Urban Density and the Environment: Planning and Priorities

A growing population requires a changing landscape in the city of Olympia. Thurston County expects an additional 120,000 people to call our region home in the next 20 years – with 20,000 of those living in Olympia. We must decide where those people will live to support an affordable and walkable community, while protecting our rural areas from sprawl. Important land use decisions must consider the needs of the natural environment and the requirements for the built environment. How do we balance the benefits of environmental restoration and the benefits of urban density?

Panelists include: Veena Tabbutt, Research and Data Director | Thurston Regional Planning Council; Scott Steltzner, Fisheries Biologist | Squaxin Island Tribe; Jesse Barham, Habitat Coordinator | City of Olympia; Moderated by Dani Madrone