# November 4, 2026 - Thurston County Board of County Commissioners Work Session

Thurston County Board of County Commissioners work session, November 4, 2026: Experience Olympia & Beyond presented its 2026 adjusted and 2027 proposed budgets, funded in part by a $2-per-room-night promotion assessment and lodging-tax awards. The 2026 budget was reduced by about $45,000 from the approved amount, reflecting revenue and award adjustments, with personnel savings redirected to marketing. For 2027, the organization plans to use reserves for a community-pride campaign; an RFP for that work is currently out, with no vendor selected or contract amount stated. Other plans include investment in destination videos, bookable visitor experiences, a Bandwango itinerary platform, and quarterly AI audits. The organization said its $45,000 visitor-location data contract will end in November 2027.

The board reviewed the preliminary 2026 budget amendment 2 and voted to direct staff to incorporate it as presented. The amendment is described as 2026 cleanup and does not affect 2027; public notice was planned to begin November 12, with adoption scheduled for December 1. Two 2026–2028 collective bargaining agreements—for courthouse and district court employees—were placed on the consent agenda, with no contract terms or costs discussed. No procurement award or vendor selection was made.

**Jurisdictions:** sled
**Industries:** Professional Services
**Published:** November 04, 2026

### Sources
- [November 4, 2026 - Thurston County Board of County Commissioners Work Session](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kPOC8rX2dNo) - Thurston County