State of the Community report: Thurston County leaders discuss local priorities, innovation, budgets, and the Jan 14, 2026 State of the Community Address.
Compiled from submissions by elected officials from Lacey, Olympia, Tenino, Tumwater, Yelm, and Thurston County, this issue shares elected leaders’ responses to how cities will adopt automation, AI and other tools to “do more with less” over the next five years (responses begin on page 7). Join President/CEO David Schaffert as he moderates the live address and Q&A featuring Mayors Andy Ryder, Dontae Payne, Leatta Dahlhoff, Joe DePinto, David Watterson, and Commissioner Chair Tye Menser. Read regional goals, fiscal challenges, and opportunities for business and community engagement.