Cover of the Spring 2024 Lakewood Connections magazine

Lakewood Spring Connections in homes now

March 15, 2024 The Spring 2024 Lakewood Connections magazine was mailed this week to all Lakewood residences. This is the city’s quarterly publication that shares information about what’s happening in the city. Pick up your copy today to learn about what we have planned for 2024. There is a comprehensive list of upcoming events from now through December. Readers will …

White text over a watercolor painting of a tugboat reads City Manager's Weekly Bulletin March 15, 2024

Lakewood Manager’s Bulletin: March 15, 2024

Lakewood reflects on 2024 legislative session The Lakewood City Council extends its gratitude to legislators for their hard work and dedication to serving our community during the recent legislative session. Heading into the session, the Lakewood City Council met with local representatives to review city priorities. That included continued refinement to existing state law around vehicle pursuits. “It was heartening …

White text over an image of Lakewood City Hall reads "Certificate of Excellence"

Lakewood receives certificate for excellence in financial reporting for 10th consecutive year

March 15, 2024 The Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) awarded the City of Lakewood with its Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for the city’s 2022 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR).  This marks the 10th consecutive year that the city received this national recognition.  This award is the highest form of recognition …

A photo of the American Flag and Washington state flag in the Lakewood City Council Chambers with the City Seal hanging on the wall

City of Lakewood reflects on 2024 short legislative session

March 13, 2024 With the conclusion of the 2024 Washington Legislative Session last week, the Lakewood City Council extends its gratitude to legislators for their hard work and dedication to serving our community. Heading into the session, the Lakewood City Council met with local representatives to review city priorities. That included continued refinement to existing state law around vehicle pursuits. …

March 2024 Lakewood Artist Reception featuring Ron Snowden

March 11, 2024 The City of Lakewood’s first Artist Reception of 2024 is Monday, March 18 from 4-7 p.m. Join us at Lakewood City Hall to meet local artist Ron Snowden. We’ll have refreshments, music, art and a chance to talk with Snowden about his pieces. Much of Snowden’s inspiration comes from the great scenery of the Pacific Northwest. Including, …

City Manager's Weekly Bulletin March 8, 2024

Lakewood Manager’s Bulletin: March 8, 2024

New Building Code Amendments The Lakewood City Council adopted amendments to the city’s building code at its March 4, 2024, regular meeting. The updates go into effect March 15, 2024. The changes reflect amendments made to the International Building Code. The International Building Code amendments were adopted in 2021, however they were not implemented immediately due to multiple court cases. …

LPD Retail Theft Emphasis

Retail Theft Emphasis results in 20 arrests

March 8, 2024 Last week the Lakewood Police Department’s property crime team conducted a retail emphasis patrol in the Lakewood Towne Center and surrounding retail area. The purpose of the emphasis was to catch people shoplifting, return stolen merchandise and ultimately deter people from stealing from local businesses in the future. Over the course of the emphasis that started mid-afternoon …

Members of the Lakewood City Council from 1996 cut a blue ribbon at People's Plaza to celebrate the incorporation of the city and its first "city hall". Gen. Bill Harrison is in the front with Dr. Claudia Thomas. Both served as Mayor for the city over the course of their time with the city.

Celebrating our ‘Golden’ birthday

March 1, 2024 Twenty-eight years ago on Feb. 28, 1996, the City of Lakewood officially became a city. Voters approved the incorporation effort in 1995 after previous failed attempts. At the time of its formation Lakewood was the seventh-largest city in the state and the second-largest city in Pierce County behind Tacoma. Today it is still the second largest in …

Lakewood Towne Center

Residential living complex proposed for Lakewood Towne Center

Feb. 29, 2024 The City of Lakewood recently received an application from Alliance Residential to redevelop 10.37 acres of the Lakewood Towne Center into a master planned residential apartment complex. The property where the redevelopment is proposed is privately owned by Kite Realty. The city is not involved with the project, except for its administrative role tied to application review, …

Hidden Heroes redesigned logo in 2024

Hidden Heroes Week 4: Small Business Ownership

Feb. 26, 2024 The City of Lakewood, in partnership with the Clover Park School District, is highlighting the “Hidden Heroes” of our community. Each week we are featuring Black or African American professionals in the community who are making a difference.  This is our fourth and final week of this recognition. This week we highlight local entrepreneurs. Deb Tuggle, owner …

City Manager's Weekly Bulletin Feb. 23, 2024

Lakewood Manager’s Bulletin: Feb. 23, 2024

Hidden Heroes Week 3: Government & Administration The City of Lakewood, in partnership with the Clover Park School District, is highlighting the “Hidden Heroes” of our community. The campaign kicked off Feb. 5, 2024, to honor Black History Month. The first week featured education professionals. The second week featured local heroes active in the nonprofit and business sector. This week …

Hidden Heroes redesigned logo in 2024

Hidden Heroes Week 3: Government & Administration

Feb. 19, 2024 The City of Lakewood, in partnership with the Clover Park School District, is highlighting the “Hidden Heroes” of our community. Each week we are featuring Black or African American professionals in the community who are making a difference.  Week three focuses on local leaders in government and administration. Patrick D. Smith, Chief of Police, Lakewood Police Department …

Lakewood Farmers Market 2019 opening day, Family Bautista Farms produce

Lakewood Farmers Market now accepting vendor applications

Feb. 9, 2024 Calling all vendors! The application period is open for vendors interested in being part of the 2024 Lakewood Farmers Market season. The 2024 Lakewood Farmers Market runs Tuesdays from 2-7 p.m. at Fort Steilacoom Park. Opening day is June 4. The market runs 14 weeks until Sept. 17. (Please note: There is no market on July 16 or …

Sound Healing Workshop photo of a woman with a guitar singing.

Sound Healing Workshop is Feb. 24

Feb. 2, 2024 Registration is now open for a Sound Healing Workshop, held in the peaceful setting of the Pavilion at Fort Steilacoom Park. The workshop is Saturday, Feb. 24, 2024 from 1 to 4 p.m. At this workshop participants will spend an afternoon immersed in healing sound and Kirtan chanting, crystal singing bowls, restorative yoga and connection. Attendees will …

City Council Action

Supporting local education and the Clover Park School District

Jan. 26, 2024 At a special meeting this week, the Lakewood City Council unanimously approved a resolution supporting the Clover Park School District replacement educational programs and operations levy. The levy will be on the Feb. 13, 2024 special election ballot as Proposition 1. Lakewood City Council members shared their support for the levy at the meeting, citing its necessity …