Businesses Welcome

In Tumwater, we like to say that we’re a “small town with a big story.” Tumwater is the oldest permanent American settlement on Puget Sound. Located at the mouth of the Deschutes River where it tumbles down spectacular waterfalls to meet the southernmost point of Puget Sound, the City is conveniently located on Interstate 5, adjacent to the State Capitol of Olympia, home to the Olympia Regional Airport, and within a 20 minute drive of Joint Base Lewis-McChord.  Tumwater is building upon the foundation of its rich history to shape a bright and successful future.

Businesses call Tumwater home

Tumwater has a vibrant mix of businesses, with large retailers such as Home Depot, Costco, Fred Meyer, and Walmart, and manufacturers like Cardinal Glass and Pepsi Northwest Beverages. State agency offices are also prevalent in Tumwater, such as the Washington State Parks Headquarters, Department of Financial Institutions, Department of Labor and Industries, Department of Health, and the State Library. While Tumwater’s 2012 population was 17,900, the day-time population is significantly higher. 

Preparing for our bright future

Like a forward-thinking business, the City of Tumwater has used the recession as an opportunity to prepare for future economic growth. Tumwater has invested in projects that increase opportunities for development. The City's Strategic and Economic Development Plans outline the City’s direction toward improvement of the economic and social well-being of its residents. The City is focusing its resources on creating greater consistency for developers by updating design guidelines, our Shoreline Master Program, and continuing to streamline the permit review process to make it clear, efficient and easy to navigate.

With new home construction booming, and a multitude of sites available for development, Tumwater is growing fast.