Following are the proclamations issued by local governments within Thurston County during the month of May.
Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month
Olympia City Council and Tumwater City Council issued their proclamations on May 5. The Thurston County Board of Commissioners and Lacey City Council issued their proclamations on May 19. AAPI Heritage Month was first recognized in 1977 and was permanently designated in 1992 to celebrate and honor the achievements of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders in the United States. The theme of this year’s heritage month was “Power in Unity: Strengthening Communities Together,” recognizing the collective strength, solidarity, and resilience of AANHPI communities and affirming the importance of working across communities to advance equity, belonging, and shared prosperity.
Jewish American Heritage Month
Olympia City Council issued its proclamation on May 5 honoring Jewish Americans and recognizing that the Chabad Jewish Center of Olympia serves as a hub for education, celebration and community engagement for Jewish pride in the Olympia community. The proclamation calls on all Olympia residents to condemn anti-semitism, hatred and bigotry of any kind, and to include Jewish Americans in all facets of civic life.
Bicycle Month
The Thurston County Board of Commissioners and Tumwater City Council issued their proclamations on May 5. Lacey City Council issued its proclamation on May 19. The governmental bodies recognized the positive effects bicycle use has on people’s health and on reducing energy consumption, pollution and congestion, and encouraged community members to consider using active modes of recreation and transportation when possible.
Olympia Heritage Month
Olympia City Council issued its proclamation on May 19 recognizing and celebrating the diverse history and heritage of all Olympia residents and community members, with a call to find new ways to recognize and celebrate that heritage and to expand access to education and programming.
Older Americans Month
The Thurston County Board of Commissioners issued its proclamation on May 5 recognizing older Americans' contributions to society, highlighting aging trends, and reaffirming a commitment to serving older adults. The 2026 theme, Champion Your Health, focused on prevention, wellness, and personal responsibility as cornerstones of healthy aging.
Therapeutics Court Month
The Thurston County Board of Commissioners issued its proclamation on May 5 recognizing the benefits therapeutic courts have on public health and public safety.
Civic Engagement Appreciation Month
The Thurston County Board of Commissioners issued its proclamation on May 5 recognizing those who are actively engaged in their local governments and community programs.
Missing Persons Awareness Month
The Thurston County Board of Commissioners issued its proclamation on May 5 recognizing the unsolved missing persons cases in Thurston County and urging public awareness on those cases.
Public Service Recognition Week: May 3-9
The Thurston County Board of Commissioners issued its proclamation on May 5 honoring the people who serve our nation as federal, state, county, local and tribal government employees. Olympia City Council issued its proclamation in late April recognizing municipal clerks, economic development staff, police, EMS, public works staff and more who keep communities running every day.
National Public Works Week: May 17-24
The Thurston County Board of Commissioners issued its proclamation on May 5. Tumwater City Council issued its proclamation on May 19. National Public Works Week recognizes the critical work that public works professionals do to support community health and infrastructure, and encourages communities to learn more about public works and public work programs.
Emergency Medical Services Week: May 17-23
Tumwater City Council issued its proclamation on May 5 recognizing and honoring emergency medical services providers.
Affordable Housing Week: May 18-22
The Thurston County Board of Commissioners issued its proclamation on May 5 highlighting the role affordable housing plays in stabilizing communities and raising awareness for affordable housing needs in the area.
Memorial Day: May 25
Lacey City Council issued its proclamation on May 19 observing Memorial Day and honoring the men and women of the United States Armed Forces who gave their lives in service to our nation.
