Thurston County Chamber

08/31/2026

The Quality of Life Index isn’t just about grades. It’s about starting conversations.

By tracking resident perceptions year after year, the Thurston County Chamber hopes to provide a community resource that helps employers, community leaders, policymakers and residents better understand where we are — and where greater attention may be needed.

Some findings reinforce what we already know. Others raise new questions.
Together, they give our community a shared set of data we can use to discuss priorities, measure progress and help shape Thurston County’s future.

We encourage you to explore the complete 2026 Quality of Life Index and join the conversation.

View the full report:
https://thurstonchamber.com/quality-of-life-index/

08/28/2026

Work has changed. Has your organization?

Technology is reshaping jobs. Experienced workers are retiring. Employee expectations are changing. And employers across our region are rethinking how they attract, retain and develop talent.

The 2026 Future of Work Summit will bring business, education, workforce and community leaders together to explore what’s changing—and what employers can do about it.

Work, Redefined: Building a Workforce in a World That Keeps Changing

📅 Wednesday, October 14
🕣 8:30 am–1:30 pm
📍 Saint Martin’s University
🎟️ Tickets: $85

Learn more and register: https://members.thurstonchamber.com/ap/Events/Register/oXF9EmyT6C2CB

08/28/2026

Who participated in the 2026 Quality of Life Index?

The annual survey was designed, administered and analyzed by Elway Research.
In June, 500 Thurston County residents, randomly selected from a list of registered voters, participated by telephone and online.

Respondents were asked to grade a range of local government services and community attributes using familiar letter grades — much like those used in school.

Conducting the survey annually allows us to compare results over time, identify meaningful shifts and better understand how residents experience life in Thurston County.

Learn more about the methodology and findings:
https://thurstonchamber.com/quality-of-life-index/

08/26/2026

What do Thurston County residents see as our community’s most pressing issues?

For the third consecutive year, the same four concerns rose to the top:
Affordability. Homelessness. Crime. Taxes.

These responses came from an open-ended question in the 2026 Quality of Life Index — meaning residents identified the issues themselves rather than choosing from a predetermined list.

The consistency from 2024 through 2026 provides an important indicator of the issues that remain top of mind throughout our community.

Explore what residents had to say:
https://thurstonchamber.com/quality-of-life-index/

08/24/2026

How are Thurston County residents feeling about the year ahead?

The 2026 Quality of Life Index found increasing uncertainty about the future.

Majorities of respondents said they expect conditions to get worse over the next year for both Thurston County and their own community.

Household expectations have shifted significantly, too.

Two years ago, 18% of respondents expected things to get worse for their household. In 2026, that number has risen to 44%.

Understanding that changing outlook is an important part of understanding the community we serve.

Read the full Quality of Life Index:
https://thurstonchamber.com/quality-of-life-index/

08/21/2026

One of the largest changes in this year’s Quality of Life Index? The business climate.

After remaining relatively steady during the previous two years, Thurston County’s business climate grade fell from 2.17 in 2025 to 1.81 in 2026 — a .36-point decline and the largest drop among the 20 categories measured.

For the Thurston County Chamber, understanding how residents perceive the local business environment is especially important.

Strong businesses contribute to jobs, economic opportunity, community investment and the overall vitality of our region.

The 2026 findings give our community valuable data for deeper conversations about the conditions businesses and residents need to thrive.

Explore the report:
https://thurstonchamber.com/quality-of-life-index/

08/19/2026

08/19/2026

74% of Thurston County residents surveyed say recent price increases have caused financial hardship for their household.

Nearly one in four — 23% — describe that hardship as severe and affecting their standard of living.

That financial strain appears throughout the 2026 Quality of Life Index.
Residents experiencing severe financial hardship rated nearly every measure in the survey lower than those who were not experiencing hardship.

The data offers an important reminder: how people experience their community is deeply connected to whether they feel financially secure within it.

See the complete findings:
https://thurstonchamber.com/quality-of-life-index/

08/18/2026

Ready to make a few new connections? 🤝

Join us for Business After Hours this Thursday, August 20, from 5:30–7 p.m. at 1st Security Bank in Lacey.

Connect with local business professionals, catch up with colleagues and enjoy beverages and appetizers in a relaxed, after-work setting.

We’ll see you there!