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The Olympia City Council backed a pilot program on Aug.

25 that lets people experiencing homelessness use RVs as temporary housing on private property — permits are free and include safeguards like access to outside restrooms. The program will be reviewed over the next six to 12 months to decide if it should continue or change.

The Olympia School District raised wages for 36 non-represented employees by 2.6% for the 2026-27 school year starting Sept.

1, costing nearly $78,925. HR Director (Scott Niemann) said the increase uses state inflation funding with local levy support for added benefit costs.

CDC data shows rising COVID cases nationwide as summer nears its end while overall levels remain low.

Local health officials in Olympia are monitoring the trend as newly approved vaccines will soon be available at pharmacies and clinics.

Olympia School District added four principals, one assistant principal and a technical director at an Aug.

27 board meeting. Superintendent Patrick Murphy said the new hires will start the academic year on Sept. 3 (including Reeves and Lincoln Options) to boost student achievement (through fresh ideas).

The Olympia City Council designated Aug.

31 as International Overdose Awareness Day to boost harm reduction efforts and support recovery. Council members read the proclamation on Aug. 25 and reaffirmed the commitment to reduce stigma + promote equitable access to treatment.

Intercity Transit nearly completed installing 35 digital signs that use e-paper technology to show real+time bus arrivals at the Transit Center after increasing funds for change orders and renewing a cleaning contract with CW Janitorial Service to support daily maintenance.

Rear door bus pad improvements for Intercity Transit continue to impact downtown traffic until Friday, Sept.

4 as work extends daily hours from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. near 4th Avenue and Washington Street— the temporary bus stop has moved 105 ft west close to the US Bank building.

At a meeting on Wed, Aug.

26, the Olympia Site Review Committee outlined the permit process for the 260-acre Deschutes Estuary Restoration Project — a plan to improve habitat and bridges with design work and permits due by mid-2027. Construction may begin later that year.