Housing Program Manager Jeff Gumm briefed City Council on investments of federal CDBG and HOME program funds in Lakewood. CDBG and HOME funds support several critical programs: emergency rent & mortgage assistance, emergency home repairs, affordable housing development, small business assistance, and support for emergency shelter providers. The City’s Emergency Rental Assistance program helped 149 households (379 individuals) preserve their …
New Business is Booming in Lakewood Lakewood ended 2021 with 138 more businesses than it started with. Some were big (Aero Precision brought 800 new jobs) and some were small (Seoul Bowl Food Truck employs just a few). Strong net business growth is a sign of good things to come in Lakewood. This City continues to attract record investment and …
The meeting of Feb. 22, 2022 began with a business showcase highlighting positive net business growth in Lakewood: 2021 ended with 138 more businesses in Lakewood than it started with. Communications Manager Jim Kopriva showcased two businesses that had recently opened their doors. A construction contract was issued for the 2022 Stormwater Repair Project, and an agreement was authorized to …
This morning, Russia invaded the free nation of Ukraine, homeland of 44 million and motherland of nearly a million Americans of Ukrainian descent. Lakewood is a military community, home to generations of active and retired military members and their families. Lakewood is also a global community, home to expatriates of Ukraine and eastern Europe. Those of us who have served …
As the region grows and costs rise, the report reveals “no easy solutions” to meet demand and restrain costs. Lakewood, Wash. – The City of Lakewood published its 2021 Housing Report in February, offering a detailed review of housing market forces. Housing is scarce and the region continues to grow. More housing is needed, but it’s increasingly difficult to build. Surging …
New businesses are springing up all over Lakewood. 732 new businesses were approved in Lakewood in 2021, and net business growth for the year was 138. In recent months, we’ve seen grand openings (and reopenings) galore in the food and beverage sector. Crumbl Cookies‘ first location opened just a few years ago in 2017 – they’re off to a sizzling …
Lakewood Produces 2021 Annual Housing Report The City of Lakewood offers a detailed report on housing and market conditions every year to spot problems and suggest solutions. The cost of housing is rising – what are the root causes and what can be done about them? One problem is material costs – an invasive insect threatens Canada’s lumber supply. Material …
Steilacoom Boulevard has reopened between Lakewood Drive & Gravelly Lake Drive after a months-long closure for an emergency sewer main repair. Steilacoom Boulevard in Lakewood will reopen for traffic this afternoon, Wednesday, Feb. 16. Thanks to dry weather conditions this week, crews working on our sewer main repair project were able to apply temporary striping ahead of schedule. Permanent road …
The meeting of Feb. 14 began with a tour of Lakewood’s new permit portal. Lakewood now shares a familiar interface with the Pierce County PALS system. Users may research permit history, pay fees, schedule appointments, request updates, and perform other tasks from a single dashboard. Assistant City Manager Dave Bugher reviewed the City’s Climate Change Work Plan. Recommended by the …
Local programs that support natural habitats and water quality may be eligible for grant funding. Past examples included plantings, invasive species removal, cleanup events, and educational programs. The Pierce County Watersheds Small Grants Program will host an informational session on March 2, and will accept grant applications through April 7. Relevant Links 2022 Watersheds Small Grants ProgramVirtual Information Session (Wednesday, …
City Council Forms Ad Hoc Tree Advisory Committee The Lakewood City Council appointed 11 resident applicants to an ad hoc Tree Advisory Committee. The committee will meet regularly in March, April, and May to produce suggested revisions to Lakewood Municipal Code regarding tree preservation. Property rights and environmental concerns will be fairly considered. The committee will present suggested code revisions …
The meeting of Feb. 7, 2022 began with a proclamation to acknowledge a 20-year Sister Cities relationship between the City of Lakewood, Washington, and Okinawa City, Japan. Connie Coleman-Lacadie accepted the proclamation and shared a video of an Eisa performance by an Okinawan performing arts group. Eisa is a traditional Okinawan folk dance. The City Council also issued a proclamation …
The Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department announced today that a Lakewood family lost their little girl to complications from COVID-19. She was under 10 years old, and she is the first child under 18 to die of COVID-19 in Pierce County. “Lakewood has lost 83 residents to COVID-19, and to lose a young child is an additional tragedy. All of us …
February is Black History Month February is Black History Month and an opportunity to reflect on the contributions of Black leaders and organizers in the Lakewood community. The Lakewood City Council will issue a proclamation on Monday night to acknowledge Black History Month. The City also has been working with the Clover Park School District on the Hidden Heroes campaign, …
We have some good news, some bad news, and some great news pertaining to road construction around Gravelly Lake. The good news? On Monday Feb. 14, Gravelly Lake Drive and the new Veterans/Gravelly Lake roundabout will open to through traffic. ** Monday, February 14 is Valentine’s Day…** The bad news? That same day, Washington Boulevard will close between Lake City …
JoEthel Smith is a familiar figure in Lakewood. She lived in Lakewood for more than 50 years, she was a prolific organizer in her time. Over the years, she worked with local leaders to host multicultural events and community gatherings, and to mentor aspiring Black leaders. Now 87, Smith lives just a stone’s throw away in neighboring University Place. She …
The City of Lakewood has begun a survey to assess resident satisfaction with life in Lakewood. The survey will be available online and instructions will have already been delivered by mail to many Lakewood residents. The survey is based on the “National Community Survey” (NCS), a standard model that will allow Lakewood to compare its results to other participating cities …
SummerFest is Back; Lakewood’s 2022 Events Announced SummerFest is coming back! After a two-year hiatus, Lakewood’s famous summer soirée will return. Enjoy extraordinary entertainment, live music, food, games, rides, and family-friendly fun on Saturday, July 23. The City will host four thrilling Saturday Street Festivals in 2022 at newly-renovated Colonial Plaza: “Dancing in the Streets” on May 21, “Carnival of …