It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Olympia, WA is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“Best dependable care organization”
“My experience with ABC has been very positive... we needed to change hours of coverage”
“This organization is amazing. We needed care for my dad and they provided support during”
“My name is Tracy, and I’ve been a caregiver with this company since 2017. One”
“I have been with Always Best Care for about 8 months. I couldn't be prouder”
“When searching for Elderly Care Service providers I found that Always Best Care has the”
“Loving & caring staff. Honored to know these caregivers and see them in action!”
“Great team, great clientele, available hours”
“The absolute best in home care services! Our family are so grateful for Phil, Deena”
“There is no better agency than Steve and his team. We went through 4 different”
“The greatest in home care ever!! The staff was very knowledgeable and very caring about”
“They were caring, and did a good job when we finally got the right person.”
“I felt confident that my mom was being taken care of and that she seemed”
“It takes some of the burden off of me. When I need schedule changes, such”
“The services are essential because they're always on time. I would recommend Always Best Care”
“The services have helped him the most by having no confusion about taking their pills.”
“They help with things that I can't do anymore. I like that they always have”
“I work for an assisted living community in Tacoma and often come across potential residents”
“They were proactive, nice, pleasant people. One thing I like about them is that they”
“I worked with Phil and Steve to try and find a memory care facility or”
“The agency can make my life easier by communicating more. I like this agency because”
“Best dependable care organization”
“My experience with ABC has been very positive... we needed to change hours of coverage and Eric was incredibly understanding and affected the changes exactly as requested... The care providers I've observed were very attentive to my Dad's needs...”
“This organization is amazing. We needed care for my dad and they provided support during an incredibly difficult time for our family. Silvia, Lucy and Michael were so kind and compassionate. We were able to adjust the care hours required very efficiently and had lots of support navigating these unfamiliar circumstances.”
“My name is Tracy, and I’ve been a caregiver with this company since 2017. One of the biggest reasons I’m still with this company is because the owners are very supportive and respectful to their employees. The management works well with employees schedules. The management is very dedicated to make sure all clients receive the very best care possible. I cannot recommend this company enough to work for!!”
“I have been with Always Best Care for about 8 months. I couldn't be prouder to represent this company . It's so great to work in an environment where the members of the team have a strong sense of camaraderie and a great work ethic. It's important to me to be able to trust my team members to always do their best because I do.”
“When searching for Elderly Care Service providers I found that Always Best Care has the passion to support the growing community of elders.”
“Loving & caring staff. Honored to know these caregivers and see them in action!”
“Great team, great clientele, available hours”
“The absolute best in home care services! Our family are so grateful for Phil, Deena and their entire home care team! We could not have cared for our mother at home without them!”
“There is no better agency than Steve and his team. We went through 4 different agencies until we found them and have thanked our lucky stars. Reliable, educated and experienced. They have our family’s best interest and heart in mind.”
“The greatest in home care ever!! The staff was very knowledgeable and very caring about our needs.”
“They were caring, and did a good job when we finally got the right person. They were caring, efficient and they did a good job.”
“I felt confident that my mom was being taken care of and that she seemed happy with the caregivers. As far as her life she was well fed, her physical hygiene was taken care of, and she had company. I'd recommend them because the caregivers were well trained and they showed a lot of care for my mother and they also kept the family informed.”
“It takes some of the burden off of me. When I need schedule changes, such as today with an early morning doctor's appointment, they easily change the schedule when we need. I already have. I like that they come and check and find out what our goals are, as well as working with the provider that comes to our home. They are well coordinated.”
“The services are essential because they're always on time. I would recommend Always Best Care because I like the people who they send. They're just outstanding.”
“The services have helped him the most by having no confusion about taking their pills. I want them to follow-up more often.”
“They help with things that I can't do anymore. I like that they always have someone for you.”
“I work for an assisted living community in Tacoma and often come across potential residents and their family members who use Always Best Care for in-home caregiving, as well as senior advising to find long term care placement. Phil and Steve are fantastic care partners, and great advocates for seniors in our area!”
“They were proactive, nice, pleasant people. One thing I like about them is that they are very nice and professional, easy to work with.”
“I worked with Phil and Steve to try and find a memory care facility or possibly an adult family home for my mom who was in late stage Altzheimers disease. They were both so caring, empathetic, understanding and patient with us during the most difficult time for our family. Ultimately we were unable to move mom, but I never felt any frustration or impatience from them, only the utmost care and concern. I would recommend this place to anyone trying to find a care facility or home for a loved one.”
“The agency can make my life easier by communicating more. I like this agency because they are prompt.”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Olympia, WA, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Olympia, WA understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Olympia, WA 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
On Tuesday, March 25, the National Weather Service’s Storm Prediction Center upgraded the likelihood that the thunderstorm approaching western Washington will become severe.“As of this morning, the Storm Prediction Center in Oklahoma upgraded a good chunk of Puget Sound – basically from the Everett area down through Olympia and into the southwest...
On Tuesday, March 25, the National Weather Service’s Storm Prediction Center upgraded the likelihood that the thunderstorm approaching western Washington will become severe.
“As of this morning, the Storm Prediction Center in Oklahoma upgraded a good chunk of Puget Sound – basically from the Everett area down through Olympia and into the southwest interior of Washington – into the slight risk category of severe weather,” Maddie Kristell, a meteorologist with NWS Seattle, told McClatchy in a phone call.
Perhaps more notably, the warning claimed that the storm “may produce large hail, a brief tornado, and locally strong gusts.”
“They’ve also, in the same area of the slight, got a 2% to 4% chance of a tornado as well,” Kristell said. “So it’s, on paper, a small likelihood, with the primary threats being more aligned with hail and strong thunderstorm wind gusts, we certainly can’t rule out rotation or spin up.”
Tornadoes are rare in Washington, but they do happen occasionally. The Washington Emergency Management Division estimates that there are around two tornadoes in the state each year.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the state has seen 64 tornadoes since 2000, although 49 of those registered at EF0, the lowest level on the tornado magnitude scale. 13 reached EF1 and one reached EF2 on the one through five scale, while one was unspecified.
There have been 4 in Benton County. In western Washington they’re even less common. Thurston County has seen 4 tornadoes since 2000, most recently in 2019. Pierce County has seen five this century, but none since 2015. Snohomish County has had three, while King and Whatcom Counties have had one each.
So how rare are weather warnings that come with the chance of a tornado in Washington? Kristell said that this is the first time the Storm Prediction Center has upgraded a Washington storm to the slight risk category since the late 2010s.
“I believe the last one that was a similar analog to this may have been 2017,” Kristell said. “So it’s definitely not something that we see every season, every year.”
More often, NWS Seattle will issue a tornado warning. However, that only occurs when signs of a tornado have been reported or forecasting indicates one is imminent. According to Washington state’s Emergency Management Division, it’s difficult to detect tornadoes in advance in Washington due to the mountainous terrain, and they often form with little to no warning.
“The last time we issued a tornado warning here at the Seattle office was this past November. It was shortly after the bomb cyclone and wind event,” Kristell said.
Kristell said that NWS Seattle has issued 14 tornado warnings for western Washington in the past 20 years, the majority of those have been along the state’s Pacific coast.
After the upgrade to the “slight risk” category, the odds of western Washington seeing a tornado remain low. However, while a tornado isn’t likely, Kristell said that the low pressure system causing the storm has the potential to behave in an unpredictable way.
“We’ve got a low pressure system offshore and it’s tilted negatively,” Kristell said. “So it’s kind of not standing straight up, but tilted more in an east-west direction, and that makes an environment that’s more favorable for storms to develop, and in this case, become more likely to be severe.”
In the event that a tornado does hit, EMD recommends that you take these steps:
EMD recommends going to the lowest floor of the building you’re in, ideally a basement, and finding a closet or a small room with sturdy walls.
If you’re in a car when a tornado is nearby, EMD recommends that you leave and try to get indoors. If you can’t, you should find a ditch, lie flat and cover your head.
This story was originally published March 25, 2025 at 2:06 PM.
DS
The Bellingham Herald
Daniel Schrager is the service journalism reporter at the Bellingham Herald. He joined the Herald in February of 2024 after graduating from Rice University in 2023.
Tacoma-based housing developer Pacific Lifestyle Homes has plans to build 39 market-rate homes on a 7-acre property in northeast Olympia known as Springwood Gardens.But nearby residents are speaking out against the proposed neighborhood expansion with concerns about increased traffic, as well as wetland and natural habitat loss.Jackson Ewing, associate planner with the City of Olympia, led a meeting March 19 to share information about the project with the community. The property is located at 1609 Springwood Ave. NE, east of Be...
Tacoma-based housing developer Pacific Lifestyle Homes has plans to build 39 market-rate homes on a 7-acre property in northeast Olympia known as Springwood Gardens.
But nearby residents are speaking out against the proposed neighborhood expansion with concerns about increased traffic, as well as wetland and natural habitat loss.
Jackson Ewing, associate planner with the City of Olympia, led a meeting March 19 to share information about the project with the community. The property is located at 1609 Springwood Ave. NE, east of Bethel Street.
Ewing said the area is zoned as residential and can accommodate four to eight dwelling units per acre. The plan proposes a density of 5.2 units per acre. The allowed uses are single family homes, townhomes, and up to a fourplex. The height limit in the area is 35 feet for structures.
Only single-family homes are being proposed by the developer.
Two north-south roads reach nearly to Springwood from the south, Marion and Central streets, with access to the site from Marion. Matt Weber, civil engineer with firm AHBL, said the city has requested that both Marion and Central streets be extended up to Springwood. The city’s transportation plan identifies Marion Street as being a future extended neighborhood collector, or street that sees mainly traffic generated by those who live in that neighborhood.
The property was formerly labeled farmland and has an existing house and multiple outbuildings on it. Ewing said they’ll be demolished as part of the project.
He said the city is aware of a wetland that’s to the southwest of the site. He said there’s an existing wetland buffer that extends into the corner of the proposed project area.
There’s a proposed storm pond for the neighborhood, and there’s a number of planned roadway improvements, including widening the roads and adding new curbs, sidewalks, street trees, and vegetation.
Weber said there’s a 70-inch diameter Redwood tree on the property as well as a number of other smaller trees the developer plans to preserve.
Weber said staff have been working with the Olympia School District on safe walking routes for students. The property is east of Reeves Middle School, and Weber said the district already has some designated safe walking routes in the area.
Tiffany King, senior engineering plans examiner, helped Weber field questions from residents concerned about the project.
Shauna and Kyle Good live near the Springwood property. Shauna Good said traffic is already pretty heavy down Marion Street, and she wondered if any traffic calming measures would be put in.
King said traffic calming measures haven’t been considered yet, but they might once the project reaches the Public Works department.
Debbie Arnold said she’s lived in the neighborhood for 35 years. She said years ago she tried to purchase the Springwood land, but the city told her there were too many wetlands on it to be developmed. She wondered what changed their minds.
Weber said city staff will likely be conducting site visits over the next few weeks, and any more information about potential wetlands in the area would be appreciated.
Arnold echoed comments about Marion Street’s current traffic situation. She said she once watched a little girl get hit by a vehicle and knocked into a nearby culvert.
“I have put cones out here in the middle of the road. I have put a sign up. I have contacted the City of Olympia saying how concerned I am,” she said. “There are children everywhere.”
Arnold said if approved, 330 more vehicles would travel through the connected road on a daily basis. Weber said the hope is having more connected streets will alleviate traffic concerns.
A number of residents raised concerns about wildlife, plants and trees located on the property that would disappear with development. Ellis Creek extends from Ellis Cove to a small lake known as Setchfield Lake on the east side of the Springwood property.
Weber said he understands concerns about the natural environment in the area, but if the project meets city code and ordinances, they can’t say no.
King said the city has an obligation to approve projects that meet code and to deny the ones that don’t. She said the applicant team in this situation had an investment-backed expectation when they bought the property, and so the city isn’t allowed by law to say they can’t build if they meet code.
“Environmental protection is very important to Olympia,” she said. “A lot of people have said that, and the way that we get there is through our codes and ordinances, such as the critical area ordinance.”
She said the best way for residents to voice their concerns regarding more homes in their neighborhood would be through the city’s Comprehensive Plan updating effort. She said that’s where the city’s growth strategy is developed.
“This project, however, is vested in the comprehensive plan of today and the zoning code of today,” King said. “And the hearing examiner will have a public hearing on this project. But he says regularly, it’s not a popularity contest. It’s really a fact-finding mission to determine if it does or doesn’t meet code.”
Ewing said the developer has already participated in a pre-submission conference and an intake meeting.
Following receiving comments from the community, city staff will review the application for compliance with city codes related to zoning, stormwater, traffic, fire building codes, urban forestry and critical areas such as wetlands and streams. He said an environmental review determination is required for this project and is in process.
Later, there will be a public hearing through the city’s Hearing Examiner. The developer would have to acquire permits to build houses and streets.
An official public comment period will end April 7, but Ewing said the city will continue taking written comments up until a potential hearing is scheduled with the Hearing Examiner. You can submit comments to Ewing at [email protected]. He said there will be an email notice sent to anyone that contacts him and becomes a party of record for this project.
Weber said the preliminary plat process should be completed in 2025 and then the developer would break ground in 2026. Home construction would begin in late 2026 and continue into 2027.
The Olympian
Ty Vinson covers the City of Olympia and keeps tabs on Tumwater and other communities in Thurston County. He joined The Olympian in 2021. Before that, he earned his bachelor’s degree in journalism at Indiana University. In college, he worked as an intern at the Northwest Indiana Times, the Oregonian and the Arizona Republic as a Pulliam Fellow.
How gas prices have changed in Olympia in the last week Gasoline prices have increased by just a few cents compared to this time last month, but the cost to fill up the tank has declined by nearly 40 cents per gallon since last year. The national average fuel price is about $3.16, with Lubbock, Texas, seeing the cheapest metro-area prices at $2.62 and Lihue, Hawaii, with the most expensive at $5.12.After a monthlong pause on tariffs on Canadian and Mexican imports, the Trump administration proceeded at the beginning of March...
Gasoline prices have increased by just a few cents compared to this time last month, but the cost to fill up the tank has declined by nearly 40 cents per gallon since last year. The national average fuel price is about $3.16, with Lubbock, Texas, seeing the cheapest metro-area prices at $2.62 and Lihue, Hawaii, with the most expensive at $5.12.
After a monthlong pause on tariffs on Canadian and Mexican imports, the Trump administration proceeded at the beginning of March to impose 25% tariffs on the two neighboring nations, including a limited 10% tariff on Canadian energy. However, on March 6, the president announced a pause on tariffs until April 2.
GasBuddy projects states in the Northeast could see the most significant spike in fuel prices as a result of potential tariffs, possibly by 20 to 40 cents per gallon, as this region relies heavily on Canada's New Brunswick refinery.
Meanwhile, by April, gas prices may decrease as a result of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries' plans to boost crude production. This increased output, however, is just one of several factors influencing prices in the month ahead.
"While OPEC has signaled its intent to stabilize the market, policy decisions from the White House could introduce further uncertainty, making it difficult to predict where prices will head next," GasBuddy analyst Patrick De Haan said in a statement this month. "However, nearly every year sees a seasonal spring increase, which could eventually push prices higher ahead of summer."
Stacker compiled statistics on gas prices in Olympia, WA metro area using data from AAA. Gas prices are current as of March 27.
Olympia by the numbers - Gas current price: $4.16 --- Washington average: $4.13 - Week change: -$0.00 (-0.0%) - Year change: -$0.36 (-7.9%) - Historical expensive gas price: $5.57 (6/13/22)
- Diesel current price: $4.60 - Week change: +$0.02 (+0.3%) - Year change: -$0.24 (-4.9%) - Historical expensive diesel price: $6.53 (6/30/22)
Metros with the most expensive gas #1. Lihue (Kauai), HI: $5.12 #2. Santa Rosa, CA: $4.92 #3. Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA: $4.90
Metros with the least expensive gas #1. Lubbock, TX: $2.62 #2. Laredo, TX: $2.64 #3. Gadsden, AL: $2.65
This story features writing by Tim Bruns and is part of a series utilizing data automation across 371 metros.
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Dear friends and neighbors,We’re nearing the halfway point of the 2025 session, and the pace is picking up in Olympia. It’s a busy time, but an important one, as we work to move meaningful legislation forward. With our seventh week coming to a close, I’m eager to share some important information with you.ADDRESSING WASHINGTON’S HOUSING CRISISAs housing costs continue to rise, too many families are struggling to find and keep a home. This session, the Legislature is considering severa...
Dear friends and neighbors,
We’re nearing the halfway point of the 2025 session, and the pace is picking up in Olympia. It’s a busy time, but an important one, as we work to move meaningful legislation forward. With our seventh week coming to a close, I’m eager to share some important information with you.
ADDRESSING WASHINGTON’S HOUSING CRISIS
As housing costs continue to rise, too many families are struggling to find and keep a home. This session, the Legislature is considering several proposals to lower housing costs, expand homeownership, and strengthen tenant protections.
Here are some of the key bills under consideration:
Modernizing parking to lower housing costs — Outdated parking mandates drive up construction costs and limit housing supply. Senate Bill 5184 caps minimum parking requirements, removes mandates near transit, and gives developers more flexibility — helping lower costs and encouraging walkable communities.
Holding local governments accountable — Cities and counties play a crucial role in meeting housing needs. Senate Bill 5148 ensures local governments follow state housing laws by enabling the Department of Commerce to review local regulations that will help the state meet its need for 1 million new homes by 2044.
Limiting corporate control of single-family homes — Large investment firms are buying up single-family homes, outbidding families. Senate Bill 5496 stops companies that already own 50+ homes from purchasing more and establishes a registry to track corporate ownership, protecting homeownership opportunities for Washington families.
Stabilizing rent increases — Rent hikes are making it harder for families to stay in their homes. House Bill 1217 caps rent increases at 7% annually, requires 180 days’ notice for increases over 3%, limits move-in fees, and lets tenants break leases without penalty if rent exceeds legal limits.
These bills are still making their way through the Legislature, but I remain committed to finding real solutions to Washington’s housing crisis — because everyone deserves a stable, affordable place to call home.
FISCAL CUTOFF
Today is what’s known as “fiscal cutoff” in the Legislature. This means all bills with a significant fiscal impact must move out of the Senate Ways & Means Committee by the end of the day in order to continue moving through the process. It also means we will start spending more of our time on the Senate floor passing the bills still in play.
The Ways & Means Committee has spent the last several days, including today, hearing dozens of bills and deciding which ones to advance. Each decision reflects careful consideration of the bill’s impact, priorities, and the resources available to move Washington forward.
WHAT WE’RE HEARING FROM YOU
Many of you have shared your thoughts on Senate Bill 5592, which addresses manufacturers and vehicle dealers. Although it didn’t pass out of committee before last week’s policy cutoff, I wanted to explain its intent.
As more Washingtonians adopt electric vehicles, the need for a fair auto market has become clear. This bill aimed to let all electric vehicle manufacturers sell directly to consumers. Currently, only one automaker can bypass franchise laws. This bill would have updated Washington’s auto sales system, improving access to clean-energy vehicles.
Though the bill isn’t moving forward this year, my colleagues and I remain dedicated to creating a fair auto market and ensuring equal opportunities for all electric vehicle manufacturers.
STAY IN TOUCH
Staying connected with the people I represent is one of the most important parts of this job. Your insights and feedback help shape the work we do in Olympia, and I value the conversations we have — whether it’s over email, on the phone, or in person. I encourage you to keep reaching out, following along for updates, and staying engaged.
Sincerely,
June Robinson
Olympia, WA (March 31, 2025) – Late Sunday night, emergency responders rushed to the scene of a single-vehicle crash in the 4200 block of Old Military Rd in Olympia. The driver sustained injuries and was treated by medics at the scene.The incident occurred around 11:56 p.m., prompting a response from local fire and emergency medical services. First responders assessed the scene and provided care to the injured driver, who was later transported for further evaluation. The extent of the injuries has not been made public at ...
Olympia, WA (March 31, 2025) – Late Sunday night, emergency responders rushed to the scene of a single-vehicle crash in the 4200 block of Old Military Rd in Olympia. The driver sustained injuries and was treated by medics at the scene.
The incident occurred around 11:56 p.m., prompting a response from local fire and emergency medical services. First responders assessed the scene and provided care to the injured driver, who was later transported for further evaluation. The extent of the injuries has not been made public at this time.
Details regarding the cause of the crash remain limited. Authorities are continuing to investigate what may have led to the incident, including whether speed, impairment, or roadway conditions played a role. No other vehicles were reported to be involved, and no additional injuries were noted.
Old Military Rd remained passable following the incident, though traffic may have experienced temporary delays as emergency crews worked to assist the driver and clear the area.
We extend our best wishes to the injured driver for a full and speedy recovery.
Sunday night’s crash on Old Military Rd adds to the growing number of single-vehicle accidents seen across Washington’s roadways, particularly in less-populated or dimly lit areas. These types of incidents can be just as serious as multi-vehicle crashes, especially when they occur late at night or on rural roads where visibility is limited and help may take longer to arrive.
Crashes involving only one vehicle often result from a combination of factors such as driver fatigue, distraction, impaired driving, or poor road conditions. In this case, the late hour and location on Old Military Rd may have contributed to the accident. Emergency response played a critical role in ensuring the driver received timely medical attention.
What makes single-vehicle crashes especially concerning is that the driver often bears the brunt of the impact, both physically and emotionally. Injuries from such accidents can require hospitalization, rehabilitation, and ongoing medical care. The recovery journey can also come with questions about insurance coverage and financial responsibility—issues that may be difficult to navigate alone.
Local roads like Old Military Rd present unique challenges, including sharp curves, wildlife crossings, and limited street lighting. These environmental elements, combined with the unpredictability of night driving, underscore the importance of community education and roadway safety improvements.
For those affected, having access to trustworthy resources and support can make all the difference in recovery. Whether dealing with medical bills, missed work, or uncertainty about what steps to take next, knowing where to turn for help is crucial.
If you or someone close to you was involved in this accident, don’t hesitate to seek the support you need. Local Accident Reports is here to provide clear, compassionate guidance every step of the way.
When you’ve been hurt in a crash, the aftermath can be confusing and stressful. At Local Accident Reports, we help connect injured individuals with the support and information they need—from medical guidance to legal help. Our team is dedicated to making sure you understand your rights and options. Contact us today to take the next step toward recovery with confidence.
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