In the first half of this episode, we sit down with Yvonne Knutson (Office of Financial Management) and Maurice Perigo (Department of Enterprise Services) to talk about how state offices are contracting all around Olympia and our region. Second, we visit with official Friend of the Podcast Mike Reid to go over how these office contractions will impact Olympia going into the future.Here is some additional reading:The Washington Standard (hey nice name, where’d you find it?): State looks to dump leased real estate as remote work leaves offices emptyThe Olympia Subreddit discussion on the above articleSenate State Government &amp; Elections work session on post COVID-19 office space needs (March 2023)

In the first half of this episode, we sit down with Yvonne Knutson (Office of Financial Management) and Maurice Perigo (Department of Enterprise Services) to talk about how state offices are contracting all around Olympia and our region. Second, we visit with official Friend of the Podcast Mike Reid to go over how these office contractions will impact Olympia going into the future.Here is some additional reading:The Washington Standard (hey nice name, where’d you find it?): <a href="https://washingtonstatestandard.com/2023/05/24/state-looks-to-dump-leased-real-estate-as-remote-work-leaves-offices-empty/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">State looks to dump leased real estate as remote work leaves offices empty</a><a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/olympia/comments/13rh3jt/state_looks_to_dump_leased_real_estate_as_remote/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Olympia Subreddit discussion on the above article</a><a href="https://tvw.org/video/senate-state-government-elections-2023031196/?eventID=2023031196" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Senate State Government &amp; Elections work session on post COVID-19 office space needs (March 2023)</a>

#99 Where are all the state offices going?

Today we’re doing our traditional Sine Die (end of the legislative sesssion) episode, but with a Housing Twist. The Olympia Standard sits down with Representative Jessica Bateman (D-Olympia) to talk about what Olympia got from the state legislature. But we specifically detour into the long-ish history of where the housing legislation that marked this year’s session came from. Hint: it came from Olympia.

Today we’re doing our traditional Sine Die (end of the legislative sesssion) episode, but with a Housing Twist. The Olympia Standard sits down with Representative Jessica Bateman (D-Olympia) to talk about what Olympia got from the state legislature. But we specifically detour into the long-ish history of where the housing legislation that marked this year’s session came from. Hint: it came from Olympia.

#98: Sine Die with a Housing Twist

The state legislature is about to act on statewide zoning reform that would adopt much the same policy that we’ve been passing in Olympia for years now. To take a look at our own history, and to talk about how it impacts the debate in the legislature, we sat down with Janae Huber with Olympians for People Orientated Places.  I also read a version of two essays that I’ve written on Olympia housing history, and how it relates to zoning reform and racial justice.

The state legislature is about to act on statewide zoning reform that would adopt much the same policy that we’ve been passing in Olympia for years now. To take a look at our own history, and to talk about how it impacts the debate in the legislature, we sat down with Janae Huber with Olympians for People Orientated Places. I also read a version of two essays that I’ve written on Olympia housing history, and how it relates to zoning reform and racial justice.

#97 Housing history in Olympia and setting the stage for the state legislature

This is a non-numbered, out of the ordinary episode of the Olympia Standard. Ken Balsley passed away last week, and I thought it would be okay to share a conversation I had with him on his podcast a few years back. Maybe a little dated, but I thought you might get a kick out of it. I often got a kick of of Ken, even though I often disagreed with him.You can download the episode here. Speaking of which, here are two posts I wrote last year where Ken and I severely disagreed, which I referenced in the episode. We should be able to rename Priest Point Park if we feel like it. And Squaxin Park makes perfect sense. In response to “In Defense of Priest Point Park”

This is a non-numbered, out of the ordinary episode of the Olympia Standard. Ken Balsley passed away last week, and I thought it would be okay to share a conversation I had with him on his podcast a few years back. Maybe a little dated, but I thought you might get a kick out of it. I often got a kick of of Ken, even though I often disagreed with him. <a href="https://archive.org/download/the-lacey-standard/The_Lacey_Standard.mp3" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">You can download the episode here.</a> Speaking of which, here are two posts I wrote last year where Ken and I severely disagreed, which I referenced in the episode. <a href="https://www.olympiatime.com/2022/03/we-should-be-able-to-rename-priest.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">We should be able to rename Priest Point Park if we feel like it. And Squaxin Park makes perfect sense.</a> <a href="https://www.olympiatime.com/2022/04/in-response-to-in-defense-of-priest.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">In response to “In Defense of Priest Point Park”</a>

The Lacey Standard

The Olympia School Board filled a vacancy in November by choosing Talauna Reed, a vocal activist and candidate for mayor last year city council last year. In this episode, we chat with just recently former school board President Maria Flores and recently appointed Reed. We talk about the school district’s response coming out of the COVID pandemic, the pivot towards equity and the appointment process. We last spoke with Maria in 2019 in Episode #49.You can download the episode here.

The Olympia School Board filled a vacancy in November by choosing Talauna Reed, a vocal activist and candidate for mayor last year city council last year. In this episode, we chat with just recently former school board President Maria Flores and recently appointed Reed. We talk about the school district’s response coming out of the COVID pandemic, the pivot towards equity and the appointment process. We last spoke with <a href="https://theolympiastandard.com/2019/10/17/os-49/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Maria in 2019 in Episode #49.</a><a href="https://archive.org/download/os-96/OS%2096.mp3" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">You can download the episode here.</a>

#96: Maria Flores, Talauna Reed and the Olympia School Board

As a community, we have been through a lot in the last three years economically. What path the city’s economic future will take will depend a lot on a new plan being developed by the city, Olympia Strong. We’re welcoming back Mike Reid and Amy Buckler, two verified friends of the podcast, to discuss the start up of Olympia Strong. You can refer back to two past episodes on the city’s economy with Mike (58 and 82). Amy previously appeared on an episode about Downtown.You can lend your voice to Olympia Strong now by filling out the city’s survey here. Download the episode here.

As a community, we have been through a lot in the last three years economically. What path the city’s economic future will take will depend a lot on a new plan being developed by the city, Olympia Strong. We’re welcoming back Mike Reid and Amy Buckler, two verified friends of the podcast, to discuss the start up of Olympia Strong. You can refer back to two past episodes on the city’s economy with Mike (<a href="https://theolympiastandard.com/2020/03/02/os-58/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">58</a> and <a href="https://theolympiastandard.com/2021/02/02/os-82/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">82</a>). Amy previously appeared on an episode about Downtown. You can lend your voice to Olympia Strong now by filling out the <a href="https://engage.olympiawa.gov/olympia-strong" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">city’s survey here</a>. <a href="https://archive.org/download/0-s-95/0S%2095.mp3" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Download the episode here.</a>

#95 Olympia Strong and building an economically resilient city

Between 1960 and 1980, Olympia and Thurston County went through a massive change. From a sleepy timber town with a state capitol building, Olympia grew (and continues) to grow by leaps and bounds. Compared to neighboring counties, Olympia has evolved into something new. And, the elements of what that newness came from is discussed by Don Martin and Anna Schlecht. They talk about OlyWA days of Change, an online community and book project about the history of Olympia between 1960 and 1980. Download the episode here.

Between 1960 and 1980, Olympia and Thurston County went through a massive change. From a sleepy timber town with a state capitol building, Olympia grew (and continues) to grow by leaps and bounds. Compared to neighboring counties, Olympia has evolved into something new. And, the elements of what that newness came from is discussed by Don Martin and Anna Schlecht. They talk about OlyWA days of Change, an online community and book project about the history of Olympia between 1960 and 1980. <a href="https://archive.org/download/os-94/OS%2094.mp3" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Download the episode here.</a>

#94 OlyWA Days of Change

We have a small election coming up, so here is your small-ish episode about what people in Olympia will have to vote on. We talk to one of the people behind the Inspire Olympia campaign, Mayor Cheryl Selby (a certified “friend of the podcast) about the goals behind the proposition to raise more funding for arts in Olympia.Download this episodeMore information at Inspire Olympia.I also want to apologize for the quality of the audio on this episode. It by no means the fault of our producer, Jemmy Joe. Emmett depends on dumb internet tools and had some real trouble with connecting for this episode.

We have a small election coming up, so here is your small-ish episode about what people in Olympia will have to vote on. We talk to one of the people behind the Inspire Olympia campaign, Mayor Cheryl Selby (a certified “friend of the podcast) about the goals behind the proposition to raise more funding for arts in Olympia.<a href="https://archive.org/download/os-93/OS%2093.mp3" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Download this episode</a>More information at <a href="https://www.inspireolympia.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Inspire Olympia.</a>I also want to apologize for the quality of the audio on this episode. It by no means the fault of our producer, Jemmy Joe. Emmett depends on dumb internet tools and had some real trouble with connecting for this episode.

#93: Inspire (the) Olympia (Standard)

Download the episodeWith a large right wing protest planned for the Capitol Campus this weekend (Saturday, March 5), it is a good time to check in with David Neiwert. David is the expert on far right militants in the Pacific Northwest. We talked to him in 2020, and this episode takes off where that one left off. He gives us an update on what has been going on with right wing militants and protest groups and what we can expect this weekend.Episode 66: Who are the people with gunsDavid Neiwert at Daily KosDavid is an author of several books, but my favorite remains “Death on the Fourth of July.”

<a href="https://archive.org/download/os-92/OS%2092.mp3?download=true" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Download the episode</a>With a large right wing protest planned for the Capitol Campus this weekend (Saturday, March 5), it is a good time to check in with David Neiwert. David is the expert on far right militants in the Pacific Northwest. We talked to him in 2020, and this episode takes off where that one left off. He gives us an update on what has been going on with right wing militants and protest groups and what we can expect this weekend.<a href="https://theolympiastandard.com/2020/06/29/os-66/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Episode 66: Who are the people with guns</a><a href="https://www.dailykos.com/blogs/David-Neiwert" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">David Neiwert at Daily Kos</a>David is an author of several books, but my favorite remains <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1438562.Death_on_the_Fourth_of_July" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">“Death on the Fourth of July.”</a>

#92: Update on right wing protests

Just over a month ago, a racial slur shouted at a River Ridge High School basketball player spread over social media, and then into the mainstream. This incident laid bare a series of similar incidents at Capital High School. We sat down with the organizers of a recent walk out to protest the official reaction to this and other incidents.You can learn more by watching their 20-minute documentary on the aftermath of the racist abuse, or follow their Instagram for updates.The student journalists at KOUGTV have also been doing a great job covering this story. Check out their archives for multiple interviews from students and administration.Download this episode

Just over a month ago, a racial slur shouted at a River Ridge High School basketball player spread over social media, and then into the mainstream. This incident laid bare a series of similar incidents at Capital High School. We sat down with the organizers of a recent walk out to protest the official reaction to this and other incidents.You can learn more by watching their <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2yO4SkIGepM&amp;ab_channel=OlympiaStudentNews" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">20-minute </a>documentary on the aftermath of the racist abuse, or follow their <a href="https://www.instagram.com/chsprotest2022/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Instagram for updates</a>.The student journalists at KOUGTV have also been doing a great job covering this story. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnM2bqXEPiQFMIE17TwRqcA" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Check out their archives</a> for multiple interviews from students and administration.<a href="https://archive.org/download/0-s-91-facing-racism-at-chs/0S%2091%20Facing%20Racism%20at%20CHS.mp3?download=true" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Download this episode</a>

#91: Facing Racism at Capital High School

If you are interested in the politics of Olympia Washington, this is the only podcasts you need!

Local politics galore!

I’m such a nerd for politics and policy and yet these people go into such a deep dive sometimes that I can only comprehend about 90% of what they’re talking about. I love that because I know I’m learning lots. EVERY local should be listening to this. Local government is where we have the most influence and we should be leveraging that as much as we can!

Another local favorite

The Olympia Standard

Kathy McCormick

We recorded our next episode with Kathy McCormick, retired planner turned housing activist. We talked about the history of growth management in our area, where we are lacking in achieving the goals of our comprehensive plan, and how the Missing Middle is an important piece of the housing puzzle. Download this episode

We recorded our next episode with Kathy McCormick, retired planner turned housing activist. We talked about the history of growth management in our area, where we are lacking in achieving the goals of our comprehensive plan, and how the Missing Middle is an important piece of the housing puzzle. <a href="http://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/http://static1.squarespace.com/static/54f4bbc9e4b020ae7ad6517f/t/5ae678bc6d2a739e98e898c6/1525054004405/OS+Housing+Activist.mp3/original/OS+Housing+Activist.mp3?download=true&amp;download=true" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Download this episode</a>

#13: Kathy McCormick and the Missing Middle

EGYHOP (Emma Goldman Youth and Homeless Outreach Project) has been around for over 20 years providing services to homeless people in downtown Olympia. As part of our series of perspectives on downtown, we interviewed Cassie as a volunteer with this organization. We talked about why they provide the services they offer, how downtown has changed over the years, and how we could respond to conflicting needs and interests. Download this episode

EGYHOP (Emma Goldman Youth and Homeless Outreach Project) has been around for over 20 years providing services to homeless people in downtown Olympia. As part of our series of perspectives on downtown, we interviewed Cassie as a volunteer with this organization. We talked about why they provide the services they offer, how downtown has changed over the years, and how we could respond to conflicting needs and interests. <a href="http://static1.squarespace.com/static/54f4bbc9e4b020ae7ad6517f/t/5ca18b03f9619accad69b5c1/1554091047223/.mp3/original/.mp3?download=true" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Download this episode</a>

#36: EGYHOP in Downtown Olympia

With measles outbreaks occurring in several counties in Washington state this year, we wondered: what would happen if we had an outbreak in Olympia? How vulnerable are we? How do new state laws impact school-age families, and what more needs to be done to support public health? To answer these questions, we interviewed Jeanie Knight, division director for Disease Control and Prevention for Thurston County, and Dr. Rachel Wood, the public health officer for Thurston and Lewis Counties. Tune in to learn more about the local landscape for vaccine preventable illnesses.  Download this episode For more in depth look at the numbers behind the statistics for local schools, check out this blog post. There are some upcoming clinics this August to help families be ready for the new school year under the new state requirements for the MMR vaccine. See this flyer for details!

With measles outbreaks occurring in several counties in Washington state this year, we wondered: what would happen if we had an outbreak in Olympia? How vulnerable are we? How do new state laws impact school-age families, and what more needs to be done to support public health? To answer these questions, we interviewed Jeanie Knight, division director for Disease Control and Prevention for Thurston County, and Dr. Rachel Wood, the public health officer for Thurston and Lewis Counties. Tune in to learn more about the local landscape for vaccine preventable illnesses. <a href="http://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/http://static1.squarespace.com/static/54f4bbc9e4b020ae7ad6517f/t/5d349c5bde51ea0001dde415/1563729315215/OS+42.mp3/original/OS+42.mp3?download=true" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Download this episode</a> For more in depth look at the numbers behind the statistics for local schools, <a href="http://www.olympiatime.com/2019/03/what-does-medical-exemption-from.html" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">check out this blog post</a>. There are some upcoming clinics this August to help families be ready for the new school year under the new state requirements for the MMR vaccine. <a href="https://theolympiastandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/2019-Back-to-School-Imm-Clinic-Flyer-English.pdf" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">See this flyer for details</a>!

#42: Vaccines and Public Health in Olympia

To wrap up our series on downtown Olympia, we invited two city employees who focus on downtown planning. Amy Buckler is the downtown programs manager and Max DeJarnatt is working on parking policy. We talked about how the city incorporates various perspectives into their planning efforts, the balancing act of addressing different needs, the vision for downtown, and what work remains. The city’s parking strategy will be adopted soon and can be found here. Download this episode here.

To wrap up our series on downtown Olympia, we invited two city employees who focus on downtown planning. Amy Buckler is the downtown programs manager and Max DeJarnatt is working on parking policy. We talked about how the city incorporates various perspectives into their planning efforts, the balancing act of addressing different needs, the vision for downtown, and what work remains. The city’s parking strategy will be adopted soon and can be found <a href="http://olympiawa.gov/city-services/parking/parking-strategy.aspx" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>. <a href="http://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/http://static1.squarespace.com/static/54f4bbc9e4b020ae7ad6517f/t/5cb402350d929797d5402172/1555301593685/OS+37.mp3/original/OS+37.mp3?download=true" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Download this episode here</a>.

#37: Downtown Olympia and City Government

On this episode, we explored the structure of city government, the reason we have the system we have, and what a different system looks like in a neighboring city. Olympia has a council-manager system of government, with a city manager to run the day-to-day operations of the city and a mayor that doesn’t have much more authority than the rest of city council. Tumwater has a mayor-council system, where the mayor has much more authority than the city council. We interviewed Holly Gadbaw, who served on the Olympia City Council for many years after it adopted the council-manager system, and Pete Kmet, the mayor of Tumwater. Download this episode

On this episode, we explored the structure of city government, the reason we have the system we have, and what a different system looks like in a neighboring city. Olympia has a council-manager system of government, with a city manager to run the day-to-day operations of the city and a mayor that doesn’t have much more authority than the rest of city council. Tumwater has a mayor-council system, where the mayor has much more authority than the city council. We interviewed Holly Gadbaw, who served on the Olympia City Council for many years after it adopted the council-manager system, and Pete Kmet, the mayor of Tumwater. <a href="http://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/http://static1.squarespace.com/static/54f4bbc9e4b020ae7ad6517f/t/5d200707397b46000191508b/1562380350335/OS+41.mp3/original/OS+41.mp3?download=true" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Download this episode</a>

#41: City Government Structure

In June 2018, the Opioid Response Task Force started to develop a plan to address the opioid crisis in the county. This plan was approved by the Thurston County Commissioners a year later. We sat down with Katie Strozyk, the opioid response coordinator, to learn about the goals and actions that are being implemented. Those who are interested in getting involved or learning more can check out the Opioid Response Task Force website. Download this episode

In June 2018, the Opioid Response Task Force started to develop a plan to address the opioid crisis in the county. This plan was approved by the Thurston County Commissioners a year later. We sat down with Katie Strozyk, the opioid response coordinator, to learn about the goals and actions that are being implemented. Those who are interested in getting involved or learning more can <a href="https://www.thurstoncountywa.gov/phss/Pages/opioid-response.aspx" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">check out the Opioid Response Task Force website</a>. <a href="http://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/https://static1.squarespace.com/static/54f4bbc9e4b020ae7ad6517f/t/5e2b87717365c400b3f17469/1579911258637/OS+56.mp3/original/OS+56.mp3?download=true" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Download this episode</a>

#56: Opioid Response

The Port of Olympia has new leadership and is undergoing a long-term visioning process. We spoke with Sam Gibboney, the new executive director, about the current status and future of the port. We talked about the nature of ports as local government institutions, what our local port does for the county, and what we can expect to see future. There is a critical seat up for election this year on the port commission, so we’d like our listeners to pay close attention to these issues! Download this episode

The Port of Olympia has new leadership and is undergoing a long-term visioning process. We spoke with Sam Gibboney, the new executive director, about the current status and future of the port. We talked about the nature of ports as local government institutions, what our local port does for the county, and what we can expect to see future. There is a critical seat up for election this year on the port commission, so we’d like our listeners to pay close attention to these issues! <a href="http://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/http://static1.squarespace.com/static/54f4bbc9e4b020ae7ad6517f/t/5d0d57f2a663010001684b85/1561155933051/OS+40.mp3/original/OS+40.mp3?download=true" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Download this episode</a>

#40: Port of Olympia Update

With all the talk about having a walkable, bikeable, transit-friendly city, what does it look like to get there? The city of Olympia is in the process of developing it’s very first Transportation Master Plan. To get a high level view of our local transportation system, the changing needs, and how we will be getting around in the future, we interviewed Thera Black. Thera is a former planner at the Thurston Regional Planning Council and now a local consultant on transportation systems. Download this episode

With all the talk about having a walkable, bikeable, transit-friendly city, what does it look like to get there? The city of Olympia is in the process of developing it’s very first <a href="https://olympiawa.maps.arcgis.com/apps/Cascade/index.html?appid=b7ccf1a87b0949258c939fcdd3f2ef80" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Transportation Master Plan</a>. To get a high level view of our local transportation system, the changing needs, and how we will be getting around in the future, we interviewed Thera Black. Thera is a former planner at the Thurston Regional Planning Council and now a local consultant on transportation systems. <a href="http://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/http://static1.squarespace.com/static/54f4bbc9e4b020ae7ad6517f/t/5ccfb4104785d3a010076a60/1557116568844/OS+38.mp3/original/OS+38.mp3?download=true" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Download this episode</a>

#38: The Future of Transportation

A new decade, a new census! Every ten years, the federal government completes a count of all the people living within the US borders. We interviewed Amy Hatch-Winecka and Sara Porter from the Thurston Regional Planning Council to learn about the on-the-ground efforts to count everyone in our area. These numbers make a difference in federal funding, political representation, community planning, and more. You can learn more about the region’s Complete Count Committee on the TRPC website. Download this episode

A new decade, a new census! Every ten years, the federal government completes a count of all the people living within the US borders. We interviewed Amy Hatch-Winecka and Sara Porter from the Thurston Regional Planning Council to learn about the on-the-ground efforts to count everyone in our area. These numbers make a difference in federal funding, political representation, community planning, and more. You can learn more about the region’s <a href="https://www.trpc.org/946/Census" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Complete Count Committee on the TRPC website</a>. <a href="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/https://static1.squarespace.com/static/54f4bbc9e4b020ae7ad6517f/t/5e4043582c1d2d7368291cba/1581270202237/OS+57.mp3/original/OS+57.mp3?download=true" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Download this episode</a>

#57: The 2020 Census

A few of the questions we received from our listeners for our 2020 agenda are about Olympia’s economy. We invited Mike Reid, the economic development director for Olympia, to talk about our economic profile, how our city could change over time, and those who are not yet being served by the economy. If you are curious where some of the numbers we talk about in this episode, check out the recent study on the economic ecosystem of Olympia. Download this episode

A few of the questions we received from our listeners for our 2020 agenda are about Olympia’s economy. We invited Mike Reid, the economic development director for Olympia, to talk about our economic profile, how our city could change over time, and those who are not yet being served by the economy. If you are curious where some of the numbers we talk about in this episode, check out the recent study on the <a href="https://olympia.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&amp;ID=8082344&amp;GUID=11139136-4336-4BB3-9CC6-D4CB1BD30626" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">economic ecosystem of Olympia</a>. <a href="http://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/https://static1.squarespace.com/static/54f4bbc9e4b020ae7ad6517f/t/5e5c2b94212d7f00cae7a8a1/1583099097121/OS+58+edit.mp3/original/OS+58+edit.mp3?download=true" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Download this episode</a>

#58: Economic Development

Local journalism is struggling to survive, including our own newspaper, The Olympian. This was true before the pandemic, and has intensified in the crisis. Yet communities rely on local reporting to stay abreast of issues, keep government accountable, and share the good news taking place with the people around them. To get some outside perspective, we interviewed Kristen Hare of the Poynter Institute and Tampa Bay Times, a journalist who covers journalism across the nation, to get some insight. How can we save local journalism in Olympia? Here are a few pointers from Poynter. Download this episode

Local journalism is struggling to survive, including our own newspaper, The Olympian. This was true before the pandemic, and has intensified in the crisis. Yet communities rely on local reporting to stay abreast of issues, keep government accountable, and share the good news taking place with the people around them. To get some outside perspective, we interviewed Kristen Hare of the Poynter Institute and Tampa Bay Times, a journalist who covers journalism across the nation, to get some insight. How can we save local journalism in Olympia? Here are a few pointers from Poynter. <a href="http://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/https://static1.squarespace.com/static/54f4bbc9e4b020ae7ad6517f/t/5ed3d58726df7f3a8018055a/1590941464535/OS+64.mp3/original/OS+64.mp3?download=true" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Download this episode</a>

#64: How to Save Local Journalism

Before COVID-19, many in Olympia were engrossed in the Outsiders podcast. This production from KNKX and The Seattle Times delved into the issue of homelessness, using Olympia as a case study. We spoke with Will James, a reporter at KNKX and producer of Outsiders. Why Olympia? What has the response to the podcast been? What are some of the biggest misconceptions about homelessness? And how do we create a home for people who are hard to keep in housing? These questions and more in this episode! Haven’t heard of Outsiders? You’re missing out! Check it out here. Download this episode

Before COVID-19, many in Olympia were engrossed in the Outsiders podcast. This production from KNKX and The Seattle Times delved into the issue of homelessness, using Olympia as a case study. We spoke with Will James, a reporter at KNKX and producer of Outsiders. Why Olympia? What has the response to the podcast been? What are some of the biggest misconceptions about homelessness? And how do we create a home for people who are hard to keep in housing? These questions and more in this episode! Haven’t heard of Outsiders? You’re missing out! <a href="https://www.knkx.org/programs/outsiders" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Check it out here</a>. <a href="http://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/https://static1.squarespace.com/static/54f4bbc9e4b020ae7ad6517f/t/5ec34f14f2ce0f1ab88601fc/1589858806365/OS+63.mp3/original/OS+63.mp3?download=true" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Download this episode</a>

#63: Will James and the Outsiders Podcast

Laurie Dolan

What did Olympia bring to the Legislature? And how will the state impact our lives in Olympia? Here is our annual update on the legislative session! This year we sat down with Representative Laurie Dolan to answer these questions, focusing on education, transportation, and reform for the formerly incarcerated. We also dove into the impacts of COVID-19 and the upcoming special session to address the crisis. Download this episode

What did Olympia bring to the Legislature? And how will the state impact our lives in Olympia? Here is our annual update on the legislative session! This year we sat down with Representative Laurie Dolan to answer these questions, focusing on education, transportation, and reform for the formerly incarcerated. We also dove into the impacts of COVID-19 and the upcoming special session to address the crisis. <a href="http://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/https://static1.squarespace.com/static/54f4bbc9e4b020ae7ad6517f/t/5eaeeeeafae0250e93f86519/1588523024105/OS+62.mp3/original/OS+62.mp3?download=true" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Download this episode</a>

#62: Legislative Update with Laurie Dolan

Over a month into a declared state of emergency, Thurston County health officials are working hard to respond to COVID-19. We spoke with Schelli Slaughter, the director of Thurston County Public Health and Social Services, about the response. When did she first realize that this was going to be a major threat to people in our area? How are we supporting those without a home during a “stay at home” order? Are we seeing disproportionate impacts in our community? When will this all end? For the most up-to-date information from Thurston County on COVID-19, this website is your resource. Download this episode

Over a month into a declared state of emergency, Thurston County health officials are working hard to respond to COVID-19. We spoke with Schelli Slaughter, the director of Thurston County Public Health and Social Services, about the response. When did she first realize that this was going to be a major threat to people in our area? How are we supporting those without a home during a “stay at home” order? Are we seeing disproportionate impacts in our community? When will this all end? For the most up-to-date information from Thurston County on COVID-19, <a href="https://www.thurstoncountywa.gov/phss/Pages/coronavirus.aspx" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">this website is your resource</a>. <a href="http://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/https://static1.squarespace.com/static/54f4bbc9e4b020ae7ad6517f/t/5e9a3eff7082092585ecabb9/1587167457198/OS+61.mp3/original/OS+61.mp3?download=true" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Download this episode</a>

#61: The County takes on a Pandemic

The past few weeks have turned life in Olympia on its head. In this episode, recorded remotely in our homes, we share some updates from our lives and our observations of the changes we have seen in the community and city government. We also talk about what issues we will be tracking as we move through this crisis. Stay home, stay healthy, Olympia! This will protect our community and essential workers who must venture out into the world. Download this episode

The past few weeks have turned life in Olympia on its head. In this episode, recorded remotely in our homes, we share some updates from our lives and our observations of the changes we have seen in the community and city government. We also talk about what issues we will be tracking as we move through this crisis. Stay home, stay healthy, Olympia! This will protect our community and essential workers who must venture out into the world. <a href="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/https://static1.squarespace.com/static/54f4bbc9e4b020ae7ad6517f/t/5e8164a4aff3dd2806fc9fb7/1585538783479/OS+60.mp3/original/OS+60.mp3?download=true" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Download this episode</a>

#60: COVID-19 Hits Olympia

What makes Olympia uniquely situated to support cooperatives? Maybe it’s because we’re home to the Northwest Cooperative Development Center, which supports the development of cooperative businesses and housing. We interviewed John McNamara and Miles Nowlin to learn about cooperatives in our area, the unique benefits of the cooperative model, and what support is available for people to start their own enterprise or community.  Download this episode

What makes Olympia uniquely situated to support cooperatives? Maybe it’s because we’re home to the Northwest Cooperative Development Center, which supports the development of cooperative businesses and housing. We interviewed John McNamara and Miles Nowlin to learn about cooperatives in our area, the unique benefits of the cooperative model, and what support is available for people to start their own enterprise or community. <a href="http://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/https://static1.squarespace.com/static/54f4bbc9e4b020ae7ad6517f/t/5e6c25d917858c7cc866d8f5/1584146082887/OS+59.mp3/original/OS+59.mp3?download=true" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Download this episode</a>

#59: Cooperative Business and Housing

What’s in the works for The Olympia Standard in the coming year? We asked our listeners to send us their ideas and questions on issues they’d like us to discuss. On this episode, we reviewed what was submitted and offered our thoughts on how we might approach them. We’re also exploring the idea of growing our team! Listen and see if this might be an opportunity that catches your interest. Download this episode

What’s in the works for The Olympia Standard in the coming year? We asked our listeners to send us their ideas and questions on issues they’d like us to discuss. On this episode, we reviewed what was submitted and offered our thoughts on how we might approach them. We’re also exploring the idea of growing our team! Listen and see if this might be an opportunity that catches your interest. <a href="http://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/https://static1.squarespace.com/static/54f4bbc9e4b020ae7ad6517f/t/5e1be7ade07fd33951fcb996/1578887461248/OS+55+edit+02.mp3/original/OS+55+edit+02.mp3?download=true" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Download this episode</a>

#55: Our 2020 Agenda

Steve Hall

Steve Hall worked for the city of Olympia for over 30 years, recently retiring as our city manager. When someone leaves a position of employment, exit interviews are conducted so that the organization learn from the employee’s experience. This episode is our exit interview with Steve. We talked about the arc of Olympia’s history during his time in a leadership position, how our city has changed over that time (or not), and his feedback for the community he served for three decades.  Download this episode

Steve Hall worked for the city of Olympia for over 30 years, recently retiring as our city manager. When someone leaves a position of employment, exit interviews are conducted so that the organization learn from the employee’s experience. This episode is our exit interview with Steve. We talked about the arc of Olympia’s history during his time in a leadership position, how our city has changed over that time (or not), and his feedback for the community he served for three decades. <a href="http://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/https://static1.squarespace.com/static/54f4bbc9e4b020ae7ad6517f/t/5e06a77d74877f00dbac7715/1577494682870/OS+54.mp3/original/OS+54.mp3?download=true" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Download this episode</a>

#54: Exit Interview with Steve Hall

This episode focuses on the response to the crisis of homelessness, both in the city and across the county. We interviewed Keylee Marineau, the county’s Homeless Prevention and Affordable Housing Coordinator, and Cary Retlin, the city’s Home Fund Manager. We talked about what we know (and don’t know) about people experiencing homelessness, the need for shelter beds and permanent supportive housing, and the county-wide plan to address this crisis.  Mentioned in this episode is a presentation by Ted Kelleher of the Department of Commerce, who identified the drivers of homelessness in Washington. Thurston County Homeless Crisis Response Plan 2019-2024Olympia’s Homeless Response Download this episode  https://theolympiastandard.com/feed/podcast/ 

This episode focuses on the response to the crisis of homelessness, both in the city and across the county. We interviewed Keylee Marineau, the county’s Homeless Prevention and Affordable Housing Coordinator, and Cary Retlin, the city’s Home Fund Manager. We talked about what we know (and don’t know) about people experiencing homelessness, the need for shelter beds and permanent supportive housing, and the county-wide plan to address this crisis. Mentioned in this episode is a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X8NUHqpPf-U&amp;fbclid=IwAR330hDuMTCmlAUwhu7So9AM7UHLpoab2kfOnTaPRYLhpegJdSd3q3_qkNI" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">presentation by Ted Kelleher of the Department of Commerce</a>, who identified the drivers of homelessness in Washington. <a href="https://www.thurstoncountywa.gov/bocc/boccdocuments/FINAL_Housing5YearPlan.pdf" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Thurston County Homeless Crisis Response Plan 2019-2024</a> <a href="https://engage.olympiawa.gov/homeless-response" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Olympia’s Homeless Response</a> <a href="http://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/https://static1.squarespace.com/static/54f4bbc9e4b020ae7ad6517f/t/5de45f83c9c3e5269411537b/1575248216953/OS+52.mp3/original/OS+52.mp3?download=true" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Download this episode</a> <a href="https://theolympiastandard.com/feed/podcast/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://theolympiastandard.com/feed/podcast/</a>

#53: Homelessness in the City and County

Publicly funded behavioral health, including treatment for mental health and substance use, is rapidly evolving. We interviewed Mark Freedman and Joe Avalos of the Thurston-Mason Behavioral Health Organization to learn about these changes and how they will impact our community. We talked about the work of the BHO and the gaps in the system, new directives from the Legislature, and the expansion of privatization. We also discuss the investigative reporting of the Seattle Times into US Healthvest, who just opened a new facility in Lacey:How private psychiatric hospitals keep voluntary patients from leaving How a company’s push to expand psychiatric care brought peril Download this episode  https://theolympiastandard.com/feed/podcast/ 

Publicly funded behavioral health, including treatment for mental health and substance use, is rapidly evolving. We interviewed Mark Freedman and Joe Avalos of the Thurston-Mason Behavioral Health Organization to learn about these changes and how they will impact our community. We talked about the work of the BHO and the gaps in the system, new directives from the Legislature, and the expansion of privatization. We also discuss the investigative reporting of the Seattle Times into US Healthvest, who just opened a new facility in Lacey: <a href="https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/times-watchdog/public-crisis-private-toll-free-to-check-in-but-not-to-leave-washington-mental-health-care/" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">How private psychiatric hospitals keep voluntary patients from leaving</a> <a href="https://projects.seattletimes.com/2019/public-crisis-private-toll-part1/" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">How a company’s push to expand psychiatric care brought peril</a> <a href="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/54f4bbc9e4b020ae7ad6517f/t/5de45f83c9c3e5269411537b/1575248216953/OS+52.mp3/original/OS+52.mp3?download=true" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Download this episode</a> <a href="https://theolympiastandard.com/feed/podcast/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://theolympiastandard.com/feed/podcast/</a>

#52: Behavioral Health

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