On Jan. 28, 2025, the Olympia City Council declared Olympia the first official sanctuary city for LGBTQIA2S+ people in Washington State. Joining other Sanctuary Cities across the U.S. like Kansas City, Missouri; Ithaca, New York; Sacramento, San Francisco, and Los Angeles, all in California.

The Resolution was put forth by Stacey Ray, Assistant City Manager, and was made in collaboration with Olympia City Council staff, including the City’s LGBTQIA2S+ Employee Resource Group, the City Manager’s Office, and more. It also utilized public comment and community conversations through the ‘Belonging in Olympia’ initiative.

This Resolution is about recognizing and “ensuring that all individuals, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, feel safe and supported.” 

The city of Olympia will not spend any resources, whether it be city property or time covered by city employees, towards investigations or detention of the rights expressed in the Resolution. The city also will “oppose legislation or actions at the state or federal level that threaten the rights, safety, or dignity of LGBTQIA2S+ individuals.”