The Thurston County Regional Housing Council unanimously recommended the countyÕs final 2025–2030 homeless housing plan to the Board of County Commissioners on Nov. 12, moving the draft one step closer to submission to the Washington State Department of Commerce.

Jackie Velasco, who led the presentation of the draft, said the plan is the result of sustained outreach. “We did post the plans for 30 days for public comment. We got 8 written responses and we held a public hearing with the Board of County Commissioners on Oct. 21,” she said, noting one person participated both in writing and orally.

Jackie and staff said most public feedback focused on whether the plan prioritized funding for services versus building additional affordable housing; staff added clarifying tasks and an appendix to address housing stock concerns and incorporated new tasks for year‑round outreach and medical respite. Tom Water, who coordinated staff updates, said some language was adjusted to improve transparency and accountability.

Carolyn Cox moved that the council recommend the five‑year homeless response plan as presented; Robert Interpol seconded the motion. The chair called for a voice vote and the motion carried unanimously.

The councilÕs recommendation is advisory; the Board of County Commissioners will take the plan up for final approval before the county forwards it to the Department of Commerce. Staff said they will provide the BOCC with the public‑comment summary and the plan appendices that document changes made in response to feedback.

The council flagged implementation items for follow up, including monitoring outreach efforts and evaluating needed resources for year‑round engagement with people experiencing unsheltered homelessness. The council will revisit operational and funding questions as the BOCC considers final adoption.