Olympia Municipal Court presents community-focused programs and budget concerns to city council

The Olympia City Council Study Session on June 12, 2025, focused on the future of the Olympia Municipal Court and its role in the community. Judge Nagira presented a passionate defense of the court, highlighting its unique services and community engagement efforts. She emphasized the importance of therapeutic courts and the need for a community advisory board to ensure that local voices are heard in the judicial process.

Judge Nagira detailed the court's initiatives, including life skills classes and a restorative justice program, which aim to provide holistic support to residents. She also announced an upcoming resource fair that will include a warrant forgiveness event and wellness activities, such as yoga, to promote mental health and healing.

The discussion also touched on the financial implications of relocating the court to district court, with Judge Nagira noting that nearly $500,000 has already been invested in the current court's infrastructure. She argued that moving would not only be costly but could disrupt the services currently offered to the community.

Council members expressed their concerns about the logistical challenges of maintaining the court's operations while accommodating community needs. Council member Gilman highlighted the difficulty of balancing space requirements for various city functions without compromising other essential services.

The session concluded with a call for further discussion on the long-term budget sustainability of the city, emphasizing the need for careful consideration of the court's future and its impact on the community. The council is expected to continue negotiations with Thurston County regarding an interlocal agreement, which will be revisited in future meetings.