July 29, 2026 - Thurston County Board of County Commissioners Work Session

The Thurston County Board of County Commissioners held a work session on July 29, 2026, focusing primarily on two key topics. First, the board discussed a partnership with Puget Sound Energy to install electric vehicle (EV) charging stations on utility poles at various county park and trail locations. Puget Sound Energy will cover all installation, maintenance, and operational costs, with the county providing site locations. Four potential sites were identified for initial installation, with community engagement planned to gather public input before finalizing locations. The board expressed interest in expanding the program based on usage and feedback. Second, the board reviewed updates to the county's Critical Areas Ordinance (CAO), which regulates environmentally sensitive areas. The update aims to incorporate new state guidance, improve clarity, and streamline permitting processes, including reducing the need for complex reasonable use exceptions. Extensive public engagement and collaboration with the Planning Commission are ongoing, with a target to complete the update within a 12-month state-mandated timeline. The meeting also included executive sessions related to legal and personnel matters, with no procurement actions arising from those discussions.