City of Olympia, WA

05/08/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 05/08/2026 12:28

05/08/2026 - City of Olympia announces regional effort to address Jungle encampment

City of Olympia announces regional effort to address Jungle encampment

The City of Olympia is working with the City of Lacey, Thurston County, and regional service providers on a phased effort to address the encampment known as the Jungle.

The regional planning effort includes representatives from Olympia, Lacey, Thurston County, and Intercity Transit, as well as representatives from the local homeless response and behavioral health systems. The group is meeting regularly to coordinate next steps, including near-term mitigation and longer-term transition planning.

That work includes outreach and engagement at the site, coordination with service providers, and efforts to connect people with shelter, housing, treatment, and other supports as resources become available. City staff are on site several times each week, and service providers continue to offer food, water, clothing, sanitation services, and other basic assistance.

"This is a regional issue that requires a regional response," City of Olympia City Manager Jay Burney said. "I'm grateful for our partners coming together to support this work. Our shared goal is to reduce harm, improve safety and sanitation, and support people living at the site as they transition to safer shelter and housing options over time."

The Jungle, located on about 20 acres between Martin Way and Pacific Avenue, has been active for about 10 years. Olympia has closed more than 14 encampments in recent years and is now addressing its last remaining long-term encampment.

The region's emergency housing system remains under significant strain. Olympia's approach to encampment closures prioritizes helping people move into shelter or housing rather than displacing them without options.

Additional information, including frequently asked questions and ongoing updates, is available on the City of Olympia website at olympiawa.gov/jungle.
Contact
Debbie Sullivan, Assistant City Manager
City of Olympia
360.753.8499
[email protected]
City of Olympia, WA published this content on May 08, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on May 08, 2026 at 18:29 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]