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Olympia City Council on Tuesday, Oct.

27 issued a proclamation marking the 40th anniversary of Ordinance 4692, the 1986 law that banned discrimination against gay and lesbian people in city services and employment. Mayor Dontae Payne and longtime organizer Anna Schlecht praised past advocates and urged continued local protections.

OSD has launched an OSD Long Term Planning web page answering questions about proposed school closures, consolidation, enrollment, and planning (sections: Enrollment, Funding & Why We’re Planning; Options, Evaluations & Decision-Making; Students, Staff, Facilities & Transitions).

Superintendent Patrick Murphy referenced the page at the Oct. 22 board meeting, and the board is expected to decide next month.

Olympia School District is considering a community schools model to make neighborhood schools hubs offering integrated services like after-school programs, school-based health clinics, and family supports; the board may form a Citizens Advisory Committee starting in November (a 120-day process that could extend into March 2027).

Madison Elementary School held its final public hearing on Oct.

19 so families, students, and staff could express worries over closing three schools, and Superintendent Patrick Murphy will answer board questions today + a board vote is set for November.

Gov. Ferguson's office nominated four Thurston County tracts for federal Opportunity Zone designation, including Olympia's Capital Mall area, a Tumwater tract with city hall and Lacey's Midtown District.

The U.S. Treasury reviews the nominations until Nov. 27 & if approved, the designations take effect Jan. 1, 2027.

Washington Center for the Performing Arts reported a clean audit at an Olympia Finance Committee meeting on Oct.

19 and announced upgrades including marquee lighting fixes, new carpeting, and green room improvements while allocating funds for operating reserves, technology, and community programming amid reduced lodging tax revenue.

Residents and school staff questioned the proposal to close LP Brown Elementary during a public hearing on Oct.

15 at the school — many emphasized that consolidating classes could disrupt learning and support for economically disadvantaged students.

Community members shared concerns at McKenny Elementary’s public hearings on Monday, Oct.

12 and Thursday, Oct. 15, urging the board not to close the school that houses over 300 students; officials said they will consider the input before a final decision in November.