Fall Community Cleanup is next weekend
Bring trash, junk and recyclables to Lakewood Transfer Station for the city’s free Fall Community Cleanup Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 9-10 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. (last vehicle admitted at 1:45 p.m.).
This event is for Lakewood residents only; a utility bill or ID is required to show proof of residence. Participants should be prepared to back up a steep ramp, unload all items yourself, bag all loose items and wear proper footwear. Read more about what is allowed and not allowed.
Registration now open for Lakewood’s Jingle Bell 5k & Kids Dash
The City of Lakewood is excited to again partner with the Lakes Cross Country Booster Club to host a Jingle Bell 5K Walk/Run & 1K Kids Dash at Fort Steilacoom Park.
Join us Saturday, Dec. 14 for this family-friendly event.
Wear your best holiday-themed costume, dress up your pet, and hit the trails for this holiday-themed fun run.
The 1-mile Kids Dash starts at 9:30 a.m. The 5k walk/run starts at 10 a.m. Chip timing will be provided by GC Racing.
- Pre-registration: $10 for 12 and under; $30 everyone else.
- Day-of registration: $15 for 12 and under; $35 everyone else.
Event details and registration are found online.
The proceeds from this affordable event go to support the Lakes Cross Country Booster Club, contributing to the enhancement of youth running events in the South Puget Sound area.
Now accepting: Holiday Parade of Lights float applications
Do you have an idea for a holiday-themed parade float? Or maybe you’re a member of a community organization that wants to get your group in front of a lot of people.
We’re now accepting applications for parade entries for our annual Holiday Parade of Lights. This year’s event is Saturday, Dec. 7 at 4:30 p.m.
Parade participants will stage at Park Lodge Elementary School and walk/travel down Gravelly Lake Drive to Main Street where they’ll turn into Lakewood Towne Center and continue to the roundabout in front of Lakewood City Hall.
The parade route is lined with people and is a wonderful opportunity to bring the community together. Find the application online. Deadline to apply: Nov. 22 at 5 p.m.
Lakewood proposed 2025-26 budget
The Lakewood City Council is in the process of reviewing the proposed 2025-26 Biennial Budget. A public hearing is planned for Nov. 4 and final adoption is anticipated by mid-November.
The biennial budget reflects the policies, goals, programs and service priorities and values of the Lakewood City Council. It represents a financial roadmap for the city that guides operational decision‐making, strengthens organizational values, and invests in vital community initiatives.
The City Council will review the proposed budget at the following meetings:
- Nov. 4, 2024 7 p.m.: Public hearing on the proposed 2025-2026 Biennial Budget as part of the City Council regular meeting.
- Nov. 12, 2024 7 p.m.: Review of the proposed 2025-2026 Biennial Budget as part of the City Council study session.
- Nov. 18, 2024, 7 p.m.: Anticipated adoption of the proposed 2025-2026 Biennial Budget as part of the City Council regular meeting.
Once adopted, the budget establishes the direction for all city programs and services for the coming biennium.
Take the Pierce Transit survey
Pierce Transit partnered with EMC Research, a local, independent market research company to conduct a survey of riders to gather opinions about Pierce Transit and its service.
If you have not already participated, this is your reminder to share your experience with using Pierce Transit.
The survey is available in English and Spanish. Answers will be used for research purposes only.
Council Corner: Oct. 28 recap
Review of 2025 Property Tax Levy. At its meeting the Lakewood City Council reviewed property tax collection projections for 2025 and a recommendation to increase the city’s property tax levy by 1% in 2025.
Under state law, cities are authorized to increase the property tax amount collected annually by up to 1% plus new construction. Lakewood has enacted the allowed 1% increase since 2006.
The average home value in Lakewood is anticipated to increase by 7.4% in 2025 to $545,000, according to the Pierce County Assessor-Treasurer’s Office. If the City Council approves a 1% increase, the additional annual property tax paid by the average homeowner is $3.63 more than if no increase is approved.
The City Council will hold a public hearing at its meeting on Monday on the proposed increase. The options before the City Council Are:
- Option 1: Collect property taxes without an increase.
- Option 2: Increase the property tax levy by 1%. (recommended)
Review of 2024 Year-End Budget Adjustment. The City Council reviewed a proposed budget adjustment to the 2023-2024 biennial budget. The adjustment includes:
- Adjustments to incorporate items previously approved by the City Council.
- Appropriate projects funded by grants and contributions.
- Continuation of capital projects.
- New allocations as necessary.
These changes increase revenues by $11.52 million and increase expenditures by $12.46 million. As a result, the enduing fund balance will decrease by $1.12 million. A public hearing is planned for the Nov. 4 regular meeting, with City Council action anticipated Nov. 18.
Introduction of 2025 Comprehensive Plan Docket. Under the Growth Management Act cities can consider a package of changes to comprehensive plans and development regulations once a year. This is done between a mandatory 10-year periodic review of the long-range planning documents. The city and private property owners can submit requests to amend the plan and regulations during this period.
Lakewood began its 2025 Comprehensive Plan, zoning map, and development regulation amendment process this summer. That included review by the Lakewood Planning Commission and two public hearings. The commission forwarded a list of 11 proposed amendments to the City Council for review and consideration.
Here is the anticipated schedule for future review and action:
- Nov. 4: Public Hearing on the proposed docket.
- Nov. 18: City Council action.
- Winter 2024/Spring 2025: City Council substantive review of the proposed docket and preparation recommendations for each amendment.
- Spring 2025: Planning Commission substantive review and public hearing.
- June 30, 2025: Deadline for City Council action.
Introduction of 2024 Development Regulation updates. The City Council reviewed updates proposed to the city’s development regulations. This includes proposed revisions to Lakewood Municipal Code (LMC) 18A.30.100 to update the deadline for providing annual information to the County Assessor-Treasurer; revising LMC 18A.40.090 to reinsert regulations governing camping and recreational vehicle parks; and revising LMC 18A.40.110 to reinsert regulations concerning development standards and operation and maintenance of manufactured home parks, including “Use of Recreational Vehicles as a Primary Residence”.
Watch the meeting.
What’s on Deck: The Lakewood City Council meets Monday, Nov. 4, 2024 for a regular meeting at 7 p.m. in Council Chambers. Tentative agenda items include:
- Proclamation declaring November as Native American Heritage month
- Proclamation recognizing Veterans Day and Veterans Appreciation month
- Youth Council Report
- Clover Park School District Report
- Authorizing the execution of an agreement for State government relations services.
- Authorizing the execution of an agreement for Federal government relations services.
- Authorizing award of a construction contract to Active Construction, Inc., in the amount of $5,272,272.00, for the Steilacoom Blvd – 87th to Weller Project.
- Authorizing the execution of an interlocal agreement between Pierce County and the City of Lakewood for the provision of specialized law enforcement services.
- Confirming the appointment of Tim Lewis as Municipal Court Judge and authorizing the execution of an agreement with Tim Lewis to fill the Municipal Court Judge term ending December 31, 2025.
- Public hearing on a Utility Tax Rate Increase.
- Public hearing on the 2025 Property Tax Levy.
- Public hearing on the Year-End (2024) Budget Adjustment.
- Public hearing on the 2025-2026 Proposed Biennial Budget.
- Public hearing on the 2025 Comprehensive Plan Docket.
- Public hearing on the 2024 Development Regulation Updates (Amendments to comply with SB 5290 permitting timeliness and to govern manufactured home parks and camping and recreational vehicle parks).
- Ordinance considering the vacation of that section of Cline Road lying between Interstate 5 and Pacific Highway SW.
How to attend: Attend in person at Lakewood City Hall, 6000 Main Street SW; (or dial 253-215-8782 and enter meeting ID: 868 7263 2373), or watch live on the city’s YouTube channel.
Police Chief’s Corner
Each week Lakewood Police Chief Patrick D. Smith shares a summary that includes a look at total calls for service the Lakewood Police Department responded to for the prior week. The intent of the summary is to show a snapshot of how the department works to keep the community safe. To see quarterly statistical analysis, visit the Lakewood Police Department crime statistics page on the city website.
Weekly Summary, Oct. 21-29, 2024
- Calls for Service: 916 (down 4% from prior week)
- Arrests: 41 (no change)
- Violent Crime: 33 (up 27% from prior week)
- Property Crime: 76 (down 7% from prior week)
- Traffic Stops: 82 (down 18% from prior week)
- Collisions (reportable): 18 (down 36% from prior week)
Community events
Lakewood Chamber of Commerce “Thanks-for-Giving”
Join the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce for its “Thanks-for-Giving” annual dinner and auction on Nov. 15 from 6-9:30 p.m. at The Adriatic in Oakbrook.
This lively evening will feature fantastic auction items, delicious food, and the chance to connect with fellow community members—all while helping the Lakewood Chamber thrive.
Donors and auction attendees will receive:
- Pre-event promotion: Your name will be spotlighted in emails, newsletters, and promotional materials.
- Recognition in the event program, showcasing your generosity and promoting your business.
- A chance to feature your products and services before hundreds of business professionals in the area.
Mark your calendar and say “yes” to this special evening of giving. Your participation—by donating an auction item and/or attending the event—makes a huge difference.
Sign up for Lakewood Alert (Code Red)
The City of Lakewood uses Code Red, an alert service, to notify residents of important information happening in the city.
If there is an emergency that requires public notification, we will use Lakewood Alert as one way to communicate. We will also post information to our website and social media channels.
Subscribers can sign up to receive text and email alerts. People can also sign up for important non-emergency updates including information about road impacts from large events in the city or information about special events.
Find out more and sign up today.
Now Hiring!
There are a variety of positions available for hard workers looking to join the City of Lakewood team. Lakewood offers a competitive benefits package. We are part of the state retirement system (PERS). And the city is a beautiful place to work. Find a current list of open positions online.
Road project updates
Ardmore/Whitman/93rd
The new signal bridge is installed. It is now being tested. It is expected to be “live” where cars will use the lights the week of Nov. 12. Until then drivers should continue to use the stop signs.
Farwest Drive, Safe Routes to School
Work is paused while waiting for the new pedestrian luminaires to be delivered. They were shipped this week. Once they arrive work will begin to install them.
84th and Pine
The new signal is installed and being tested. It is anticipated to be operational next week.
Hipkins Road
The contractor continues to work on the remaining to-do items.
Rose Rd Sanitary Sewer Project
This sewer extension project was awarded to Miles Resources. Work is anticipated to start in January 2025 due to material procurement lead times.
Steilacoom Boulevard (Weller Road to 87th Ave SW)
A low bidder was identified and a contract will be before the Lakewood City Council at its regular meeting Nov. 4 for approval. Once approved a construction timeline will be created and shared with the public. Road construction will begin this fall on this stretch of roadway for a $6 million road improvement project. Once construction begins, drivers can expect all-day lane closures over an extended period.
South Tacoma Way overlay (96th to Steilacoom Boulevard)
Bids were opened on Wednesday. An apparent low bidder has been identified. Once a contract is awarded by the Lakewood City Council construction timelines will be identified and shared with the public.