Olympia council ceremonially swears in four members; Nguyen re‑elected mayor pro tem

The Olympia City Council ceremonially swore in four council members Tuesday and re‑elected Mayor Pro Tem Nguyen to another two‑year term.

Clark Gilman (position 4) was sworn in by Mohammed El Saqqari and said he was "honored for the opportunity to continue to serve," noting it was the 10th anniversary of his first swearing‑in. Kelly Green (position 5) was sworn in by her daughter Josie and thanked the community for the support that enabled her to win a full term. Robert Vanderpool (position 6), sworn in remotely by his father, said he would focus on housing, transportation, cost‑of‑living and climate. Paul Barrett (position 7) was sworn in by his wife Beth and said he planned to work on housing, homelessness, parks and quality‑of‑life issues.

Mayor Pro Tem Nguyen accepted a nomination to continue as mayor pro tem and said serving in the role "is a privilege" and an opportunity to support the mayor and the council. The council voted unanimously to re‑elect Nguyen.

City Manager Jay Birney presented the agenda for the council retreat scheduled for Jan. 9–10; council members approved the retreat agenda, which includes sessions on tribal sovereignty, committee and interjurisdictional assignments, priority‑based budgeting and a council work plan review.

The ceremonial swearing‑in was followed by a brief recess and returned to regular business including public comment and several items of council action.

The council returns to work immediately with its retreat this weekend; items discussed there will shape the council work plan and committee assignments for 2026.