OLYMPIA – The Board of County Commissioners will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, May 2, at 3:30 p.m. to accept public testimony on proposed updates to the Farm and Agricultural Conservation Land category of the Open Space Tax Program. You can view more detailed information about the proposals, how to comment, and the full text of the proposed resolution on the Community Agricultural Program webpage.

What: Public Hearing on Open Space Tax Program Updates for Farm and Agricultural Conservation Lands
When: Tuesday, May 2, 2023
Time: 3:30 p.m., or soon after
Where: Room 110, 3000 Pacific Ave SE, Olympia, WA 98501 or online at https://www.thurstoncountywa.gov/tchome/pages/publicmeetings.aspx

How to Submit Public Comments
Attend in person on May 2 or submit written or emailed comments if you cannot attend. Please submit your comments no later than 12 p.m. Tuesday, May 2. 

Email to: Amelia Schwartz Ashley.Arai@co.thurston.wa.us; or

Mail to:
        Thurston County Community Planning and Economic Development
        Attention: Ashley Arai, Agriculture Community Program Manager
        3000 Pacific Ave SE, 
         Olympia, WA 98501

Background: The proposed amendments are intended to expand program eligibility for agricultural lands that do not qualify for the County Tax Assessor’s Current Use Tax Program. This proposal is comprised of updates to the County’s Open Space Tax Program, as adopted in Resolutions 11172, 11686, and 13279. 

Disability Accommodations: To request disability accommodations, call the Reasonable Accommodation Coordinator at least three days prior to the meeting at 360-786-5440. Persons with speech or hearing disabilities may contact via Washington Relay:  711 or 800-833-6388.