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Thurston County directs Central Services to end feasibility study, issue RFQ for Regional Justice Center consultants
Summary
The Board of County Commissioners unanimously directed Central Services to conclude the Regional Justice Center feasibility study and issue a request for qualifications for consultants to support design, space planning and adaptive reuse of the campus. Commissioners asked staff for contingency planning and timeline clarity.
Thurston County commissioners on March 31 directed Central Services to conclude the feasibility study for the county’s Regional Justice Center and to issue a request for qualifications for professional consulting services related to design, space planning and adaptive reuse of the campus.
The motion, which the board approved unanimously, gives staff authority to begin soliciting consultant proposals to support planning for the campus and associated buildings. Commissioners emphasized that the “Thurston County Regional Justice Center” label is a working title for funding and planning purposes and not a finalized name for any new facility.
County leadership praised the staff team for sustained work on the project. The county manager called the Hub “a fantastic service that the county provides,” and thanked staff and stakeholders for their engagement as the project advanced. Assistant County Manager Josh Cummings said, “I echo the statements of the county manager,” and described the move as a major next step after months of stakeholder meetings and coordination with judicial offices and federal delegation members.
Commissioners said they had received responses to prior questions and that remaining steps include developing a phased approach and contingency planning. Commissioner Claus asked staff to prepare a contingency plan in case costs rise or funding shortfalls arise during project phases so that operations in the existing superior court would not be left stranded.
The decision directs Central Services to move from feasibility into procurement of consulting services; staff indicated the RFQ will include scope for design, space planning and adaptive-reuse options. The board did not set a final project name or a detailed schedule in the motion. Staff noted future steps and funding requests will return to the board for approval.
The board moved on to other items and scheduled the regular business meeting for 2:00 p.m.
