service Commission approves police registers and fire classifications; council reviews budget amendment

The Olympia Civil Service Commission approved new police officer registers and changes to fire and paramedic lieutenant job classifications on July 28, while several city bodies discussed budget amendments, housing policy, and public safety oversight in a busy week of meetings.

Civil Service Commission

On July 28, the Civil Service Commission approved the Entry Level Police Officer Register and the Lateral Police Officer Register, both with all-aye votes. The commission also approved changes to the Fire Lieutenant and Paramedic Lieutenant job classifications to align training and certification standards, both with all-aye votes. The commission approved its July 28 meeting agenda and the June 16, 2026 meeting minutes, also with all-aye votes.

City Council

The City Council held several sessions. On July 28, the council considered a first reading of an ordinance amending Ordinance 7468 for the Second Quarter Budget Amendment and a resolution authorizing an agreement with Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors for a Youth Climate Action Fund grant. The council also received an update on the Deschutes Estuary Restoration Project and presented a proclamation recognizing Parks and Recreation Month. On July 21, the council discussed a sidewalk repair policy (26-0556), the Reimagining Public Safety Progress Report (26-0555), and recommendations for City Council appointed advisory bodies (26-0566). The council also held a joint meeting with the Olympia School District Board on July 30.

Land Use and Housing

The Land Use & Environment Committee discussed Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Arrangements (26-0549) on July 23, including a Homeownership Project Final Brief and the WA Multi-Family Opportunity To Compete Playbook. The committee also received a briefing on Short-Term Rental Permitting and Enforcement (26-0552). The Planning Commission reviewed draft amendments to the Home Based Businesses code on July 20.

Heritage and Site Review

The Heritage Commission held a public hearing on July 22 regarding the removal of the Sandman Tugboat from the Olympia Heritage Register. On July 27, the Heritage Review Committee reviewed a window replacement case (Permit 26-3098) for the Ossian Anderson House. The Site Plan Review Committee provided information on presubmission conferences for three projects on July 29: Blackberry Hill Phase 3 at 2501 Blackberry St SE, RootedHearts Global at 902 Union Ave SE, and Evergreen Christian Center Portables at 1010 Black Lake Blvd SW. No formal votes were recorded for these items.

Finance and Public Safety

The Finance Committee received briefings on city-wide debt, city investments, and the 2025 financial audit on July 20, along with a presentation on the Washington Center funding strategy. The Community Policing Board met on July 30 to receive a briefing on the Police Officer-Involved Critical Incident Investigation Process and consider adding in-person public comment to its agendas.

Coming Up

No upcoming meetings are listed for the next 14 days.

Olympia meeting roundup: Council set to act on Garfield Avenue right-of-way and CDBG plan; minutes pending

The Olympia City Council's July 14 regular meeting carried the week's most consequential scheduled actions: a vote on an ordinance to vacate a right-of-way along Garfield Avenue abutting West Bay Drive, and approval of a substantial amendment to the 2023-27 Community Development Block Grant Consolidated Plan and the Program Year 2026 CDBG Annual Action Plan. Minutes from that meeting and all other meetings covered this week have not yet been published, so final outcomes are not yet confirmed in the record.

City Council

The July 14 agenda also listed a Workers' Affordability & Protections Process Update and an executive session for the City Manager's performance evaluation, listed as a personnel matter.

On July 18, the Council held a mid-year retreat (item 26-0561). The agenda listed only the retreat itself, with no specific ordinances, contracts, or public hearings.

Heritage Commission

The Heritage Commission met July 13 to review permit 26-3219 for a case window replacement at a property on Columbia Street SW. The agenda included a public comment period on City business and Heritage Review Committee business items.

LEOFF I Disability Board

The LEOFF I Disability Board met July 13. Items listed were discussion on updates to LEOFF Board Policies and Procedures, review of the LEOFF Funding and Expense Report, and approval of the April 13, 2026 meeting minutes.

Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee

On July 15, the committee was scheduled to receive a briefing on the new 5th Avenue Bridge design, review the Preliminary 2027-2032 Capital Facilities Plan, and receive a briefing on the Community Livability and Public Safety Committee recommendation.

Salary Commission

The Salary Commission met July 15 on item 26-0537: receive a data presentation and discuss plans for the 2026 Council Salary Schedule. No votes or decisions were scheduled.

Community Policing Board

The July 16 agenda listed a briefing on the Police Officer-Involved Critical Incident Investigation Process (6.A), consideration of adding in-person public comment to board agendas (6.B), and approval of the March 12, 2026 meeting minutes (26-0530) and June 25, 2026 special meeting minutes (26-0531).

Arts Commission

The Arts Commission met July 16 to review recommended designs for 10 traffic box wraps (item 26-0554). No other business items or decisions were listed.

Cultural Access Program Advisory Board

The board held a special meeting and retreat July 9 to review proposed improvements for the Inspire Olympia Program, new 2026-27 application guidelines, and the 2026-29 budget.

Social Justice & Equity Commission

The commission held a special meeting July 13 with a single listed business item: 26-0532, the commission's summer picnic.

Coming up

• **July 20 — Planning Commission:** Briefing on draft Home Based Businesses code amendments (26-0551) with public comment, and selection of a Capital Facilities Plan Finance Subcommittee.
• **July 20 — Finance Committee:** Briefings on city-wide debt, city investments, the 2025 financial audit, and the Washington Center funding strategy.
• **July 21 — City Council study session:** Sidewalk repair policy (26-0556), Reimagining Public Safety progress report implementation update (26-0555), and recommendations for City Council appointed advisory bodies (26-0566).
• **July 22 — Site Plan Review Committee:** Presubmission conference for 26-0533 PSE, Olympia Site Security at 2711 Pacific Ave SE.
• **July 22 — Heritage Commission:** Public hearing on the removal of the Sandman Tugboat from the Olympia Heritage Register.
• **July 23 — Land Use & Environment Committee:** Discussion of Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Arrangements (26-0549) and a briefing on short-term rental permitting and enforcement (26-0552).
• **July 29 — Site Plan Review Committee:** Presubmission conferences for Blackberry Hill Phase 3 at 2501 Blackberry St SE, RootedHearts Global at 902 Union Ave SE, and Evergreen Christian Center Portables at 1010 Black Lake Blvd SW.

Olympia meeting roundup: Recent sessions light on decisions, Council set to vote on Garfield Ave right-of-way vacation

Recent Olympia advisory meetings produced no formal decisions, with several panels holding discussion-only sessions or retreats. Attention shifts to the coming week, when the City Council is scheduled to vote on vacating a right-of-way along Garfield Avenue and to act on federal housing grant plans.

What happened: July 1–9

The Site Plan Review Committee held a presubmission conference on July 1 for a commercial project at 716 Plum St SE (Via Susina). According to official minutes, only information was provided and no votes or approvals occurred before the meeting adjourned.

Also on July 1, the PBIA Advisory Board met to discuss upcoming board nominations, the second phase of the PBIA project, and recent changes to parking. Minutes for that meeting have not yet been published; only the agenda is available.

On July 9, the Cultural Access Program Advisory Board held a special meeting and retreat to review proposed improvements for the Inspire Olympia Program, new application guidelines, and the 2026–27 budget. Minutes are not yet available.

Coming up: July 13–22

City Council — July 14

The Olympia City Council holds its regular meeting Tuesday with several substantive items. Members are scheduled to vote on an ordinance to vacate a right-of-way along Garfield Avenue abutting West Bay Drive. The Council will also consider approval of a substantial amendment to the 2023–27 Community Development Block Grant Consolidated Plan and the Program Year 2026 CDBG Annual Action Plan. An update on the Workers' Affordability & Protections Process is on the agenda, along with an executive session for the City Manager's performance evaluation.

Heritage Commission — July 13

The Heritage Commission will review permit 26-3219 for case window replacement at a property on Columbia Street SW. The agenda includes a public comment period on City business and Heritage Review Committee business items.

LEOFF I Disability Board — July 13

The board will discuss updates to LEOFF Board Policies and Procedures, review a LEOFF Funding and Expense Report, and consider approval of April 13, 2026 meeting minutes.

Social Justice & Equity Commission — July 13

The commission holds a special meeting with a single listed item: the commission's summer picnic (item 26-0532).

Salary Commission — July 15

The Olympia Salary Commission will receive a data presentation and discuss plans for the 2026 Council Salary Schedule (item 26-0537). No votes or decisions are scheduled; the meeting is limited to discussion and public comment.

Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee — July 15

The committee will receive a briefing on the new 5th Avenue Bridge design, review the Preliminary 2027–2032 Capital Facilities Plan, and receive a briefing on the Community Livability and Public Safety Committee recommendation. Members will vote on a method of review for the CFP.

Community Policing Board — July 16

The board will receive a briefing on the Police Officer-Involved Critical Incident Investigation Process, including related policies and ordinances (item 6.A). Members will also consider adding in-person public comment to board agendas (item 6.B) and act on approval of minutes from March 12, 2026 (26-0530) and June 25, 2026 (26-0531).

Site Plan Review Committee — July 22

The committee will conduct a presubmission conference for project 26-0533 PSE — Olympia Site Security at 2711 Pacific Ave SE. This is the only substantive item listed.

Coming up

• **July 13, 1 p.m.** — Social Justice & Equity Commission special meeting (summer picnic)
• **July 13** — Heritage Commission, permit review and public comment
• **July 13** — LEOFF I Disability Board, policy and funding review
• **July 14** — City Council, Garfield Ave right-of-way vacation vote and CDBG plan approvals
• **July 15** — Salary Commission, 2026 Council Salary Schedule discussion
• **July 15** — Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee, bridge design and CFP review
• **July 16** — Community Policing Board, critical incident process briefing
• **July 22** — Site Plan Review Committee, presubmission conference at 2711 Pacific Ave SE

Olympia meeting roundup: Council set to vote on tiny home villages, park fees; most boards still in agenda-only stage

What was decided

Most Olympia government bodies meeting over the past two weeks have not yet published official minutes, so outcomes are not available. Three meetings did produce recorded minutes, and none involved substantive policy decisions.

The City Council held an information-sharing dinner session on June 23, 2026, with no formal votes recorded. On June 24, the council met again with staff liaisons to discuss advisory body work plans; seven members were present, but no business decisions were made.

The Site Plan Review Committee held a presubmission conference on June 24 for the Windom 2027 Unit Lot Subdivision (application 26-0461) at 1600 12th Ave SE. No action was taken; information was provided to the applicant.

Council agenda: tiny home villages, park impact fees, code updates

The June 23 City Council meeting agenda included several items scheduled for votes, but minutes have not yet been published, so the results are not confirmed. The agenda listed:

• Code amendments to park impact fees affecting Chapters 15.04, 15.08, and 15.16.
• Lease and funding agreements for the Quince Street and Franz Anderson tiny home villages.
• A grant for a multifamily EV charging project.
• Public hearings on a master use permit for Ezee Fiber and its service area.
• Public hearings on amendments to the federal Community Development Block Grant Consolidated Plan and the 2026 Annual Action Plan.
• A right-of-way vacation along Garfield Avenue and West Bay Drive.

Because official minutes are not yet available, the council's actions on these items cannot be reported.

Hearing Examiner: Kaiser Woods Park

The Hearing Examiner scheduled a June 22 public hearing on Case 23-3261, Kaiser Woods Park. The proposal includes site plans, environmental review under SEPA, and critical area reports addressing landslide hazard mitigation. Public comments received as of June 4, 2026, were on file for review. Minutes have not been published, so no decision is confirmed.

Social Justice & Equity Commission

The commission's June 22 agenda included election of a 2026 chair, discussion of a draft Reimagining Public Safety Progress Report, possible approval of a comment letter on that report, and approval of May 18 meeting minutes. Outcomes are not yet available.

Heritage Commission

On June 24, the Heritage Commission was scheduled to receive a briefing on sea level rise and cultural assets, a presentation by Janine Gates titled "Saving the Nisqually Delta," and University of Washington student presentations. Minutes are not yet published.

Community Policing Board

A special meeting on June 25 was set to review item 26-0491, the Olympia Police and Olympia Fire Departments Hyperactive Delirium Protocol. No minutes have been published.

Land Use & Environment Committee

The committee's June 25 agenda included a briefing on the draft timeline for the Urban Forest Management Plan, Resolution M2708, and preliminary discussions of 2027 work plans for the Planning Commission and the Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory Committee. Outcomes are not available.

Other meetings

The Community Livability and Public Safety Committee met June 24 with council-appointed advisory body chairs and was scheduled to approve May 27 minutes. The PBIA Advisory Board met July 1 to discuss board nominations, PBIA Phase 2 planning, and recent parking changes. The Site Plan Review Committee held a July 1 presubmission conference for a commercial project at 716 Plum St SE (Via Susina). None of these have published minutes.

Coming up

• **Cultural Access Program Advisory Board** — July 9, 2026, special meeting and retreat. Agenda includes proposed improvements to the Inspire Olympia Program, 2026-27 application guidelines, and a review of the 2026-29 budget.

Olympia city meetings: No major decisions as council schedule, development hearing draw attention

Olympia’s government boards and committees met several times over the past two weeks, but none produced formally adopted decisions on money, land use or policy changes. The City Council held an information session without taking votes, while land-use and advisory bodies discussed future plans and received public input.

Council agenda: park fees, tiny homes, EV charging

The City Council’s regular meeting on June 23 included a suite of items scheduled for votes, though minutes had not been released as of Tuesday. Among them were code amendments affecting park impact fees in three city chapters, lease and funding agreements for the Quince Street and Franz Anderson tiny home villages, and acceptance of a grant for a multifamily electric-vehicle charging project. The agenda also listed public hearings on a master use permit for Ezee Fiber telecommunications service and updates to the city’s Community Development Block Grant Consolidated Plan and 2026 Annual Action Plan. A separate right-of-way vacation request along Garfield Avenue and West Bay Drive was on the docket.

The same evening, the council gathered for a dinner and information discussion. Seven members were present, but no business decisions were made. On June 24, at least seven council members attended a potential quorum meeting to talk about advisory body work plans with staff liaisons; again, no substantive actions were taken.

Land use and development

The Hearing Examiner held a public hearing June 22 on Case 23-3261, Kaiser Woods Park. The proposal involves site, landscape and civil plans, a SEPA environmental review, critical area reports and landslide hazard mitigation. Public comments received through June 4 were part of the record. The examiner has not announced a decision.

On June 24, the Site Plan Review Committee conducted a presubmission conference for the Windom 2027 Unit Lot Subdivision at 1600 12th Ave SE. No formal action was taken. A second presubmission conference, for a commercial project at 716 Plum St SE (Via Susina), was scheduled for July 1. The July 1 agenda also included the PBIA Advisory Board, which planned to discuss board nominations, Phase 2 of the PBIA project and recent parking changes.

Public safety and equity

The Social Justice & Equity Commission was set to elect its 2026 chair on June 22 and discuss a draft Reimagining Public Safety Progress Report, along with a possible comment letter. A separate meeting of the Community Policing Board on June 25 had a single agenda item: a review of the Olympia Police and Fire departments’ hyperactive delirium protocol.

The Community Livability and Public Safety Committee met with chairs of council-appointed advisory bodies on June 24, approving previous minutes and taking public comment.

Environment and heritage

The Heritage Commission on June 24 was briefed on sea level rise impacts to cultural assets and heard presentations on saving the Nisqually Delta and University of Washington student projects. The Land Use & Environment Committee on June 25 discussed a draft timeline for the Urban Forest Management Plan, and began preliminary talks on 2027 work plans for the Planning Commission and the Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory Committee.

Coming up

The Cultural Access Program Advisory Board holds a special retreat on July 9. Members will review proposed improvements to the Inspire Olympia program, new application guidelines and the 2026-29 budget.