Olympia: 2045 Key Milestones
The City of Olympia is actively engaged in its phased, chapter-by-chapter update of the Comprehensive Plan, known as Olympia 2045. This vital process will define the city’s long-term vision, goals, and policies for the next two decades, accommodating an expected population growth of approximately 20,000 additional residents. The update also addresses new and revised state requirements, ensuring the city is prepared for future housing, employment, and infrastructure needs. Several foundational chapters, including Public Participation and Partners, Natural Environment, Utilities, Parks Arts and Recreation, and Capital Facilities, have already been accepted by the City Council, marking significant progress in the overall plan.
The current focus is on a number of key chapters with active public engagement and Council review slated for October and November 2025. The Planning Commission kicked off the month with a public hearing on October 6th to consider related code amendments. Directly impacting the plan's foundation, the Introduction Chapter and the Community Values & Vision Chapter were both considered for acceptance by the City Council on September 30th.
Multiple chapters are scheduled for City Council decisions in early and mid-October. The Transportation Chapter was scheduled for acceptance on October 7th, with residents able to attend in person at City Hall or watch the meeting via Olytv3.com. Also scheduled for consideration on October 7th was the Public Safety Chapter, which the Council previously reviewed in a Study Session on July 29th. Later in the month, the Economy Chapter is scheduled for acceptance by the City Council on October 21st.
Beyond these immediate acceptance dates, two critical chapters are scheduled for discussion at a City Council Study Session on October 14th: Housing and Climate Change & Resiliency. The Land Use and Environment Committee considered both chapters on September 25th, incorporating the Planning Commission’s recommendations before forwarding them to the full Council. The Land Use and Environment Committee is also heavily involved in the Land Use & Urban Design Chapter, which the Council discussed in a Study Session on September 16th and is scheduled to consider for acceptance on November 10th. This chapter will directly shape how the city grows and how urban spaces are developed to support the projected population increase. Residents are encouraged to follow the process and provide comments on all draft chapters by emailing the project team at olympia2045@ci.olympia.wa.us, or by visiting the project webpage, which hosts detailed timelines and draft chapter documents, to ensure their voice shapes the city's future.