Your trusted source for local Tumwater, WA news, updated daily with the most important stories from your community.
Tumwater City Council is considering three potential sites for a new community center, with the former WSDOT office deemed the top choice by Barker Rinker Seacat Architecture. The proposed plans include varying sizes and costs, with amenities shaped by community feedback, and discussions will continue with city staff in the coming months.
A recent survey conducted by the City of Tumwater reveals strong support among residents for funding a proposed community center through a mix of fees and taxes. Over one-third of participants favored a model where half of the operational costs would be covered by fees, while discussions on equitable access to the center were also highlighted during a City Council meeting.
February kicks off with an array of engaging community events in Olympia, WA, including the bimonthly used book sale at the Lacey Timberland Library and the second annual Olympia Funk Festival. The weekend also features cultural celebrations and educational activities aimed at fostering community spirit and participation. Residents can enjoy music, food, and opportunities to support local causes, making it a vibrant start to the month.
Residents of Yelm's Sunwood Lakes Community have initiated a petition to transfer their neighborhood from the Yelm Community Schools to the Tumwater School District, citing issues like unreliable bus transportation and a failed levy. The petition, supported by over half of the community, aims to improve educational opportunities for local children and address geographical isolation from Yelm.
The Tumwater School District Board has authorized a $4 million loan from its Capital Projects Fund to address a significant cash shortfall in its General Fund, marking the lowest balance since 2018. In addition to the loan, the district will reduce educational support by terminating 27 staff positions due to insufficient funding and enrollment growth. These measures aim to maintain financial stability amid challenging circumstances.
Tumwater's Public Works committee is pushing for stormwater improvements at Beehive Industrial Park to enhance water quality in Percival Creek, critical for local salmon habitats. A $187,000 grant from the Department of Ecology, with a $33,000 city match, aims to address flooding issues and improve stormwater management in the area.
Tumwater voters will decide on renewing a 0.2% sales tax to fund vital street maintenance projects during the April 22 special election. The Tumwater City Council has emphasized that the measure does not propose a tax increase but seeks to continue funding that has significantly improved local road conditions over the past decade.
The Tumwater School District Board has accepted a donation of a new wrestling barn from Black Hills Wolves Wrestling, which will provide a dedicated practice facility for the Black Hills High School wrestling team. The proposed $225,000 building will be constructed without using district funds, and its location and design aim to enhance the wrestling program while addressing space constraints in the main building.
The Milken Institute’s 2025 Best-Performing Cities Index ranks Olympia-Tumwater, WA, eighth among Tier 1 large cities, highlighting its rapid economic growth, particularly in the high-tech sector. Despite its economic success, the area faces significant housing affordability challenges, ranking poorly in that regard.
Tumwater's city council will resume updates to its tree and vegetation codes in 2025 after delays related to state regulations. This initiative is part of the city's long-range planning work program, which also includes updating the multi-family tax exemption program and other priorities such as a habitat conservation plan and a city food system plan.