‘Yelm is at a crossroads’: Police officer announces mayoral candidacy Dustin Stephan wants to fix city services, support local businesses

Yelm police officer and local business owner Dustin Stephan announced his mayoral candidacy for the City of Yelm Monday afternoon, April 7, joining a race that includes current mayor Joe DePinto and former mayor JW Foster.

“After a lot of thought, prayer and conversations with friends, family, and folks around town — I’ve officially decided to run for mayor of Yelm,” Stephan wrote on his new Facebook page titled Dustin Stephan - Candidate for City of Yelm Mayor.

“This isn’t about politics for me,” he wrote. “It’s about people. It’s about ensuring our city grows the right way, that our small businesses feel supported, and that our kids and families have a safe, welcoming place to thrive.”

According to his candidate website, Stephan has spent nearly two decades serving Washington, “first as a state trooper, now as a police officer right here in Yelm.”

“I’ve coached our kids’ teams, built a small business and volunteered with community nonprofits. I know how to bring folks together, even when they see things differently,” he said.

The Yelm Police Department hired Stephan in August 2023. He describes himself as a dad, coach, small business owner, and public servant, “not a politician.”

“Yelm is at a crossroads,” Stephan wrote on Facebook. “We’ve got incredible potential, but we’ve also got some real challenges.”

To address those challenges, Stephan has pledged to “make it easier for local businesses to succeed by cutting red tape and improving city coordination.” He plans to protect Yelm’s “small-town charm” with common-sense infrastructure solutions.

“Yelm is on the verge of more expansion and growth, and we are a small city that is about to take that next step into a medium-sized city,” Stephan told the Nisqually Valley News Monday afternoon. “I truly feel that everyone wants that small-town feel, but we can’t ignore the fact that growth is upon us.”

Stephan added that it is time for a change in thought process and leadership and fresh ideas. He said it’s important for the mayor to work with the city council and city administrators.

“Yelm is growing, and that brings both opportunity and challenge,” Stephan wrote on his candidate website. “We need leadership that listens, includes everyone and works with the council and city staff — not around them. That’s why I’m running for mayor: to unite our town around common goals, like fixing city services, supporting local businesses and making sure Yelm stays a safe, welcoming place for all.”

Stephan is the owner of Youth Athletics Recreation Development (YARD), a comprehensive athletic and academic training center, which, according to the YARD website, puts an “emphasis on the physical, mental, emotional and leadership development of young athletes and students.”

YARD Campus transitioned into a nonprofit organization in 2025. Stephan runs the business alongside his wife, teacher Michelle Stephan.

Dustin Stephan is currently asking for support for his campaign through online donations. He detailed his upcoming plans on Facebook.

“Over the next few months, I’ll be out in the community, listening and learning,” Stephan wrote. “I want to hear what matters to you — because this campaign isn’t just about me. It’s about all of us.”

“If you’re ready for a new kind of leadership — one that’s transparent, approachable and focused on getting things done — then I’d love your support.”

A primary election for the Yelm mayoral seat will be held on Aug. 5 to determine the top-two candidates. The general election will follow on Nov. 4.
Visit Dustin Stephan’s candidate website at https://dustin4mayor.com.