Thurston County

Thurston County facilities are now open to the public with restrictions, including maintaining physical distancing of at least six feet at all times and, per the Washington State Secretary of Health’s face covering order wearing a cloth face covering or mask. If you come to county facilities, please be prepared for potentially long wait times or lines due to distancing guidelines. We continue to encourage residents to access county services online, by phone, by email, or through the use of drop boxes located outside of county buildings.
The availability of remote services vary by office and department.

Hot Topics and Events

COVID-19 Update

On June 23, Thurston County was approved to move to Phase 3 of the 'Safe Start' recovery plan. On June 22, the Governor issued a state-wide face covering directive.

For the most updated, daily case numbers, visit the PHSS COVID-19 data page. Numbers are updated at 3:00 p.m. daily.

Public Health and Social Services; COVID-19

09_23_2020 Dr. Abdelmalek's Letter to Community

State Dept of Health Website and Data

Thurston Strong - EDC Resource for Businesses

September 23, 2020 Letter to Superintendents

Thurston County Burn Ban

The Thurston County Fire Marshal, in consultation with the County Manager, the Emergency Services Director, and in alignment with Washington State Department of Natural Resources, has determined current weather conditions allow for lifting the recreational fire burn ban. The restrictions on outdoor burning to all lands regulated by Thurston County remain in effect until Wednesday, September 30, 2020. The Fire Safety Burn Ban applies to residential yard waste burning, all land clearing burns, and recreational fires.

News Release - July 17, 2020

Olympic Region Clean Air Agency

Planning Commission to Hold Public Hearing on Recycled Asphalt Policy Amendment to the Nisqually Subarea Plan

The Thurston County Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, October 7, 2020 at 7:00 p.m. to receive public testimony on a citizen-requested amendment to the Nisqually Subarea Plan, which currently prohibits asphalt recycling due to water quality concerns. The proposed amendment would change the language of Policy E.5 in the Nisqually Subarea Plan to allow for asphalt recycling within the subarea. This proposed amendment is item 11 on the 2020/2021 Comprehensive Plan Amendment Docket.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this public hearing will be held virtually. The Planning Commission will provide a link on their agenda, posted one week before the meeting, at: www.thurstoncountywa.gov/planning/Pages/pc-meetings.aspx.

News Release

Attend Virtually

2020/2021 Comprehensive Plan Amendment Docket

Thurston County Accepting Applications for Heritage Grant Program

Thurston County is accepting applications for historic preservation projects in the county from Friday, September 18, 2020 to Monday, November 2, 2020. Organizations can submit applications for the Heritage Grant Program at: co.thurston.wa.us/permitting/historic/historic-grants.html.

The Thurston County Historic Commission grant sub-committee will review and rank the applications in early November. After ranking the projects, the applications will move forward to the entire Thurston County Historic Commission. The Historic Commission will provide recommendations to the Thurston County Board of Commissioners for consideration. Grants will be awarded in early 2021.

News Release

Heritage Grant Program

Respond to 2020 Census by September 30

It's not too late to respond to the 2020 Census! Your response will help inform how more than $675 billion in federal funds is distributed to local communities each year, and how many representatives each state gets in Congress. Respond by Wednesday, September 30, by visiting my2020census.gov or calling 844-330-2020.

2020 Census: What is the Census?

my2020census.gov

How to Respond by Phone or Mail

Thurston Region Complete Count Committee

Census Takers in Your Neighborhood

Eviction Rent Assistance Program (ERAP) Now Accepting Applications

County residents with unpaid rent since March 2020 can contact the Community Action Council (CAC), or one of its partnering organizations, to see if they qualify for rental assistance. ERAP is intended to provide rental assistance for those most likely to become homeless after an eviction, to suffer severe health consequences if evicted, and to promote equity for groups of people disproportionately impacted by COVID-19.

News Release

Informational Flyer

Informational Flyer - Spanish

Informational Flyer - Landlords

Comments Accepted on Draft Solid Waste Management Plan (SWMP)

The SWMP is a collaborative effort of participating cities, industry representatives, and the county to provide citizens with efficient, reliable, and affordable solid waste collection, handling, recycling, and disposal services. The intent is to improve the quality of life while protecting and preserving human health, environmental quality, and natural resources. Comments will be accepted September 1-30, 2020.

News Release

Draft Plan

Addressing Homelessness As A Region

On June 14, 2018, the Thurston County Board of Health (BoH) declared homelessness a public health crisis in Thurston County. Learn more about what Thurston County is doing to address homelessness at the links below.

Homelessness Website

Homeless Crisis Response Plan News Story

Commissioner Seek Volunteers for Advisory Boards

The Board of County Commissioners continue to see citizen volunteers to fill vacancies on the 22 advisory boards, commissions, committees, and councils.

Boards and Commissions Website