OUR CITIES 36 • OLYMPIAN SOURCEBOOK • 2012-2013
Olympia BY MAT T BATC H E LD OR / Staff Writer
GOVERNMENT
he capital of Washington state is a small town with big city amenities, including locally owned shops, neighborhood parks and multiple art galleries and theaters. In addition, it’s the seat of Thurston County and the only downtown for the Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater Area. The city, which celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2009, grew 9 percent from 2000 to 2010 to a population of 46,478, according to the 2010 U.S. Census. Here are some details about what makes Olympia one of the most beautiful state capitals in the nation:
Olympia has a council-manager form of government. Seven city council members, including the mayor, vote on policy issues. The city manager is in charge of day-to-day operations, while the mayor chairs council meetings and makes ceremonial appearances.
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2012 Outback
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SHOPPING Olympia’s downtown has dozens of locally owned shops. Parking now costs $1 an hour for up to two hours at pay stations the city installed in 2010. The machines accept coins, credit cards and
2012 Beetle
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3 60.943.2120 2300 Carriage Loop SW, Olympia www.hansonmotors.com 1236967V01
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