The Update With Commissioner Mejia

E-Newsletter #1 - June 1, 2021
Covid-19 Clinic at Good Shepard, May 2021
COVID-19 Update
Since taking office in January, one of my main priorities has been our response to the Covid-19 pandemic and vaccine distribution. I am happy to report since taking office, positive cases are down, schools are returning to in-person learning, and vaccinations are widely available for anyone able to receive one.

On May 13, Governor Inslee announced Washington State is on track to fully reopen our economy by June 30. This would mean businesses and public spaces would be allowed to return to 100 percent capacity, with no masking or social distancing required. This announcement came right after the Centers for Disease Control announced fully vaccinated people could go without masks indoors. Gov. Inslee also announced Washington State could reopen sooner if 70 percent or more of Washingtonians over the age of 16 have at least initiated one dose of the Covid-19 vaccine. Gov. Inslee also warns that if the statewide Intensive Care Unit capacity reaches 90%, restrictions would be implemented again to save lives.

While we are extremely excited about these announcements, we still need to be cautious. Fully vaccinated employees do not have to wear a mask or socially distance at work, unless their employer or local public health agency still requires it. Thurston County's Public Health Officer sent a letter to the community on May 26th, updating our masking guidelines: "I ask all of you to exercise caution and continue masking in public indoor spaces, even if you are fully vaccinated, until at least 70% of our community is fully vaccinated. Unvaccinated people MUST continue to wear a mask."

This pandemic will not end on June 30, and even if we reopen, there will still be a lot of work to recover from the impact to our economy and loss of life our community has experienced. The only way for this pandemic to fully end is by everyone doing their part and getting vaccinated, if you are able. It is extremely important to do this to stop the spread of Covid-19 and protect your loved ones. If you or anyone you know is interested in getting vaccinated, please visit https://vaccinelocator.doh.wa.gov/

We also desperately need volunteers for our Covid-19 vaccine clinics. Sign up to volunteer for a shifts here: https://signup.com/group/11869865007685880125.
In May, I attended a vaccination clinic event, where I volunteered with other community members and public health staff, pictured above. Sign up to be notified of future clinics is here: www.unitedway-thurston.org/covid19.

If anyone is interested in providing public comment to the Board of Health, you can go here for more information: https://www.thurstoncountywa.gov/bocc/Pages/agendas.aspx. Board of Health (BOH) Meetings are held every 2nd Tuesday at 3:30 p.m., and the 1st and 2nd Tuesday at 9:00 a.m. unless otherwise noted at the link above.
May 2021 Updates
Public Works Week: The Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) proclaimed the third week of May as Public Works Appreciation week! I am excited to honor all our employees who work to keep our roads maintained, respond during emergencies, remove waste, and beautify the county.

National Police Week: We proclaimed May 9 through May 15 as National Police Week, in honor of the men and women who put their lives on the line to keep our community safe. We also proclaimed May 2021 as Military Appreciation Month.

Thurston County Coalition Against Trafficking: Earlier in the month of May, I attended the Thurston County Coalition Against Trafficking Pop-up Event. I got a mask and a t-shirt to support them. Please visit their website if you would like to learn more about their wonderful work in the community: traffickingprevention.org/cats

BoCC Discussion Points: Some of the big topics of discussion for the BoCC during the month of May has been budget items, the Atrium, and the request for proposals by the Regional Housing Council. We made it through our first Budget Amendment Cycle of 2021, and included is new funding for the Blake decision (which changed the criminal status of possession of controlled substances), support for a 9th Superior Court Judge, and many other updates. The Atrium is a new building, located at 3000 Pacific Ave., the BOCC is thinking of leasing to support county government space needs. We have held several meetings with Elected Officials and Department Directors to gather input on this possible solution. The Regional Housing Council sent out a request for proposals at the beginning of May, soliciting programs which will provide an increased social safety net for families and individuals in our community.
The Thurston County Board of Commissioners meeting for May 18, 2021.












Thurston County Coalition Against Trafficking
Pop-Up Event, May 2021.
Gophers are one of the many animals covered under the Endangered Species Act.












Survey Results Document, presented to the BoCC in April 2021.
Economic Development
Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) – we know many of you have been asking about this. Like you, we are also anxiously waiting for the decision from US Fish and Wildlife. As we go through this process, we were asking ourselves this question: How would a county-led HCP change the costs associated with developing land?

The HCP reduces the overall cost of the Endangered Species Act compliance for most landowners, helps make parcels financially feasible to develop and has the potential to increase development (compared to status quo).

The HCP could impact assessed value in aggregate land base and associated property tax collections over a 30-year permit term. The HCP makes development on average more feasible and more likely to occur on sites with covered species habitat- all else is equal- therefore higher total property and sales tax collections.

The implementation of the HCP could change the trajectory of the local economy through higher feasibility and greater likelihood of development. This outcome would also bring additional employment opportunities and produce other greater effects on economic activity that improve quality of life.

We also have results for the CPED Agriculture Survey which will inform a project on the 2020-2021 Comprehensive Plan Amendment Docket - the Community-Driven Review of Agriculture Policies and Programs. Some of the results of the survey were: help farmers find new markets, zone more land as agricultural land, expand open space tax program for smaller farmers. Overall the survey results pointed to the need to connect farmers to markets and strengthen infrastructure for processing raw food product. 
Upcoming Events
Public Hearing Annoucement
On June 8th, 2021, the BoCC has a Public hearing planned on a potential development agreement with Kaufman Holdings, Inc. To attend this meeting virtually, please register here. To attend this meeting in person, please go to Room 280, at the BoCC office (address listed at the bottom of this email.)
BoCC Regular Meetings

Board of County Commissioner (BOCC) Meetings are held every Tuesday at 2:00 p.m. unless otherwise noted. All BoCC and Board of Health meetings and briefings will be live streamed on the Thurston County YouTube channel and posted to the county's Facebook and Twitter platforms.