If you walked near the Washington State Capitol today, you probably felt that familiar, high-voltage hum in the air. It’s the kind of energy that only happens in January when the legislative session is in full swing and the streets of downtown Olympia start filling up with people who have a very specific point to make. Honestly, it’s a lot to keep track of.
Between the 60-day sprint of the 2026 legislative session and the community leaning into Martin Luther King Jr. weekend, the city is basically vibrating. You’ve got lawmakers debating a controversial "millionaire tax," activists gathered on the Capitol steps, and local venues like Wild Child prepping for live shows. It’s a classic Olympia Friday.
The Legislative Grind: Budgets and Billionaires
Right now, the big story inside the Legislative Building is money. Or rather, the lack of it. Governor Bob Ferguson has been pretty vocal about a multi-billion-dollar budget gap that’s looming over the state like a dark cloud. Today, January 16, 2026, marks the fifth day of the session. It’s a short one this year—only 60 days—so everything is moving at breakneck speed.
The talk of the town? The "millionaire tax."
Ferguson used his State of the State address earlier this week to push for this new tax on Washington’s wealthiest residents. He says it’s the only way to fund critical housing investments and avoid deep cuts. Naturally, not everyone is on board. Republicans are pointing to the state’s spending habits, and the debate is getting, well, spicy. If you’re following what's happening in Olympia today, you’re seeing committee hearings on everything from early learning licensing (House Bill 2242) to medical care access in workers' compensation.
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- House Early Learning & Human Services Committee: Meeting at 8:30 AM to discuss child care licensing.
- Labor & Workplace Standards: At 10:30 AM, they’re diving into employee information rights for bargaining reps.
- The "Columbia Room" Hustle: This specific room in the Legislative Building is booked solid today. The Washington State Medical Association is holding their Legislative Summit there until 4 PM, followed by a Veterans Legislative Reception hosted by the Department of Veterans Affairs.
It's a lot of suits, a lot of coffee, and a lot of high-stakes whispering in the hallways.
Honoring Dr. King: Beyond the Long Weekend
While the politicians are arguing over line items, the rest of the city is shifting into a reflective mood. Since Monday is Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the events are starting early.
Tonight at 7:30 PM, the Kenneth J. Minnaert Center for the Arts is hosting the South Puget Sound Community College (SPSCC) annual MLK event. This isn't just a "sit and listen" kind of thing. Marc Bamuthi Joseph is the keynote speaker. He’s a massive name in the spoken word and social justice world. His talk is titled “Socially Responsive and Responsible Community-Building.” It’s free, it’s powerful, and it’s probably one of the most important things happening in Olympia today if you care about the actual pulse of the community.
Tomorrow, the city is heading into Squaxin Park for a restoration project to honor Dr. King’s legacy through service. But today is about the conversation. Mayor Dontae Payne has been active in these community dialogues, focusing on racial healing and local equity.
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What’s Happening in Olympia Today for the Rest of Us?
Maybe you aren't here for the politics. That’s fair. If you're just looking for a way to shake off the work week, downtown is actually pretty lively.
Zan Fiskum—you might remember her from The Voice—is playing at Wild Child on 4th Avenue tonight. It’s an all-ages folk-pop show with Queen Of Hearts. Doors open at 7:00 PM. It’s one of those intimate Olympia gigs that makes the rain feel a little less gloomy.
Meanwhile, at the Olympia Family Theater, there's a morning show called Adventures of Moo Kitty. It’s a benefit for Joint Animal Services, which is kind of adorable. It deals with animal rescue and community belonging. Half the proceeds go straight to the shelter. It’s a small detail, but it’s the kind of thing that reminds you Olympia still feels like a small town despite being the center of state power.
Reality Check: The "Jungle" and Local Struggles
We have to talk about the harder stuff, too. Lately, the "Jungle"—one of the city’s most visible homeless encampments—has been a major point of contention. Mayor Payne recently mentioned there’s a plan in motion to finally close it, but the "how" and "where" are still messy topics.
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You might also hear people talking about the tragedy in Tumwater this week, where a pedestrian was killed in a grocery store parking lot. It’s a somber reminder of the ongoing concerns regarding pedestrian safety in the South Sound. These local issues don't always make the national news, but they are exactly what people are discussing at the Farmers Market or over a beer at Fish Tale Brew Pub.
Actionable Steps for Navigating Olympia Today
If you’re planning to be in the city today or through the weekend, here is how to actually handle it without getting stuck in a legislative traffic jam or missing the good stuff:
- Avoid the North Diagonal: If you aren't here for a protest or a meeting, stay away from the Capitol campus parking lots. They are packed with advocacy groups like the Washington State Hospital Association, who are holding their "Hospital Advocacy Day" today.
- Check the TVW Stream: If you want to see the "millionaire tax" debate but don't want to deal with the crowds, TVW is your best friend. They live-stream every single committee hearing.
- Register for Service: If you want to participate in the MLK Day of Service at Squaxin Park tomorrow, check the City of Olympia’s website now. These spots usually fill up because Oly residents love a good volunteer habit.
- Music over Politics: Head to 4th Avenue around 7 PM if you want to swap the political yelling for some folk-pop. Tickets for Zan Fiskum are usually $20 at the door.
Olympia is a weird, wonderful, and sometimes frustrating place to be in mid-January. It’s where high-level policy meets grassroots activism, usually in the rain, and almost always with a decent cup of local coffee in hand. Whether you're here to lobby your representative or just to hear some live music, the city is wide awake.