Advocacy
Thurston Chamber Supports Balanced School Calendar
by David Schaffert, President/CEO, Thurston County Chamber and Doug Mah, Doug Mah & Associates, Thurston Chamber Public Policy Director The Thurston Chamber is no stranger to advancing initiatives that support high-quality public-school systems and student success. Our engagement in regional education and workforce development are integral components of the Chamber’s mission. In addition, the Thurston…
2022 Legislative Session Concludes with Major Regional Investments
by Doug Mah, Doug Mah & Associates, Thurston Chamber Public Policy Director On Thursday, March 10, 2022, the Washington State Legislature conclude their 60-day session. The end of the “short” or mid-biennium session brought significant investments to address Interstate-5 and chronic homelessness – both high priority items for the Thurston Chamber of Commerce and the…
Vote YES on School Replacement Levies
by Doug Mah, Doug Mah & Associates, Thurston Chamber Public Policy Director The Thurston County Chamber supports and endorses four Thurston County public school replacement technology and capital facilities levies on the February 8, 2022 ballot. This February, the voters in the Olympia, Tumwater, Tenino, and Griffin school districts will be asked to approve “replacement…
Agreement with WSDOT Paves Way for Wheeler Avenue Clean-up
From the City of Olympia An agreement between the City of Olympia and the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) will allow for the removal of accumulated trash and debris along Wheeler Avenue and enable the City to transition individuals living at the encampments there to sanctioned camping, shelter or housing. Under the agreement, which…
Thurston County Chamber Board of Trustees Endorses Local School Replacement Levies
At their regular monthly board meeting, the Thurston County Chamber Board of Trustees unanimously endorsed approval of four Thurston County public school replacement technology and capital facilities levies on the February 8, 2022, ballot. This February, the voters in the Olympia, Tumwater, Tenino, and Griffin school districts will be asked to approve “replacement levies”. These…
Short Legislative Session – Long Challenges
by Doug Mah, Doug Mah & Associates, Thurston Chamber Public Policy Director In January 2022, the Washington State Legislature will convene for a 60-day session. This “short” or mid-biennium session is intended to address emerging needs that can’t wait for the next full session in 2023. The Thurston Chamber is confident that Interstate-5 and chronic…
Facing Up To Chronic Homelessness
by Doug Mah, Doug Mah & Associates, Public Policy Director for the Thurston County Chamber Homelessness is one of the greatest challenges facing our community. For this reason, the Thurston Chamber, Public Policy Division believes that focusing on chronic homelessness may be the best plan for our community. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban…
Local Political Campaigns Heat Up
by Doug Mah, Doug Mah & Associates, Public Policy Director for the Thurston County Chamber Summer weather brings out visits to area parks, sunny BBQ picnics, and political candidates. Those interested in running and serving in local elected office had to register by May 21. With the races set, summer becomes prime political campaign window…
Port of Olympia Makes Progress on Community Vision
by Doug Mah, Doug Mah & Associates and Thurston Chamber Public Policy Director On April 16, 2021, the Chamber’s Business and Economic Development Committee received a presentation from Sam Gibboney, Executive Director for the Port of Olympia, where she provided a status report on Vision 2050. Vision 2050 results from a 14-month community engagement process…