Thurston County is set to make a significant investment in its future after the Board of County Commissioners approved the purchase of a downtown property for $34.9 million during their meeting on September 30, 2025. This acquisition, which includes seven acres and six buildings located at 805 Plum Street, aims to consolidate county offices and reduce ongoing leasing costs, marking a pivotal step towards financial independence for the county.

Assistant County Manager Joshua Cummings highlighted that this purchase has been in the works for over six years, driven by community discussions about improving government service delivery. The funding for this acquisition comes from a bond initiated several years ago, specifically designated for property purchases and renovations, which must be utilized by October 2025 to avoid penalties.

Despite the county facing a structural budget deficit, officials emphasized that the bond funding cannot be used to address ongoing budgetary issues, underscoring the importance of this investment in long-term infrastructure. The decision to proceed with the purchase aligns with previous commitments made by the board to enhance public service facilities, including a safe and accessible courthouse.

Public testimony during the meeting underscored the community's desire for continued investment in climate action initiatives. Paris McCluskey, a representative from the Thurston Climate Action Team, urged the board to maintain funding for climate programs, emphasizing the urgency of addressing climate change impacts on the community.

In addition to the property purchase, the meeting also celebrated Thurston County Medic 1's recent achievement as the first ultrasound-accredited EMS system in the United States, highlighting the county's commitment to improving public health services.

As the county moves forward with these initiatives, officials remain focused on balancing budgetary constraints while investing in essential infrastructure and community resilience. The approval of the downtown property purchase is seen as a foundational step towards a more sustainable and efficient government operation in Thurston County.