Commissioners hold large public hearing on countywide planning policy updates; UGA land-swap language draws sharp debate

The Thurston County Board of County Commissioners on Jan. 21 held a hybrid public hearing on proposed updates to the countywide planning policies (CWPPs). The hearing drew roughly 60 speakers and centered on two linked issues: revisions intended to implement recent state law changes (including 2022 and 2024 UGA swap provisions) and new tribal‑coordination language intended to strengthen consultation and protection of cultural resources.

What the hearing covered: County planning staff said the CWPP updates respond to changes in state law and to directives to improve tribal coordination. Staff emphasized the hearing addresses countywide policy language — not a specific development proposal — and that any individual project would need its own environmental review and separate public hearings.

Why it matters: Many speakers said the proposed swap language (often referenced in testimony as “UGA swap” or the 2022/2024 swap laws) could permit developers to move lands into an urban growth area (UGA) by swapping other lands out, and they argued the draft CWPP language as written could weaken protections for critical…