Carolina Mejia, Thurston County Commissioner

04/25/2026

Hello everyone,

What a fun week! Below is a snapshot of my calendar - here are some of the highlights:
- The Board of County Commissioners proclaimed April as National Counties Month and highlighted employees with 30, 35, and 40 years of service.
- Had an introductory call with the National Association of Counties Public Health Academy. Thurston County was one of only 12 counties to be selected to participate in the whole country!
- Took my kiddos to Thurston County's Take Your Child to Work Day. Kids got to see what it was like to participate in a board meeting, be part of a jury trial, and explore the different vehicles that keep our county moving.

Enjoy the sunshine and see you at Procession of the Species!
Carolina

04/18/2026

Hello all,

Earlier this week, I traveled to Washington, D.C. with fellow members of the Intercity Transit Authority Board to advocate for our community and thank our federal partners for their support of major transit projects.

After returning, I met with internal staff, attended the Washington State Partnership Council on Juvenile Justice, and joined the NACo West Regional monthly meeting.

Today, I was in Bucoda for a STEDI meeting and spent time at LP Brown Elementary doing some spring planting alongside students and the school district.

Enjoy your weekend,
Carolina

02/21/2026

Hello all!

This month’s Board Business Meetings included public hearings on a temporary partial closure of Sexton Drive NW, updates to county property management procedures, a proposed Residential Energy Performance Rating and Disclosure policy, and updates to precinct boundaries. We also received a Thurston County Superintendents update and Lodging Tax Advisory Committee recommendations.

The Board of Health proclaimed February 14 as National Donor Day in Thurston County, highlighting the life-saving impact of organ and tissue donation. On February 17, the Board of County Commissioners recognized Black History Month. You can hear from all four speakers here: www.youtube.com/live/oV7PpciIWC0?t=524s

This month, I also participated in several regional and statewide committees, attended the Boston Harbor Annual Meeting to share a 2025 update and 2026 outlook, and I’m heading to Washington, DC for the National Association of Counties Legislative Conference to advocate on federal issues impacting our community.

Thank you to everyone who helps keep our community informed and engaged.

Take care,
Carolina

01/24/2026

Hello everyone,

I hope you are well and enjoying the beautiful sunshine and this cold January day! Below is a snapshot of my calendar for the last couple weeks, here are some of the highlights:
- Honored to have been selected to be the new Chair of Board of Health
- Attended the State of the Community Forum hosted by the Chamber
- Worked with Congresswoman Randall's office to put forward a federal resolution to protect first responders from immigration harassment during emergencies
- Testified on numerous bills in front of the legislature
- Attended New Life Baptist Church's MLK Day event
- Discussed open planning commission seat with potential applicants
- Huddled with the Legislative Steering Committee from WSAC to discuss legislative action this session

Take care,
Carolina

01/07/2026

The Thurston County Planning Commission has an opening!

This is a great opportunity to serve your community and help shape the future of land use, housing, and growth in Thurston County. Planning Commissioners review policies and make recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners on long-range planning issues.

If you are interested in civic engagement and thoughtful community planning, I encourage you to apply!

Please click the link to complete this form.

12/20/2025

Hello everyone,

As the year wraps up, I want to take a moment to share a snapshot of my calendar from the past couple of weeks and, more importantly, to say thank you.

I am deeply grateful to everyone who showed up this year. Thank you to the residents who participated in public meetings, sent emails, shared concerns, and took the time to engage in local government. Your involvement matters, and it makes our work better.

Thank you as well to county staff across departments who continue to show up every day with professionalism, care, and dedication. The work behind the scenes is constant, and it does not go unnoticed.

With that, the Board of County Commissioners is now on winter recess. There will be no business meetings and no additional posts for the remainder of the year. The Board will resume regular meetings on January 5.

Wishing everyone a restful end to the year, and I look forward to continuing this work together in the new year.

Carolina Mejia

12/11/2025

‼️ Thurston County Emergency Coordination Center Activated

I want to share an important update. When a major emergency occurs, our Emergency Coordination Center (ECC) activates to make sure our community receives fast, organized, and effective support.
The ECC is our county’s central hub, bringing together teams who coordinate resources, share critical information, and make timely decisions that help keep all of us safe.
When the ECC activates, it means your county is fully engaged and working behind the scenes so you have the information, support, and protection you need during challenging times. Please know that we are here for you.
I am deeply grateful for the around-the-clock dedication of Thurston County Emergency Management, Thurston County Washington Public Works , our Thurston County Sheriff’s Office, and all of our First Responders. Their commitment to serving our residents, especially during difficult moments, reflects the very best of our community.

📞 Need help (non-emergency)
Call (360) 867-2800
📲 Stay informed: Sign up for TC Alert at www.tcalert.org
📷 Document flood damage: Take photos/videos, save receipts, and submit them through the Disaster Damage Estimate Form:
https://www.thurstoncountywa.gov/departments/emergency-management/emergency-information/disaster-damage-estimate-form

Please stay safe, look out for one another, and reach out if you need support.

✅ More info: https://www.thurstoncountywa.gov/news

County News County activates its Emergency Coordination Center The County has activated its Emergency Coordination Center in response to current and forecasted rainfall and flooding. Please sign up for the Thurston Community Alerts to receive texts about flooding or other emergencies in your area. F...

12/09/2025

Know a young leader who wants to make a difference? The Attorney General’s Office is recruiting youth ages 10 to 25 for the HearMeWA Youth Advisory Group. Members help guide outreach, share feedback, build leadership skills, and get paid for their time. Meetings are every other month on Zoom. Applications are open until January 2, 2026. Encourage a young person to apply!

12/06/2025

Hello everyone,

Below you will find my calendar for the last couple weeks, here are some of the highlights:
- Volunteered with the Thurston County Food Bank before Thanksgiving to pass out meals to folks in our community
- The Board held public hearings on the budget, you can watch those here: https://www.youtube.com/
- Attended the Regional Economic Forecast and Innovation Expo with many colleagues from across jurisdictions and sectors
- Held a Appeal Hearing for the Johnson Creek Mine Expansion, a Public Hearing for the Proposed Resolution Adopting the Amended Roll of Assessments for Thurston County Long Lake Management District No. 25, and on anUpdate to County Code Regarding Local Voter's Pamphlet

Have a great weekend,
Carolina

11/22/2025

Hello all and happy Friday.

It has been a busy couple of weeks, and I wanted to share a few highlights!

- The Board of County Commissioners issued proclamations recognizing Veterans Day on November 11, National Adoption Day on November 12, and Military Family Appreciation Month. I want to offer my sincere thanks to our veterans, their families, and everyone in our community who continues to support them.

- We also held public hearings on several important items, including the 2024 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report, the Martin Way Land Use Amendment and Rezone, the Black Lake Quarry (Littlerock) Rezone and Land Use Amendment, and the Permit Review Process Annual Code Update.

- Our board hosted a Legislative Luncheon where we discussed our priorities for the 2026 session.

- I joined Commissioner Menser as the Thurston County Amateur Radio Emergency Service presented Emergency Management with a Certificate of Appreciation for 43 years of continuing service. It was an honor to witness their recognition.

- My fellow commissioners and I planted more than 20 new trees along the Ralph Munro Trail. It was a great to be out in the community and support this beautiful space!

- This week I attended the County Leaders Conference hosted by the Washington State Association of Counties (WSAC). It was a wonderful opportunity to network with county leaders from across Washington, engage in skills development sessions, and bring back fresh ideas for our work locally.

Hope you have a great weekend!
Carolina