A platform dedicated to ensuring ethical governance.

We focus on holding the City of Olympia’s government accountable in its crucial role of protecting the environment

Our city officials and entities have ethical obligations related to environmental protection. Their role is to strike a balance between development, and economic growth, while prioritizing the need to protect the city’s fragile ecosystems for the public welfare.


are there ethical issues in olympia?

Let’s hear from the community…

Do you think the City of Olympia should be a member of the EDC?
(Economic Development Council of Thurston County)


“Good heavens! Public bodies should NOT be members of the EDC.
The EDC regularly lobbies our local government. If those local governments are EDC members, then they are lobbying themselves.
Talk about undesirable entanglements.”

“The EDC is an organization that works for the welfare of private businesses. On public policy issues it consistently supports projects that promote population growth and works against environmental interests.”

– Bob Jacobs, former Mayor of the City of Olympia (2009-2011)
and City Council Member of Olympia (2002-2009)

The Need for an Ethics Code and Commission in Olympia

A City Ethics Code for city’s like Olympia is essential to ensure that the city’s government remains transparent, accountable, and aligned with the community’s values, especially when balancing growth with environmental protection. While state ethics laws provide a general framework, they lack the specificity needed to address Olympia’s unique challenges, such as managing development pressures and preserving local ecosystems.

A local ethics code would offer tailored guidelines, prevent conflicts of interest, and set higher ethical standards that reflect the city’s priorities. Most cities in Washington of similar size to Olympia have adopted their own ethics codes to build public trust, enforce stricter ethical norms, and address local concerns more effectively. By implementing a City Ethics Code, Olympia would enhance its ability to make responsible, sustainable decisions that prioritize the well-being of its residents AND the environment.