Rachel Grant, Thurston County Commissioner District 2

10/17/2025

Democracy isn’t a spectator sport—when neighbors show up, ask questions, and get involved, our whole community wins. Local Civics 101 is about sparking that energy in Yelm, giving people the tools to engage, and proving that local government works best when everyone has a voice at the table.
Come eat food, learn how your voice actually matters in local politics, and yes—there will be trivia!
Ever wonder, ‘What does a county commissioner even do?’ Well, now’s your chance to find out—and maybe win bragging rights while you’re at it.

Monday, October 20: https://www.facebook.com/share/1AgbuavGfv/
Monday, November 3: https://www.facebook.com/share/19y2WtbkEn/

07/14/2025

What a blessing it was to gather with over 500 progressive elected leaders in Chicago last week for the Local Progress convening!

I feel like Popeye after a can of spinach — filled with hope, energy, and clarity. Being surrounded by so many dedicated public servants reminded me that when we organize, collaborate, and co-govern with our communities, real, transformative change is possible.

Local Progress’s mission — to build power with and for communities to reshape what is possible, grounded in racial and economic justice. The values of equity, inclusion, and collective action were alive in every conversation and every session.

I feel like I finally found my people — a national network of leaders who share the vision that our work is not just about holding office, but about building a more just, equitable, and democratic society together.

Here’s to carrying this energy back home and continuing to work for the thriving communities we all deserve.

05/29/2025

As we came together to celebrate the next phase of the Agricultural Innovation Park, the value of collaborative problem-solving was clear.
The park involves various stakeholders and will provide benefits to many more through its goods and services.
Growing up on an Iowa farm has given me a deep appreciation for the importance of production and land preservation in sustaining our systems that support us.

Job well done Thurston Economic Development Council, City of Tenino, Simply Organic Cafe & Catering, Colvin Ranch, and many more!

05/27/2025

Joint Animal Services is hosting a waived adoption fees event all week! We are fostering Kori for now with a long-term plan to adopt. She looks like a kitten, but she is actually 2 years old.
Get your furry family member today: https://www.facebook.com/share/16byraVoxP/

05/22/2025

The Yelm Chamber of Commerce, City of Yelm, and myself were thrilled to welcome MultiCare Indigo Urgent Care to the Yelm Medical Plaza!

This modern, patient-centered clinic brings faster, more accessible care to our community perfect for those times when your primary care provider isn’t available or when life just can’t wait.

Welcome to Yelm, Indigo Urgent Care!

05/15/2025

Grateful for the chance to gather with fellow local elected and appointed officials, community organizations, and regional partners at last week’s Local Officials Social. Such as Mayor Joe DePinto, S.E. Thurston Fire Authority Commissioners, and North Thurston Public Schools Directors.

It was a wonderful evening of connection, collaboration, and community. With the Oly Mountain Boys providing the perfect bluegrass soundtrack!

Building strong relationships helps us serve our communities better, and it’s always nice to connect in a more relaxed setting.

05/14/2025

Had an eye-opening tour of the Thurston Solid Waste and Recovery Center last Friday! It’s incredible to see the scale of what it takes to manage our community’s waste responsibly.

Fun fact: Over 500 tons of garbage are processed at the WARC every single day. That’s about the weight of 70 elephants! 🐘🐘🐘

Thanks to the hardworking staff keeping our county clean, safe, and sustainable. If you haven’t visited before, I highly recommend learning more about what happens after the trash leaves your curb.

05/12/2025

Had a beautiful day out at Prairie Appreciation Day with the Nisqually River Council at Thurston County’s Glacial Heritage Preserve!

From the one-mile Activity Trail to a full 4-mile self-guided tour, there’s so much to explore and learn about our rare prairie ecosystems. Why they matter, what lives there, and the incredible work being done to preserve them.

📸 While you're out there, don’t forget to join the Prairie Appreciation Days iNaturalist.org Project and help document the life thriving on the prairie! www.PrairieAppreciationDay.org

Grateful for all the stewards and educators working to protect this special land.

05/01/2025

“As neighbors, we need to be thinking about how to protect our people if something like this happens,”

Many dozens of area residents gathered at the Yelm Community Center to participate in the first-ever Wildfire Ready event presented by the Southeast Thurston Fire Authority (SETFA) on Saturday, April …