You are invited to participate on May 21st in a dialog about housing affordability and how Olympia neighborhoods and community members are affected. The City will use your input to help inform solutions. You can attend in-person or through Zoom.

The City of Olympia and Council of Neighborhood Associations are co-hosting an opportunity for community members to learn and talk about housing affordability in Olympia. The conversation takes place from 5:30 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, May 21, 2025 in Olympia City Hall Council Chambers, 601 4th Ave. E, Olympia WA.

Attendees will learn about the issue of housing affordability in our community and the actions the City and its partners are taking to address that challenge. You’ll be invited to talk with others in small groups about how neighborhoods and community members are impacted and explore how the City and broader Olympia community can further address housing affordability. City staff will collect your input to inform what solutions move forward for further analysis and possible consideration by the City Council.

Caregivers are welcome to bring children. If you would benefit from special accommodation, please contact the City two days or sooner in advance of the meeting.

Use the following link to participate through zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/…/register/l6axOD9lQF6vACoyr8YHRw

Stay informed of housing information by signing up for “Housing” e-news notices at www.olympiawa.gov/news.

April 8, 2025, 7:00 PM

Swantown Inn, 1431 11th Ave SE

MINUTES

Members Present

Jim Rioux (Treasurer), Jim Sweeney (Secretary), Karen Clemens (CNA Representative), Abigail Twombly, Therese Vogel

Guest: Valerie Roberts

1) Armory update – Valerie Roberts

Valerie provided an update on progress making the Armory into a safe, accessible, functional community arts center. A full-scale audit of the facility has been completed along with phase 1 design and construction plans. The Council will be asked to approve the budget in May and construction should take 12 to 18 months.

The City negotiated with eight community arts non-profit Anchor Partners who will occupy and operate the facility under long-term leases.

2) Approval of March meeting minutes

A motion was made, seconded and passed to approve the March meeting minutes as submitted.

3) Treasurer Report

Checking                    $465.77

Savings                   $2,948.17

Total                        $3,413.94

Jim R. reported there were a couple of recent dues payments.

4) RNA grant

Jim S. asked if there is any new information about our RNA grant. Jim R. said Nathan submitted the application. Karen said the CNA expects to hear from Brittany Gillia next week about the grants. It was decided to continue this item until May.

5) CNA report

Karen reported on an Affordable Housing Forum the CNA is planning with City officials on May 21. All Board members and residents are encouraged to attend.

She also discussed the Habitat for Humanity housing project planned on Boulevard Road, and efforts to lower the cost to build affordable housing.

The City has a Middle Housing survey on the Engage Olympia website for people to tell the City what they think about housing code amendments. The survey will close on April 30^th.

The CNA requested that the City keep their online construction map up to date by adding projects as soon as they are aware of them.

6) Newsletter topics

Jim S. suggested adding a feature allowing people to ask questions of the ENA to the monthly newsletters. The idea is to encourage people to ask about things they might see or hear that would be of general interest. Someone from the Board could then volunteer to research it and write an answer for the next newsletter. Examples include: What is Ziply Fiber? What was recently installed on the Fir Street water tank? Who is responsible for hazardous trees in the City’s rights of way? Why is it so hard to add a sidewalk along 7^th Avenue west of Lions Park? Abigail suggested asking a neighborhood expert to answer plant and garden related questions.

The Board generally liked the idea but agreed to continue the discussion to the May meeting as we are not expected have an April newsletter.

7) May event ideas

Jim S. said he would like us to have an outside event in May if the weather cooperates. The group discussed possible walking routes, such as starting at Lions Park and ending at Beerwerks. Jim and Abigail agreed to talk later and let the group know if we come up with a feasible time and place.

8) Other

Abigail reported she met with Dan Rydholm and Emma Shaw to discuss purchasing swag. The Board agreed to continue this discussion until the next meeting, and to talk about buying a new event sign.

The next Board meeting will be May 13^th at 7:00 PM.

The meeting adjourned at 8:30 PM.

March 11, 2025, 7:00 PM

Swantown Inn, 1431 11th Ave SE

Members Present

Jim Rioux (Treasurer), Jim Sweeney (Secretary), Karen Clemens (CNA Representative), Nathan Allan, Abigail Twombly, Therese Vogel

Guest: Emma Shaw

1) Approval of February minutes

The February meeting minutes were approved as submitted.

2) Treasurer Report

Checking                    $427.69

Savings                   $2,943.88

Total                        $3,371.57

We need to continue reminding Eastside residents of the need to pay annual dues. Nathan suggested letting people know how their dues helps to leverage neighborhood projects, events and volunteers. Jim R. made a motion to add a reminder to the next newsletter. Karen seconded and the motion passed unanimously.

3) CNA report

Karen described the following topics which were discussed at the March 10^th CNA meeting.

• 2025 RNA grants – 12 RNAs requested $40,000 total; the next step in the process will be a City review panel
• Changes to Intercity Transit bus service
• Energize Thurston County heat pump program
• Briggs Village zoning changes, Fieldstone affordable housing project, Community Planning and Economic Development staffing, and the upcoming housing forum.

4) Newsletter topics

Board members brainstormed possible newsletter topics. The aim is to generate interest in events happening in the neighborhood and the city. Some possible topics:

• ENA membership dues
• RNA grants
• Armory interpretive sign
• The Procession of the Species art studio
• Energize Thurston County heat pump program
• West Bay Yards development proposal
• Ziply internet
• Work on the Fir Street water tank

Jim R. will be featured as the neighbor profile

If you agreed to do a write-up for the newsletter please try to send it to Nathan within a week following the monthly meeting.

5) Other

Jim S. mentioned the City’s ‘Wayfinding Master Plan’. You can read more and take a survey at: https://engage.olympiawa.gov/wayfinding-plan

Jim S. talked to Valerie Roberts, the Armory building manager, about the Military Department’s interpretive sign. She agreed to attend the ENA Board meeting on April 8^th to talk about this and other issues.

The next Board meeting will be April 8^th at 7:00 PM.

The meeting adjourned at 8:15 PM.

7:00 PM February 11, 2025

Swantown Inn, 1431 11th Ave SE

Members Present

Jim Rioux (Treasurer), Jim Sweeney (Secretary), Karen Clemens (CNA Representative), Nathan Allan, Abigail Twombly, Cheryl Bayle, Therese Vogel, Dan Rydholm

1) Approval of the Minutes

The January meeting minutes were approved as submitted.

2) Treasurer Report

Checking                    $757.01

Savings                   $2,943.62

Total                        $3,700.63

Jim R. reported a reimbursement check to Sherry has not been cashed. There are two additional deposits through Stripe for $48.25 and $66.89 as well as a $1,840 deposit that included City RNA grant reimbursement, plus $80.00 in donations from the annual meeting. 

He also mentioned that people have asked him if we could remind them to pay dues. The Board discussed including swag for various membership tiers. Dan and Cheryl volunteered to be on a swag subcommittee.

3) Workgroup Update

Jim S. reported that a work group has met twice to work on:

1. The ENA Website – Dan made several upgrades to the website, including the calendar. He suggested we add a statement on the home page to the effect that the ENA welcomes all groups and individuals.
2. Events Calendar – Nathan brought the website calendar up on the screen and Dan explained the free WordPress plug-in. We agreed to pick a date for every event when it’s entered on the calendar, with the understanding we may need to change it later.
3. Newsletters – Nathan said newsletters will be sent out about a week after monthly Board meetings. He also created an archive on the website for newsletters. Dan said he can create a newsletter template using Mailchimp, and we can add a link to the newsletters on Facebook. Jim R. volunteered to draft a profile on Therese.

Board members expressed appreciation for all the work Nathan, Dan and others have invested in improving our communications abilities.

4) 2024 RNA Grant Closeout

Jim R. reported he has completed the submittal to close out the 2024 RNA grant.

5) 2025 RNA Grant Application approval

Nathan walked us through the online grant application. After a few minor changes, the Board agreed on projected volunteer hours, the grant request amount and other application details.

Nathan made a Motion to approve proposed RNA grant application and forward it to the City; Dan seconded and the motion was approved unanimously.

6) CNA Report

Karen reported that the CNA discussed the following during its February 10meeting.

The South Capital RNA used Capital City Press to print and send their newsletter.

Councilmember Clark described the City’s position regarding news filtering down from the other Washington.

A proposal to build a new WA FED bank near 4^th and Water Street. Abigail described discussions that have taken place at the Design Review Board.

Changes proposed for the commercial zoning in Briggs Village.

A housing project on Franz Anderson road.

The West Bay Yards project. For more information see:

https://www.olympiawa.gov/info/construction_in_olympia/west_bay_yards.php

Middle Housing. Joyce Phillips briefed the CNA on code changes being considered in response to recent legislation affecting residential zoning. She offered to come and talk to neighborhood associations. More information can be found here:

https://www.olympiawa.gov/government/codes,_plans___standards/missing_middle.php

7) Other

1. Jim S. described the CNA “Sounding Board” comments on the comp plan Land Use and Urban Design chapter. These comments have been forwarded to the project planner and the next step will be an in-person meeting.
2. The City recently announced a project to reconfigure the intersection at State Avenue and Wilson Street. A public information session is scheduled in the City Council chambers Thursday February 20^th from 5:30 to 7:00. More information can be found here: https://www.olympiawa.gov/info/construction_in_olympia/state_and_pacific_project.php
3. Suggestions for guests we may want to invite to future meetings:
4. Zeima Kassahun, Urban and Community Forestry Specialist, to talk about tree pruning.
5. Brittany Gillia, Associate Planner, to talk about the City’s neighborhoods program and RNA grants.

The next Board meeting will be March 11^th.

The meeting adjourned at 8:30 PM.

ENA Board Meeting
7:00 PM January 14, 2025

Swantown Inn, 1431 11th Ave SE, Olympia

Members Present

Jim Rioux (Treasurer), Jim Sweeney (Secretary), Karen Clemens (CNA Representative), Nathan Allan, Abigail Twombly, Cheryl Bayle, Therese Vogel

1) Approval of the Minutes

The December 11, 2024 meeting minutes were approved as submitted.

2) Treasurer Report

Checking $1,969.87

Savings $2,943.25

Total $4,913.12

Jim Rioux reported he received and deposited a Neighborhood Grant check for $1,840.40. He also deposited $90 in cash and checks received at our Annual Meeting. We still owe Laurel $1,200 and Sherry $369.32.
He received a bill for the Post Office box that is due at the end of the month; 12 months for $256. The Board agreed to renew for 6 months and Jim said he would look into less expensive alternatives.

3) January 7th Annual Meeting

Everyone agreed the annual meeting was a success. The table arrangement allowed people to socialize and connect with their neighbors. Jim Rioux did a nice job with the introductions. The guest speakers were interesting and engaging. Many thanks to Nathan and Casey for hosting and providing the excellent food.

4) Election of Officers

All current officers have agreed to continue. Karen agreed to fill the vacant Vice President position and continue as the CNA representative.

5) CNA Report
Karen reported there was no council member present.

Tim Smith reported the City currently has about 60 projects in permit review, including West Bay Yards, SPSCC dormitories, Briggs Village and Henderson apartments. Abigail described a new bank building proposed near 4th and Water, on the site formerly occupied by Procession of the Species.

Fire Chief Matt Morris talked about CERT – Community Emergency Response Team training (see link below). He also described OFD’s Community Assistance Referral and Education Services program.

Larry Dzieza continues to try and open an on-going dialog with the Planning Commission. This could include neighborhood association members commenting during meetings and being added to the Commission’s annual work plan.

6) RNA Grant Closeout

7) 2025 Work Plan & Events Calendar

Nathan projected the ENA website on the screen and the Board discussed what information should be prominent on the home page and in menus. It was agreed we need to update the 2025 events calendar regularly.

8) Other

The Board agreed to schedule time to work on the things that routinely fall through the cracks because we don’t have time for them during monthly meetings. Some examples are newsletters, email lists, the events calendar and website. It was decided to meet Sunday morning January 26 from 10:00 to 12 at Swantown.

Jim S. described a recent Strong Towns article about civic engagement; “How a Walk About Nothing Can Change Everything About Public Engagement” Here’s a link: https://www.strongtowns.org/journal/2025/1/10/how-a-walk-about-nothing-can- change-everything-about-public- engagement?apcid=0060f5c4aeb5b5bba4851200&utm_campaign=25-1-14- digest&utm_content=25-1-14-digest&utm_medium=email&utm_source=ortto

Following are links to websites describing the CERT training Chief Morris talked about, and other emergency preparedness sites.

“What is CERT Training?”

https://community.fema.gov/PreparednessCommunity/s/cert- trainings?language=en_US

“Community Emergency Response Team”

https://www.fema.gov/emergency-managers/individuals-communities/preparedness- activities-webinars/community-emergency-response-team

“Disaster Preparedness Training for Communities and Organizations

The next Board meeting will be February 11th.

The meeting adjourned at 8:30 PM.

Hi neighbors, my name is Jonnita Thompson and I’m a new Lead Neighborhood Coordinator for the Thurston County Food Project. There was a lot of energy at our recent ENA Annual Meeting when we heard from Chris Hyde, Souper Sunday and The Food Source Network founder and Berenice from the Thurston County Food Bank. The theme of addressing food insecurity of our neighbors and friends.

I’d like to invite you to support the Thurston County Food Project. It’s a really easy way to donate to the food bank. I drop off a green bag, you fill it and put it on your porch the second Saturday of even months and I stop by and pick it up. It really couldn’t be easier to make a small but meaningful gesture to support our community. You can sign up to be a donor here;

https://thurstoncountyfoodproject.org/79-2/

The next pickup is scheduled for Saturday, February 8 and I’d love to add you to the route!

December 11, 2024 7PM

1626 7^th Avenue SE

Members Present

Sherry Chilcutt (President, on the phone), Jim Rioux (Treasurer), Jim Sweeney (Secretary), Karen Clemens (CNA Representative), Abigail Twombly, Cheryl Bayle

1) Approval of the minutes

The November 13^th meeting minutes were approved unanimously as submitted.

2) Treasurer Report

Checking   $129.87

Savings   $2,942.88

Total      $3,072.75

Jim R. reported the ENA’s funds will increase when the City reimburses our RNA grant expenditures. We need to continue letting people know how their dues helps leverage grant projects.

3) Tree planting report

Jim R. reiterated that the ENA tree funds have been rolled into our savings account. Sherry mentioned a $300 donation which was earmarked for the tree fund. Tim Smythe used this money to buy a tree to plant at the Armory, but the City is not yet ready, so the tree went to Lions Park. Another tree will be purchased to replace a tree that died. This will exhaust the dedicated tree funds.

A motion was made to give $200 to Tim Smythe to use to replace a dead tree. The motion was seconded and approved unanimously by voice vote.

Jim R. would like to see some recognition for the ENA at Lions Park.

4) January 7^th Annual Meeting

After discussion, the Board agreed to the following:

Location – Swantown Inn

Time – 6:00 to 8:00 PM

Schedule – 6:00 to 7:00 social time; 7:00 to 8:00 program

Menu – Soup and bread

Speakers – 1. Chris Hyde, Souper Sunday 2. Bernice Hartt Plazas, Thurston County Food Bank 3. Possibly another such as Luke Burns, Olympia Community Gardens Program Specialist, or someone from the Thurston County Conservation District’s Healthy Gardens program

Leader – Jim R. will draft and circulate an agenda

Abigail – signs and social media announcements

Karen – will talk to Nathan about food service and logistics

A motion was made to reimburse up to $250 for food and other expenses related to the annual meeting. The motion was seconded and approved unanimously by voice vote.

5) Snowstar event

Nathan reported by email there was some interest in making holiday snowflakes by about ten neighbors. We will need to start earlier next year.

6) CNA Report

Karen reported the CNA discussed the following topics at its December 9^th meeting:

• The RNA grant program
• The Habitat for Humanity project, permits, fees, and possible grant funding
• Potential utility fee increases
• Sidewalk survey data

The Climate Action & Resilience Team did a presentation on its work which led to a discussion on the need for community and neighborhood emergency management planning. It was agreed the ENA needs to add this subject to its 2025 work plan.

7) Madison School fundraiser

Nathan provided the following update via email:

The Madison charity auction was a big success. Well attended (but could always have more) and well supported by downtown businesses for item donations. It raised $8900. It saved the PTO’s ability to put on other events this school year. 

8) Board Recruitment

Board member nominations will be on the agenda for the annual meeting. We can either vote on officers at the January Board meeting or via email.

We need to fill the vacant vice-president position, so everyone was asked to reach out to potential Board members before the meeting.

9) RNA Grant

The schedule for the 2025 grant program is on the City’s website. The application deadline is 5:00 PM on February 28, 2025. The Board suggested the following ideas for a grant application:

• Support & expand the Fall Festival
• Food for Block parties
• Materials for snowflakes
• Eastside neighborhood walking map
• Newsletter printing & postage
• Traffic calming at 10^th & Fir, possibly a painted mandella

It was agreed we need to talk to Brittany Gillia, the new grants program manager, about grant ideas. Jim R. agreed to help Sherry with the final report to close out the 2024 grants. Jim S. and Abigail can provide pictures if needed.

10) Other

Jim S. provided an update on the CNA Sounding Board’s review of the Land Use and Urban Design chapter of the comprehensive plan update, and urged everyone to take a look at the information on the City website.

The City’s holiday light parade will be in the Eastside neighborhood on Thursday December 19^th starting at 6:00 PM. Jim R. mentioned the parade is using GPS that can be tracked online.

The next Board meeting will be Tuesday January 14^th. The agenda will include election of officers and the 2025 work plan calendar.

The meeting adjourned at 8:30 PM.

November 13, 2024 7PM

1626 7^th Avenue SE

Members Present

Sherry Chilcutt (President, on Zoom), Jim Rioux (Treasurer), Jim Sweeney (Secretary), Karen Clemens (CNA Representative), Abigail Twombly, Cheryl Bayle

1) Approval of the minutes

The October 9^th meeting minutes were approved unanimously.

2) Treasurer Report

Checking   $105.20

Savings   $2,924.52

Total      $3,029.72

Jim R. reported he moved $300.00 from savings to checking to cover paying for the memorial tree. The check was made out to the City of Olympia. Jim filed our annual report with the Secretary of State. There was one $20 deposit which was assumed to be someone paying dues. Sherry gave him a check for $80 that was donated during the rod & reals event.

It was suggested we work on getting people to pay their membership dues. Very few deposits have shown up suggesting no one is paying dues. The pay program we’re using charges about $2 for each deposit and may be a barrier. Karen suggested increasing the dues to make up for this.

Sherry will be sending paperwork to Lydia in January or February to close out our RNA grants, at which time we will replace funds used from our accounts.

3) Meeting time

The Board discussed changing our regular meeting time for 2025. It was agreed we will change the Board’s meeting dates to the second Tuesday of the month, starting on January 14.

4) Harvest festival October 12th

Everyone agreed the event was a big success mainly due to teamwork by everyone helping out. The children enjoyed all the activities, including helping with apple pressing, and the band added a nice touch.

Jim S. said he updated the write-up he started with the first fall festival in 2018 to capture ideas in case this turns into an annual event. If we do the event again we will want to reserve the shelter for the entire day.

Abigail submitted receipts for items she purchased including paper table cloths and bungee cords. Cheryl will submit receipts for food stuffs she purchased. Jim S. suggested buying a couple of replacement apple pressing mesh bags ($12.95 ea.). The cost will be covered by funding the Board previously approved.

Cheryl suggested combining the Fall Festival with the annual picnic. This would avoid having the annual picnic and block parties too close together. The consensus was that this is a good idea for next year. We may want to wait until after the Parks Department closes the sprayground for the season.

5) Snowstar event

Several Board members said they plan to attend the event Saturday from 10 to 11:00AM at the Swantown Inn.

6) CNA Report

At their October meeting, the CNA discussed:

• Housing affordability, grants to help pay impact fees, etc.;
• Using the 1% utility tax to reduce fees for low income housing;
• Using leftover neighborhood grant funds for sidewalks;
• If you see someone having a mental health episode you can make a request for services, call the non-emergency number (360 753-8101) or call 911;
• and neighborhood police patrols.

Councilperson Vanderpool updated the CNA on increasing the minimum wage, and Tim Smith reported on new development proposals.

7) Annual Meeting

Sherry suggested a fundraiser for Souper Sundays. People could donate soup ingredients, gift cards or money. Nathan previously said he would contact Chris Hyde once we have a date for the meeting. The Board suggested either Tuesday January 7th, or Thursday January 9^th, starting with a social event at 6:00.

Note: Nathan said he prefers January 7th.

Cheryl will call someone from the community garden.

Karen will contact someone from the food bank.

8) Board Recruitment

The annual meeting agenda will include asking for Board member nominations. Later, we can vote on Board officer positions via email.

Please reach out to any potential Board members before the meeting.

9) Next year’s calendar

Last year Cheryl and Abigail drafted the 2024 events calendar which Nathan posted on the ENA website. All agreed this was helpful and that we should do something similar for 2025.

The Board agreed to continue working with partners such as New Bridge, FUMCO, and Madison School. Cheryl mentioned the Olympia Historical Society and Bigelow House Museum’s annual holiday historic homes tour is coming up December 8^th from noon to 4:00.

10) Other

Jim S. suggested we make sure we’re tracking ENA events and accomplishments, such as the murals and apple press, from year to year, particularly when these involve RNA grant funding.

The next Board meeting will be Wednesday December 11^th.

The meeting adjourned at 8:30 PM.