Who Should Decide Thurston County’s Most Consequential Land-Use Disputes? Vote Delayed Again
Commissioner Tye Menser is seeking to remove elected commissioners from the appeals process, despite unanimous opposition from the Planning Commission.
By Ronda Larson Kramer
The Thurston County Board of County Commissioners (the Board) recently postponed its vote for a second time on a proposal that would remove the Board from the county’s land-use appeals process. The proposal by Board Chair Tye Menser has faced staunch opposition from environmental groups and the county’s own advisory committee.
In July 2025, the Thurston County Planning Commission — a 10-person advisory committee appointed by the Board — voted 10-0 against the proposal after hearing testimony from conservation groups and members of the public overwhelmingly opposed to it. Opponents argue it would remove residents’ only practical avenue to appeal erroneous land use decisions by the county.
The only person to submit comments in support was Heather Burgess, a land-use attorney whose clients include mine owners and developers of large housing projects.
Privacy Services and Activism
Silver Bullet, or Snake Oil?
by Robb Ott, Technology and Surveillance in Dystopia Desk
We exist in an era where the state is leveraging surveillance and technology to engage in an intensifying campaign against activists, protestors, and any others who oppose them. Last September, the office of the President signed an executive order declaring “Antifa” a terrorist organization. The fact that Antifa it not an actually existing organization has not stopped White House officials from using the refrain over the past few months. Several activists across different states are currently facing federal charges with the common theme of “conspiracy” or “terrorism” charges being put forth against the defendants. The stakes for standing up for change are higher than ever and the stakes for remaining silent are immense. With cloud and communication services being deeply integrated into the daily lives of most people who do not think twice about using them. Those fighting for change for the better must utilize a higher standard of security than they would otherwise, but is this enough?
Analyzing Timberland Regional Library’s 2018 Capital Facilities Proposal
Timberland Regional Library’s cost-cutting measures that reduce staffing and library access connect back to a proposal rejected in 2018.
by Caelen McQuilken
To better understand the developing story at Timberland Regional Library (TRL), Works in Progress looks back to 2018, when the TRL administration released its Capital Facilities Proposal (CFP), a long-term strategic plan that addressed funding, service models, and staffing.
Fight Like an Animal: Revolutionary Biology in Defense of Life by Arnold Schroder
Arnold Schroder’s new book describes a scientific paradigm for social change which will appeal to veteran activists and armchair intellectuals alike.
by Reed Ingalls
Imagine you, dear reader, are an activist out on the street protesting against the activities of some nefarious corporation, police department, government office or what have you. Or maybe you don’t need to imagine.
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