Jacob Dimond / jake@yelmonline.com
Yelm City Councilors looked to re-tool the city’s commissions and committees by confirming all four of Mayor Joe DePinto’s appointee recommendations during a meeting on Tuesday, May 26.
The four of DePinto’s appointments included Catie Holstein, Yelm Arts Commission; Amy Hutchins, Yelm Lodging Tax Advisory Committee; Jordan Werner, Yelm Parks Advisory Commission; and Riley Helean, Yelm Planning Commission. All four recommendations were unanimously approved by Yelm City Councilors, minus Tracey Wood — who was excused from the meeting.
According to Holstein’s application, which can be viewed in the Yelm City Council agenda packet from the meeting on Tuesday, May 26 meeting, she was interested in the commission position because she believes that art has the power to connect local residents, strengthen community identity and inspire creativity in everyday life.
Additionally, she wrote that she values public spaces and their potential to bring residents together. Holstein’s interested in how art can continue to enhance local shared environments and celebrate Yelm’s unique character.
“I see this as an opportunity to contribute to my community in a meaningful way — by supporting artists, creating space for creative expression and helping shape how art is woven into the fabric of our community,” Holstein wrote.
Holstein also wrote in her application that she works in the Yelm Community Garden and comes from a family of artists.
According to Hutchins’ application, she’s interested in serving on Yelm’s LTAC Committee because she recognizes the important role that tourism plays in supporting Yelm’s local economy, small businesses and the community.
Additionally, she’s the general manager of Yelm’s Prairie Hotel.
“Lodging tax is a powerful tool, and I am motivated by the opportunity to help ensure those funds are invested strategically to promote tourism and a meaningful economic impact,” Hutchins wrote. “Yelm is uniquely positioned to highlight its local events, outdoor recreation and small-town character. I believe the LTAC plays a very important role in recommending funding for events that not only attract visitors but also enhance community pride and long-term economic impacts.”
According to Werner’s application for Yelm’s Parks Advisory Committee, he possesses “extensive” management experience at Costco’s corporate office, and wrote that he’s able to “separate personal feelings and do what is right by the community.”
“I was born and raised in Washington, but I am new to Yelm. I want to be sure that Yelm remains a safe, active and community-focused town — especially as it is growing rapidly,” Werner wrote.
According to Helean’s application, he was interested in the position on the Yelm Planning Commission because of his want to contribute to the quality of life in a community that he has a strong and personal connection with.
“I am a lifelong resident who cares about how Yelm develops and wants to support thoughtful decision making that reflects community needs,” Helean wrote. “I also bring a background in urban planning and public policy, with experience in land use and stakeholder engagement, which I believe will be useful in this role.”
Additionally, Helean earned a degree in urban and regional planning — where he studied land use, transportation and community development while focusing on small towns and public spaces.
