The Thurston Regional Housing Council is gearing up for a transformative new year, with plans to enhance community engagement and information sharing starting January 2026. During a recent meeting on September 24, 2025, council members discussed a proposal to include a member from the Local Emergency Services Council (LESC) in their monthly meetings. This member will provide updates every other month, receiving a stipend funded through an existing contract with the facilitator.

The council aims to invite 2 to 3 subject matter experts from the community to present on various topics of interest, alternating with the LESC member's updates. Proposed topics include federal policy changes affecting housing, the impact of tariffs on affordable housing development, and updates on federal rent assistance programs. However, council members expressed the need for clarity on how this information will be actionable, particularly regarding funding gaps and the implications of federal changes on local services.

Council member Carolyn raised concerns about scheduling these presentations during critical funding application periods to avoid any appearance of bias. Other members echoed her sentiments, emphasizing the importance of timing and the need for discussions that could lead to actionable insights for the council.

The meeting underscored a commitment to broadening the scope of input by considering perspectives from outside Thurston County, ensuring a diverse range of stakeholders contributes to the conversation. As the council prepares for these changes, the focus remains on fostering an informed and responsive approach to housing challenges in the region.