Submitted by City of Yelm
Following the Relocation of City Hall, Yelm will repurpose the former City Hall building to establish a Boys & Girls Club, and a Veterans Resource Center.
“This building is such a valuable resource for our community,” City Administrator Michael Grayum said. “It’s been used as the City Court, City Library, Council Chambers, City Hall, and this agreement will continue the trend of using the building as a public resource.”
Following City Council approval to relocate City Hall, the City invited and encouraged public comment regarding the use of the building, both in person and on social media. The General Government committee garnered community input and recommended using the building to serve youth, veterans, and provide a space for business development. After careful consideration, council elected to remove the business incubator and provide more space for the Boys & Girls Club.
The Yelm Boys & Girls Club will be established through a partnership with the Thurston County Boys & Girls Club, and Yelm Community Schools. The club will provide a space for school aged kids to take part in programs that focus on character development to better prepare youth for real-world success. Mayor JW Foster and other City administration are continuing to work with the Boys & Girls Club to provide after school sports programs and other resources in Yelm.
The Yelm Veterans Service Center will be established collaboration with the Lacey Veterans Service Center, American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Wear Blue: Run to Remember, a Hero’s Promise, and other veteran organizations. The Service Center will provide programs that support the process of healing and growth to our local veterans.
The recent land acquisition to relocate City Hall allowed the space to better support the demand of our growing city, and created an opportunity for these organizations to commence in Yelm. Additional funding will not be required from the City, as the tenants are responsible for making modifications to the interior of the building, while the City will continue to maintain the exterior aspects of the building.
At the March 27 Council Meeting, City Council adopted a resolution, proposed by City staff to authorize Mayor Foster to enter into appropriate lease agreements to utilize the space.
“Our vision is to help organizations start, grow, and expand into our community by reducing barriers to entry, and promoting community services in the City of Yelm,” Grayum said. “We are excited for this new adventure, along with many others that are beginning in this community.”
