The Thurston County Board of Commissioners is expanding public comment opportunities during its business meetings to give residents more ways to speak up and be heard.
Starting Tuesday, June 17, community members will have more time and flexibility to share their thoughts with the addition of a second designated public comment period and increasing verbal public comment to a total of six minutes for each individual.
This six-month pilot will be revisited near the end of 2025 to assess its success and potential continuance.
There will be two public comment periods, one for agenda items near the start of the meeting related only to items listed on the meeting agenda followed by a general public comment period near the end of each meeting for broader feedback, concerns or follow-up on any topic not related to the agenda items.
Three minutes will be allotted per speaker per comment period, increasing the total speaking time to six minutes.
Comments must be directed to the full board, and while real-time responses are not provided, remarks are taken under advisement or may be referred to staff. The chair of the board retains the ability to adjust time allotments to ensure all voices are heard during high-turnout meetings.
The board’s formal business meetings are at 2 p.m. on the first and third Tuesdays of each month, and the fifth Tuesday when applicable.
