CONTACT:  Amy Davis, Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners; amy.davis@co.thurston.wa.us, 360-786-5447

Thurston County Pilots Expansion for Public Comment Opportunities at Board Meetings
New format doubles comment periods and increases speaking time for residents.

OLYMPIA –The Thurston County Board of County Commissioners (Board) is expanding public comment opportunities during its business meetings to give residents more ways to speak up and be heard.

Starting Tuesday, June 17, community members will have more time and flexibility to share their thoughts—with the addition of a second designated public comment period and increasing verbal public comment to a total of six minutes for each individual. This six-month pilot will be revisited near the end of 2025 to assess its success and potential continuance.

This addition creates a larger, transparent and respectful space for public input. It also aligns with best practices to ensure meetings are more efficient. Key format changes include:

• Additional Public Comment Period
  1. A Public Comment Period for Agenda Items near the start of the meeting related only to items listed on the meeting agenda, allowing the Board to receive timely input focused on potential action items before them at that meeting.
  2. A General Public Comment Period near the end of each meeting for broader feedback, concerns, or follow-up on any topic not related to the agenda items.
      
• More Speaking Time
  • Three minutes will be allotted per speaker per comment period—increasing the total speaking time to six minutes.
     
• Increased Efficiency
  • Improves public engagement by clarifying the purpose of each public comment period and providing guidelines, while supporting efficient meeting operations.
  • Comments must be directed to the full Board, and while real-time responses are not provided, remarks are taken under advisement or may be referred to staff. The Chair of the Board retains the ability to adjust time allotments to ensure all voices are heard during high-turnout meetings.

The Board’s formal business meetings are at 2 p.m. on the first and third Tuesdays of each month (and the fifth Tuesday when applicable). For information about upcoming Board meetings or to see meeting agendas, visit: https://www.thurstoncountywa.gov/departments/board-county-commissioners/meetings-public-hearings-and-work-session-agendas.