Tumwater had another fantastic National Night Out on Aug. 6. Hundreds of Tumwater community members in more than 10 neighborhoods headed outdoors to get to know their neighbors better and meet local dignitaries and City emergency services personnel.

Tumwater's Police and Fire departments, as well as Mayor Debbie Sullivan, visited events throughout the City. 

Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland, 10th District dropped by to join in the fun, and Tumwater Fire and Police once again took “second place” to the neighborhood splash squad in the annual water balloon toss, proudly accepting both their trophy and the dousing. 

Communities throughout the country have been celebrating National Night Out for nearly 50 years. National Night Out is a chance for families and first responders to come together in fun, safe environments to nurture relationships. This was so much fun, and Tumwater is such a great place to live!

To plan a National Night Out event in your neighborhood next year, email Dianne Powers.

A well-functioning transportation network is vital for safety, quality of life, and access to work, home, and school. Maintaining roads, sidewalks, and bike lanes is a key investment for the City of Tumwater. Tumwater's Transportation Benefit District (TBD) was formed in 2014, and in 2015, voters approved a two-tenths of one percent (0.2%) sales tax to support transportation improvements. This dedicated funding source makes it possible for the City to proactively repair and preserve roads before they deteriorate to a point that would require costly pavement replacement. Additionally, the taxes collected through the TBD have so far helped to secure $6 million in grants, often through matches with available funds. Learn more, and view annual reports of completed projects, on the City website.

Many agencies and individuals were involved in delivering this great project:

• Thurston Regional Planning Commission (TRPC) worked with our own staff and members of the Tumwater community to develop a plan for the Capitol Corridor. That research identified this intersection as being key to the long-term health and vitality of our community.

• Design consultant/firm SCJ Alliance helped flesh out the plans for reconfiguring the intersection.

• Transportation Improvement Board (TIB) provided generous funding of $9.8 million for the project.

• WSDOT worked closely with us to reconfigure the northbound side of the I-5 interchange at Trosper Rd.

• Active Construction Inc. (ACI) was awarded the contract and delivered the project in a timely, well-organized manner.

• We want to recognize our Transportation and Engineering Department and our Operations and Communications staff for fielding calls and emails along the way.  

• And we’re grateful to the Tumwater residents and businesspeople for their involvement in early planning for the project and for their patience and cooperation over the last 18 months.

Funding for Low- and Moderate- Income Residents.

The Washington Department of Commerce recently awarded the City of Tumwater grant funds amounting to $477,540 from their State Home Electrification and Appliance Rebate (HEAR) program.

This funding will make it possible for Tumwater residents to leverage federal, utility, and local incentives and rebates to help make their homes more efficient and less polluting. Equipment eligible for these rebates includes electric heat pump HVAC, electric heat pump hot water heaters, electric induction stoves/ranges, and electric panel upgrades as needed.

The Thurston Climate Mitigation Collaborative is in the process of developing a regional campaign/program to distribute these funds, inclusive of turn-key installations to be offered at no cost to low-income homeowners. This project is a great step towards making existing homes in Tumwater safer for individuals and the planet. Stay tuned for updates as the grant agreement moves through City Council approval and the program is launched in 2025.

Lodging Tax Grant Applications Due Aug. 30

Does your business or organization generate tourism in Tumwater? Do you host events or festivals that attract tourists to our community?

If you answered yes, the Lodging Tax Grants are here to help you! Funds can be used to pay for the operation of visitor and convention agencies or marketing and operating costs of special events and festivals designed to attract visitors.

Completed applications and budget materials must be submitted no later than 12 p.m. August 30, 2024. For more information, email Brittaney McClanahan or call (360) 754-4120.