The Thurston County Board of County Commissioners convened on August 13, 2025, to address several pressing issues, primarily focusing on the county's approach to homelessness and indigency criteria. The meeting began with inquiries regarding the current standards for determining indigency, specifically whether the county adheres strictly to state regulations or employs local standards that may differ. Commissioners discussed the need for a review of indigency practices and the potential for legislative proposals in the upcoming 2026 session.

Following this discussion, the board transitioned to a presentation on the five-year homeless housing plan, led by Jen Freitheit, Director of Public Health and Social Services. Freitheit outlined the requirements set forth by the Department of Commerce for the 2025-2030 plan, emphasizing the importance of public and stakeholder engagement in its development. The plan aims to assess current service levels, document funding sources, and articulate priorities for homeless housing capital projects.

Tom Webster, Senior Program Manager for the Office of Housing and Homeless Prevention, elaborated on the plan's core elements, which include addressing five key objectives mandated by the state. These objectives focus on promoting an equitable and transparent homeless crisis response system, strengthening the workforce of homeless service providers, preventing episodes of homelessness, prioritizing assistance based on barriers to housing stability, and ensuring stable housing for all individuals.

The presentation highlighted the extensive community engagement efforts undertaken, including surveys and listening sessions with individuals experiencing homelessness and service providers. The feedback gathered will inform the strategies and tasks outlined in the plan, which aims to be reflective of community needs and aligned with county priorities.

The board plans to submit a draft of the homeless housing plan to the Department of Commerce in September, with a public comment period scheduled for October. The final plan is due by December 2025, and the board will seek approval in November.

Overall, the meeting underscored the county's commitment to addressing homelessness through a collaborative and community-driven approach, while also ensuring that indigency criteria are effectively reviewed and aligned with both state and local standards.