Honoring our veterans
From City Manager John Caulfield: As we approach Veterans Day, I want to take a moment to honor and recognize the dedication, sacrifice, and bravery of our Veterans. This day serves as a powerful reminder of the courage shown by those who have served our great nation, including many of our co-workers here at the City of Lakewood.
To our veterans, we extend our deepest thanks for your service to our country. Your experiences and dedication continue to enrich our community and country in countless ways.
I was recently reminded of the following poem, that I believe is by Ralph Waldo Emerson. The poem serves as a reminder of the freedoms and rights we may sometimes take for granted and the sacrifices made by those who served and currently serve to protect them.
Veterans Poem
It is the Veteran, not the preacher, who has given you freedom of religion.
It is the Veteran, not the reporter, who has given you freedom of the press.
It is the Veteran, not the poet, who has given you freedom of speech.
It is the Veteran, not the protester, who has given you freedom to assemble.
It is the Veteran, not the lawyer, who has given you the right to a fair trial.
It is the Veteran, not the politician, who has given you the right to vote.
It is the Veteran, who salutes the Flag, who serves under the Flag, whose coffin is draped by the Flag.
Lakewood City Hall, police station closed Monday
In observance of Veterans Day on Monday, Nov. 11, Lakewood City Hall, the lobby of the Lakewood Police Station and Lakewood Municipal Court are closed.
Regular operations resume Tuesday, Nov. 12. The Lakewood City Council will hold its study session Tuesday at 7 p.m. Despite the police station lobby closure, Lakewood police will be on regular patrols.
November is Native American Heritage Month
The Lakewood City Council formerly recognized November as National Native American Heritage Month with a proclamation at its Nov. 4, 2024 regular meeting.
From the proclamation:
…WHEREAS The City recognizes that we are on the lands of the Nisqually and Steilacoom people, and acknowledges the history of dispossession that allowed for the growth of our community; and
WHEREAS, despite this history, Indigenous peoples, their governments, and their communities have persevered and flourished as teachers and scholars, scientists and doctors, writers and artists, business leaders and elected officials, heroes in uniform, and so much more, making immeasurable contributions to our country’s progress; and
WHEREAS, the City offers its respect to the Nisqually and Steilacoom people and their Elders and reaffirms its commitment to preserve the traditions and culture of the tribes and to honor the unique heritage of our first inhabitants.
NOW, THEREFORE,BE IT RESOLVED that the Lakewood City Council does hereby proclaim November, 2024 as Native American Heritage Month in the City of Lakewood and calls upon all residents to commemorate this month with appropriate programs and activities.
Fall Community Cleanup is Saturday & Sunday
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.
City Days at the McGavick Conference Center
The City of Lakewood is currently accepting applications for the use of a 2025 City Day at the Clover Park Technical College McGavick Conference Center. Please click here to view the policy and application materials. Applications will be accepted until Friday, Nov. 29, 2024. Applicants will be notified as to the approval or denial of the application by Friday, Dec. 13, 2024.
Complete applications can be emailed directly to City Clerk Briana Schumacher or can be delivered in person or by mail to Lakewood City Hall, 6000 Main Street SW Lakewood, WA 98499.
If you have any questions regarding the application or process, please contact City Clerk Briana Schumacher at [email protected] or 253-983-7705.
Now available: 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. 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.
Council Corner: Nov. 4 recap
Veteran’s Day. The City Council read a proclamation Monday honoring Veterans and recognizing Nov. 11 as Veterans Day and a Day of Remembrance in Lakewood.
Native American Heritage Month. The City Council read a proclamation declaring the month of November Native American Heritage Month in Lakewood.
The Lakewood City Council acted on the following items at its regular meeting:
- Authorized the execution of an agreement for State government relations services.
- Authorized the execution of an agreement for Federal government relations services.
- Authorized the 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.
- Authorized the execution of an interlocal agreement between Pierce County and the City of Lakewood for the provision of specialized law enforcement services.
- Confirmed the appointment of Tim Lewis as Municipal Court Judge and authorized the execution of an agreement with Lewis to fill the Municipal Court Judge term ending Dec. 31, 2025.
- Held public hearings on the following:
- A proposed 1% Utility Tax Rate Increase.
- A proposed 1% property tax levy increase.
- Year-End (2024) budget adjustment.
- 2025-2026 Proposed Biennial Budget.
- 2025 Comprehensive Plan Docket.
- 2024 Development Regulation Updates (Amendments to comply with SB 5290 permitting timeliness and to govern manufactured home parks and camping and recreational vehicle parks).
- Adopted Ordinance No. 815 considering the vacation of a section of Cline Road between Interstate 5 and Pacific Highway SW.
Watch the meeting.
What’s on Deck: The Lakewood City Council meets Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024 for a study session at 7 p.m. in Council Chambers. Note the different meeting day. Tentative agenda items include:
- Joint Community Services Advisory Board meeting
- Review of 2025 Human Services funding recommendations
- Review of 2025 Lodging Tax funding recommendations
- Review of 2025 Fee Schedule amendments
- Review of 2025-2026 Proposed Biennial Budget
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. 29- Nov. 5, 2024
- Calls for Service: 849 (down 7% from prior week)
- Arrests: 34 (down 17% from prior week)
- Violent Crime: 31 (down 9% from prior week)
- Property Crime: 61 (down 26% from prior week)
- Traffic Stops: 92 (up 12% from prior week)
- Collisions (reportable): 25 (up 39% from prior week)
Community events
Symphony Tacoma welcomes Lakewood native J’Nai Bridges
Symphony Tacoma is ready to ignite the concert stage with its upcoming “Passion & Intrigue” concert, a special homecoming concert featuring two-time GRAMMY award winner J’Nai Bridges.
Head to the historic Pantages Theatre in Tacoma Saturday, Nov. 23 to experience a dramatic fusion of fiery Spanish themes, exotic tales from the East, and powerful operatic moments, creating an evening of intense emotion and mesmerizing storytelling expertly conducted by Symphony Tacoma Music Director Sarah Ioannides.
This is Bridges’ first homecoming performance. The two-time Grammy Award winner was recognized by the Lakewood City Council in 2023 with a proclamation. At the time she was back in the Pacific Northwest to perform in Seattle. The Idlewild Elementary School alumni is guaranteed to put on a specular performance. Find more details from Symphony Tacoma.
Lakewood Chamber hosts “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 to donate here. Reserve your seat here.
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 is expected to go “live” next week. The contractor is working with TPU to energize the pedestrian luminaires on Ardmore.
Farwest Drive, Safe Routes to School
Work is paused while waiting for the new pedestrian luminaires to be delivered. Once they arrive work will begin to install them.
84th and Pine
The new signal is up and working. The contractor will be on site soon to finish final punchlist items and install pedestrian lighting.
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)
This contract was awarded to Active Construction, Inc. Work is expected to start this winter. Once construction begins, drivers can expect all-day lane closures over an extended period.
South Tacoma Way overlay (96th to Steilacoom Boulevard)
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.