Council Overview

Council Goals & Priorities

  • Continue funding core TRPC programs and services such as population and employment forecasts, data management, and coordination of the regional council and its advisory committees  
  • Promote the goals and activities developed during the Sustainable Thurston planning process
  • Continue to promote and participate in programs focused on maintenance and preservation of the region’s existing transportation infrastructure
  • Advance multi-modal transportation systems, including trip reductions 
  • Strengthen efforts with organizations such as the Economic Development Council to promote economic opportunities throughout the region
  • Ensure future water quality and quantity through pursuit of studies and programs that promote stewardship of the region’s limited water resources

More information can be found in the TRPC Strategic Plan.

Meetings

  • 1st Friday of each month
  • Remote via Zoom
  • 8:30 a.m.

Agendas & Minutes

Agendas are available prior to the meetings. Minutes are available following approval.

View Most Recent Agendas and Minutes | View All Agendas and Minutes

The Council (TRPC) is comprised of elected officials from jurisdictions and organizations in the Thurston region. Members meet monthly to discuss topics important to the area’s growth and quality of life.  Please see the Calendar for a listing of Council meetings, dates and times.

Along with the development and implementation of numerous studies and projects, TRPC plays a strong role in the regional coordination and facilitation of many subjects.

  • It is coordination between jurisdictions, citizens, businesses, and other interests to plan a direction for the region's future.
  • It is exploring issues and opportunities, and evaluating the consequences of choices both big and small.
  • It is weighing alternatives and prioritizing between important and sometimes competing options, making difficult decisions, and at times, having to reconsider a decision.
  • It is looking at the region and seeing not individual planning elements, but integrating ideas and visions for community livability, environmental quality, social equity, fiscal responsibility, economic vitality – across whole generations.

Jurisdiction Representatives 

Legislative Priorities

Each year, the Council gives careful consideration and prioritization of the regional issues requiring attention by the state legislature. Regional decision-makers request policy solutions and changes to state laws and rules that allow more efficient use of existing resources. The region also requests funding solutions with the state funding its share and providing local options to help the local jurisdictions do their part. Read the Council's Legislative Priorities.

Commitment to Inclusion

The council is also committed to working together with all members of the region to plan for a vibrant, livable community. Including everyone in planning processes is an important part of this commitment. Learn about our commitment to Inclusion Policies by visiting our Policies page.

By-Laws

The council’s by-laws (PDF) define how the council will operate, its structure and assessment methodology.

The Council is the executive board for the Thurston Regional Planning Council. Council responsibilities include setting the policy direction for the agency, and guiding the Executive Director in the operations and administration of the agency. Representatives from member jurisdictions and organizations in Thurston County make up the Council, which meets monthly on regional plans, policies, and issues. Topics range from transportation and growth management to land use and the environment. 

 

2024-2028 
Strategic Goals

Move People and Goods

  • Preserve the region’s existing transportation system, make strategic system investments, improve safety, and expand multi-modal transportation options, including vehicle trip reduction.
  • Scope and implement transportation work holistically – incorporating land use, climate change, diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, and sustainability.

Foster Sustainable Growth

  • Preserve the Thurston region as a livable, healthy, & sustainable region.

Collaborate Regionally

  • Support member organizations and other partners’ efforts to tackle cross jurisdiction issues.

Inform and Engage Community

  • Actively use and promote TRPC’s data, mapping, modeling, and planning to inform decision-makers and others about issues that relate to TRPC’s Vision, Mission, and Values.
  • Foster ongoing, meaningful relationships with members, partners, community groups, and community leaders to help ensure that TRPC’s work adequately reflects the needs and input of all Thurston region residents.

Enhance Agency Functions

  • Create a work environment that attracts and retains a highly qualified staff that is adequately resourced to conduct innovative and high-quality planning, data, modeling, convening, and informing