Thurston County: Capital Improvement Program Concerns

The Thurston County Planning Commission, a body central to ensuring transparent government and resident oversight in county planning, recently delivered a striking "No Recommendation" for the adoption of the 2025-2030 Capital Improvement Program (CIP). This decisive 7-1 vote underscored deep concerns over how the program’s proposed projects and its very review process could significantly impact future development, land use planning, and public participation in shaping the county's growth.

The CIP is a cornerstone of the county's development strategy, mandated by the Growth Management Act as a vital six-year financing plan for capital facilities. It dictates where and how crucial infrastructure — essential for accommodating anticipated growth — will be funded. Updated annually, this program outlines projects that directly influence development patterns and the availability of public services to support a growing population. The proposed 2025-2030 CIP is a comprehensive overhaul, replacing its predecessor, and is currently undergoing environmental review as a non-project action.