Beginning Feb. 5, the court services previously handled by Olympia Municipal Court, such as case filings or information, hearings, records requests, probation needs, payments and traffic or parking violation payments and services, will instead be available through Thurston County District Court.
Olympia Municipal Court has stopped accepting payments in preparation for a final closure of services occurring at the end of the workday on Feb. 4. Parking tickets issued on or before Feb. 4 can still be paid through Olympia Municipal Court.
The changes are part of a current transition of court services to Thurston County District Court.
The Olympia City Council approved an interlocal agreement with Thurston County District Court in July to transition the city’s municipal court services to a regional model.
Olympia joins nearby cities such as Lacey, Tumwater and Rainier in contracting judicial services through Thurston County.
The interlocal agreement is designed to enhance access to therapeutic justice programs, streamline services and address long-term financial sustainability.
The city will maintain prosecution, public defense and victim advocacy services, which will relocate to 108 State Avenue in Olympia.
The decision to shift many municipal court services to Thurston County came after months of study, following the 2024 decision to sell the Lee Creighton Justice Center at 900 Plum Street SE to the Squaxin Island Tribe. Built in 1966, the facility no longer meets modern court standards and would have required extensive investment, according to the City of Olympia.
City staff anticipate significant savings compared to other alternatives, including remodeling city-owned facilities, according to previous reporting.
Thurston County District Court is located at 2000 Lakeridge Drive Southwest in Olympia.
Regular customer service hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Those with questions about the transition are encouraged to visit Thurston County District Court’s website at thurstoncountywa.gov/departments/district-court, call 360-786-5450 or email TCDC@co.thurston.wa.us
