Works in Progress Has Resumed Print Publication
The Olympia community publication returned to physical media after a three-year hiatus.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Remote Work
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Works in Progress released a new print edition on Sept. 9, 2026, marking the end of a three-year absence from physical media. The Olympia-based outlet, which previously moved to an online-only model, relaunched its physical format to satisfy local demand for tangible reading material.
Why it matters
The editorial team revived the paper to preserve the local institution after operations were suspended in late 2025. This transition back to print aims to reconnect with community readers who prefer traditional media over purely digital formats.
The publication completed a three-year hiatus from physical media since moving to an online-only format at the end of 2023. The new editorial team is now working to establish a quarterly print schedule.
The players
Arlo Dolven
Arlo Dolven is a member of the new editorial team tasked with managing the publication.
Maria Bressler
Maria Bressler serves on the editorial team currently overseeing the paper's operations.
Antonio
Antonio is part of the three-person editorial team that relaunched the newspaper.
Thurston County Rainbow Coalition
The Thurston County Rainbow Coalition is the founding organization that established the project in the 1990s.
The details
Founded as a project of the Thurston County Rainbow Coalition in the 1990s, the paper relies on community volunteers rather than a dedicated reporting staff. The current editorial team, consisting of Arlo Dolven, Maria Bressler, and Antonio, took charge of the project to prevent its closure and facilitate the relaunch.
Timeline
The publication originated as a project during the 1990s.
The outlet transitioned to an online-only format in 2023.
Operations were suspended during late 2025.
The online version of the paper was relaunched in April 2026.
The new print edition was released on Sept. 9, 2026.
Market Landscape
The revival of Works in Progress follows the broader trend of community-led volunteer journalism models surfacing as a solution to local news closures. This shift highlights a pushback against the centralization of media by relying on local submissions to fill gaps left by traditional staffing.
Local residents can now access the publication in a physical format rather than relying solely on online content. The paper is actively seeking community submissions and volunteer participation to maintain its print schedule.
The takeaway
The return of a print edition demonstrates the enduring value some communities place on physical reading materials. Readers interested in supporting local media should look for opportunities to contribute their own submissions to the project.
Further reading
Learn more about local media efforts at Remote Work.
More information
Find volunteer and submission information on the official publication website.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Daily Chronicle.
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