Contact: Whitney Godby, Community Planning & Economic Development, (360) 867-2177, whitney.godby@co.thurston.wa.us 

Website: Agriculture Advisory Committee website

Authority: 1978 Citizen's Report

Bylaws: Committee Bylaws

Appointed by: Board of County Commissioners

Term length: 4 years

Term limits: N/A

Membership: Four non-farmer members representing rural residents who may be affected by county efforts to protect farmland; Seven farmer members representing a variety of (1) the agriculture commodities produced in Thurston County and (2) geographic areas of the county. Ex-officio members: (1) the WSU Thurston County Extension Director; (2) a representative from the Thurston Conservation District; (3) the Thurston County Agricultural Program Manager; and (4) a youth member (20 years old or younger) from 4H, FFA or other youth farming organization, serving a one-year term.

Contact: Emily Brooks, Experience Olympia & Beyond, (360) 704-7544 ext. 6, emily@experienceolympia.com 

Website: Agritourism Advisory Committee website

Authority: Resolution 15190

Bylaws: N/A

Appointed by: Board of County Commissioners

Term length: 2 years

Term limits: N/A

Membership: Seven members of the public who may be agritourism business owners, economic development agencies, ecotourism agencies, farmers, tourism agencies, etc.

Appeals Board

Contact: Lisa Bachmann, Area Agency on Aging, (306) 664-3165, ext. 171

Website: lmtaaa.org

Authority: Nicole Kiddoo, Executive Director:

Bylaws: Currently being updated.

Appointed by: County Commissioners

Term length: Two years

Term limits: 3 – 2-year terms, unless additional terms are approved by the BOCC

Membership: Meetings are held the first Wednesday of the month from 9:30 am – 12:00 pm, with the exception of January & July.  You may attend in person at 2404 Heritage Court SW, Olympia or via Zoom.  Please reach out if you have any questions or would like to attend a meeting and learn more about our agency and the role of our advisory council.

Contact: Ruth Elder, Clerk/Manager, Thurston County Human Resources, (360) 786-5135

Website: Board of Equalization website

Authority: RCW 84.48; WAC 458-14; Thurston County Code 2.98

Bylaws: N/A

Appointed by: Board of County Commissioners

Term length: 3 years

Term limits: N/A

Compensation: $150 per day for each day of actual attendance by the Board of Equalization.

Membership: Three members who must reside within the County. Members must attend the Department of Revenue training within one year of appointment. Members shall not be a holder of any elective office nor be an employee of any elected official. Employees of the Assessor's Office may not serve on the Board for a period of two years after leaving employment. A basic understanding of real estate trends is helpful for new members.

Contact: Michael Mills, Chief Clerk, Thurston Regional Planning Council, (360) 741-2541, brbchiefclerk@trpc.org 

Website: Boundary Review Board website

Authority: RCW 36.93

Bylaws: Rules of Practice and Procedure

Appointed by: One member by the Board of County Commissioners; Two members by the Governor; One member by Mayors within the County; One member by the Boundary Review Board from nominees from Special Purpose Districts.

Term length: 4 years

Term limits: N/A

Compensation: $50 per day for each day of attendance at regular or special Board meetings, Board hearings, or other Board work.

Membership: No member may be an official or an employee of the County or a governmental unit in the County, or a consultant or adviser on a contractual or regular retained basis of the County, any governmental unit of the County, or any agency or association thereof.

Contact: Kimberly Grable, Clerk of the Commission, Thurston County Human Resources, (360) 786-5451, Kimberly.Grable@co.thurston.wa.us  

Website: Citizens' Commission on Salaries for Elected Officials website

Authority: RCW 36.17; Code 2.118

Bylaws: N/A

Appointed by: Board of County Commissioners

Term length: 4 years

Term limits: 2 terms

Membership: Nine members as follows: (1) Five of the nine commission members are selected by lot by the County Auditor, one commission member living in each county commissioner's district. (2) Four of the commission members must be residents of Thurston County and shall be appointed by a majority vote of the Board of County Commissioners. Three of the persons selected under this subsection must have experience in the field of personnel management or in a related field other than organized labor. The fourth member must be selected from the related field of organized labor. Members may not include any officer, official or employee of Thurston County or any of their immediate family members.

Contact: Bobby Frye, Chief Examiner, (360) 786-2483, Bobby.Frye@co.thurston.wa.us 

Website: Civil Service website

Authority: RCW 41.14

Bylaws: Civil Service Rules

Appointed by: Board of County Commissioners

Term length: 6 years

Term limits: N/A

Membership: Three members who must be a citizen of the United States and a resident of the County for at least two years immediately preceding his or her appointment, and an elector of the County.  At the time of appointment not more than two Civil Service Commissioners shall be adherents of the same political party.

Contact: Doreena Baird, Thurston County Assessor's Office, (360) 867-2210

Website: N/A

Authority: RCW 84.34, Code 2.110

Bylaws: N/A

Appointed by: Board of County Commissioners

Term length: 1 year

Term limits: N/A. Members may serve until a successor is appointed.

Membership: Five members representing the active farming community.

Contact: Thomasina Cooper, Fair and Event Center Manager, Community Planning and Economic Development, (360) 786-5453, thomasina.cooper@co.thurston.wa.us 

Website: Fair Board website

Authority: Thurston County Code 2.48

Bylaws:  https://library.municode.com/wa/thurston_county/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TIT2ADPE_CH2.48FABO

Appointed by: Board of County Commissioners

Term length: District members: 4-year terms.  At-Large members: Positions 7-11 serve 4-year terms; Positions 12-16 serve 2-year terms.  Youth members: 1-year terms.

Term limits: N/A. May serve until successor is appointed.

Membership: Two from each of the five Board of County Commissioner districts (positions 1-10) who reside and represent said district; Ten members At-Large (positions 11-16) who represent Thurston County; Three youth positions (17-19) filled by one each representing 4-H Club(s), FFA, and Open Class Youth.

Contact: Sonja Cady, Land Use Clerk, Community Planning and Economic Development (CPED), (360) 786-2117, sonja.cady@co.thurston.wa.us

Website: Historic Commission website

Authority: Thurston County Code 2.106.010

Bylaws: N/A

Appointed by:  Board of County Commissioners

Term length: 4 years for primary members; 3 years for alternate members.

Term limits: N/A

Membership: Representative of a variety of historical perspectives in various geographic areas of the County. At least three members who are professionally trained from among the following fields: history, architectural history, historic preservation, planning, cultural anthropology, archeology, cultural geography, American studies, or other historic preservation related discipline. One member shall be from one of the following professions: real estate appraisal; finance/banking; law, especially real estate law. One member from each city and town which is entered into an agreement to have the historic commission perform similar duties within the city or town. Such members shall be appointed by the mayor of the city or town. These members may only vote on matters within the city jurisdiction. Remaining members shall consist of citizens who have professional or demonstrated vocational interest and involvement in historic preservation.

Contact: Craig Chance, Housing Authority of Thurston County, (360) 918-5828, Craig.chance@co.thurston.wa.us / Melissa Walker, Ph: (360) 918-5823, Email: MelissaW@hatc.org

Website: www.hatc.org

Authority: Enabled by RCW 35.82.030, Activated May 1971 by Thurston County Resolution Number 4201

Bylaws: Microsoft Word - HATC Bylaws 2022.docx

Appointed by:  Board of County Commissioners for positions 1-5, HATC Board of Commissioners for Position 6

Term length: 5 years; per RCW 35.82, staggered maturities with one position maturing each year on February 28^th.

Term limits: N/A

Membership: The Housing Authority of Thurston County (HATC) is the local administrator of the federal (HUD) Housing Choice Voucher rental assistance program (aka Section 8) that provides a rental subsidy for participating tenant-based-voucher households for as long as they are eligible. HATC also operates supportive services programs for participants. HATC owns 581 below-market-rate rental units and is in the process of developing an additional 84 units. Nine non-profit housing providers receive housing operating subsidies from HATC that are tied to specific apartment communities owned by those non-profits. Public Housing Authorities, such as HATC, are authorized, empowered by state law (RCW 35.82), created by local resolution (Thurston County for HATC), and operate as stand-alone, public corporations with board members appointed by the local government (Thurston County for HATC). HATC has no taxing power and does not receive any local funds for operations. HATC is audited annually by the State Auditor’s Office. Day-to-day responsibilities are carried out by professional staff who are supported by the HATC Board of Commissioners.

Bocc-09252025-HATC

Contact: Nate Block, Resource Hub Manager, Thurston County Pretrial Services, (360) 754-2946, nathanael.block@co.thurston.wa.us 

Website: Law & Justice Council website

Authority: RCW 72.09.300

Bylaws: Law & Justice Council Charter

Appointed by: Statute and Board of County Commissioners

Term length: 3 years for those requiring appointment by the Board of County Commissioners.

Term limits: N/A

Membership: 911 TCOMM Services Director; Chief of Thurston County Corrections; Director of Thurston County Pretrial Services; Director of Thurston County Public Defense; Director of Thurston County Public Health & Social Services; Municipal Court Judge, City of Olympia; Municipal Prosecutor, Designated; Municipal Public Defense; Police Chiefs of the cities of: Lacey, Olympia, Tenino, Tumwater, Yelm; Representatives of: Confederated Tribes of the Chehalis, JBLM / Military, Lacey City Council, Nisqually Tribe, Rainier City Council, Squaxin Island Tribe, Tenino City Council, Thurston County Racial Equity Council, Tumwater City Council, Washington Dept. of Children, Youth, and Families, Washington Dept. of Corrections, Yelm City Council; County Clerk; County Commissioner; County Coroner; County Criminal Justice Regional Program Manager; County District Court; County Juvenile Court Administrator; County Prosecuting Attorney; County Risk Manager; County Sheriff; County Superior Court.

Contact: Ellen Massey, Management Analyst, Central Services Department (360) 596-5153, ellen.massey@co.thurston.wa.us 

Website: Lodging Tax Advisory Committee website

Authority: RCW 67.28.1817

Bylaws: N/A

Appointed by: Board of County Commissioners

Term length: 2 years

Term limits: N/A

Membership: At least two members who are representatives of businesses required to collect tax under RCW 67.28.1817; and at least two members who are persons involved in activities authorized to be funded by revenue received under RCW 67.28.1817. The number of members who are representatives of businesses required to collect tax under this chapter shall equal the number of members who are involved in activities authorized to be funded by revenue received under RCW 67.28.1817. One member shall be an elected official of the municipality who shall serve as chair of the committee.

Contact: Sandra Bush, Thurston County Emergency Services, (360) 704-2784, sandra.bush@co.thurston.wa.us 

Website: Medic One EMS Council 

Authority: RCW 17.10.050

Bylaws: EMSC Bylaws

Appointed by: Board of County Commissioners

Term length: Citizen at Large Seats - 3 years

Term limits: N/A. May serve until reappointment or appointment of successor.

Contact: Mike Murphy, Noxious Weed Program Manager, Public Works, (360) 786-5837, michael.murphy@co.thurston.wa.us

Website: Noxious Weed Control Board website

Authority: RCW 17.10.050

Bylaws: Noxious Weed Control Board Rules and Regulations

Appointed by: Board of County Commissioners

Term length: 4 years

Term limits: N/A. May serve until reappointment or appointment of successor.

Membership: Five voting members each of whom reside in and represent one of the five county weed districts. Three of the five voting members must be engaged in primary production of agricultural products. One non-voting member shall be the Chief County Extension Agent or extension agent appointed by the Chief County Extension Agent.

Contact: Arissa De Lima, Board Liaison, Pacific Mountain Workforce Development Council, (360) 515-5134

Website: pacmtn.org

Authority: 

Bylaws: https://pacmtn.org/governance/governing-documents/

Appointed by: 

Term length: 

Term limits: 

Membership: 

Contact: IPM Coordinator, Public Health and Social Services - Environmental Health, (360) 867-2664, PHSSPollutionPrevention@co.thurston.wa.us

Website: Pesticides & Integrated Pest Management website

Authority: Pest and Vegetation Management Policy

Bylaws: N/A

Appointed by: Board of Health. Vacancies are appointed by the Board of County Commissioners.

Term length: Not specified.

Term limits: N/A

Membership: Up to nine members. Two or three members representing agriculture and two or three members representing environmental interests. Members may also include experts in toxicology and representation from relevant state agencies.

Contact: Ashley Arai, Community Planning and Economic Development (CPED), (360) 786-5476, ashley.arai@co.thurston.wa.us

Website: Planning Commission website

Authority: RCW 35.63; Code 2.04

Bylaws: Rules of Procedure

Appointed by: Board of County Commissioners

Term length: 4 years

Term limits: N/A

Membership: Two members nominated by each County Commissioner, with one who resides in that Commissioner's district at the time of appointment. Members shall be selected without respect to political affiliation.

Contact: Elissa Fontaine, City of Lacey, (360) 486-8704

Website: Capital Area Regional Public Facilities District Board - City of Lacey

Authority: RCW 35.37

Bylaws: Charter Document

Appointed by: Cities of Olympia, Tumwater, Lacey and Thurston County

Term length: 4 Years Terms

Term limits: No term limits.

Membership: 

CAR-PFD Board Roster 2025 - 08.08.2025.pdf

Contact: Dr. Jennifer Freiheit, Public Health and Social Services Director, 360-867-2503, Email: Jennifer.freiheit@co.thurston.wa.us

Website: Racial Equity Inclusion Council website

Authority: Resolution 16097

Bylaws: N/A

Appointed by: Board of County Commissioners

Term length: 3 years

Term limits: 2 terms

Membership: 

Contact: Laura Glover, Solid Waste Planner, Public Works, 360-867-2385, laura.glover@co.thurston.wa.us 

Website: Solid Waste Advisory Committee website

Authority: RCW 70A.205.110 and Thurston County Code 8.22 

Bylaws: Solid Waste Advisory Committee bylaws

Appointed by: Statute and the Board of County Commissioners

Term length: 3 years

Term limits: N/A

Membership: One county Commissioner or appointee; One elected official or appointee from each of the municipalities participating in the most current solid waste management plan; One member from the Port Commission; one member representing private business; One waste collection/hauling representative; One recycling industry representative; and three citizen representatives, one each from the unincorporated jurisdiction of each Commissioner district to represent a balance of other interests including environment, educational and general public interests.

Contact: Rose Enos-Weedmark, Timberland Regional Library, (360) 704-4548, renosweedmark@trl.org

Website: https://trl.org/board/

Authority: RCW 27.12.170; 27.12.040 – 27.12.070; 27.12.150; 27.12.210(4)

Bylaws: https://trl.org/board/

Appointed by: Members are being appointed by joint action of the Boards of County Commissioners of each of the five counties (Grays Harbor, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, and Thurston) included in a district. 

Term length: 7 years

Term limits:  Maximum of two consecutive terms

Membership:  In an inter‐county rural library district board of seven trustees shall be appointed by the joint action of the Boards of County Commissioners of each of the five counties included in a district. 

Timberland Regional Library Board of Trustees.pdf

 Application for Thurston County At-Large Representative to Timberland Regional Library

Contact: Chelyn Sowers, TST Program Manager, Public Health and Social Services, (360) 490-7363, tst@co.thurston.wa.us

Website: Treatment Sales Tax Advisory Committee website

Authority: Code 5.49

Bylaws: Operating Policies and Procedures

Appointed by: Board of County Commissioners

Term length: 3 years

Term limits: N/A

Membership: Seven to nine members. Members shall have an interest in services and programs for Thurston County residents with mental health or substance abuse issues.  Members will have no commitment, investment, obligation, or involvement (financial or otherwise), in any agency contracting with, submitting any proposals to, or is expected to submit any proposals to the Treatment Sales Tax Fund.

Contact: Mark Moffett, Public Health and Social Services, (360) 867-2597, mark.moffett@co.thurston.wa.us

Website: Veterans Advisory Board website

Authority: RCW 73.08; Thurston County Code 2.122

Bylaws: N/A

Appointed by: Board of County Commissioners

Term length: 3 years

Term limits: N/A

Membership: Fifteen members who are veterans and residents of the County. A majority of members must be elected officers or members of nationally recognized veterans' organizations located in Thurston County as evidenced by written notice from the organization.

Contact: Andrew Deffobis, Interim Community Planning Manager, Thurston County Community Planning & Economic Development, 360-786-5467, andrew.deffobis@co.thurston.wa.us

Website: Water Resources Advisory Board

Authority: Established by Resolution #TBD (replacing Resolution 9514)

Bylaws: N/A

Appointed by: Board of County Commissioners

Term length: 1-4 years (staggering appointments)

Term limits: N/A

Membership: Two members At-Large nominated by each Commissioner who shall reside or own real property in Thurston County; Two members At-Large selected by the full Board of County Commissioners who may be residents of Thurston County, own real property in Thurston County, or provide specific expertise deemed necessary by the Board of County Commissioners.  The Board of County Commissioners may accept additional members nominated by indigenous tribes who have usual and accustomed areas within Thurston County or its tidelands.