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 …
Latest Data Data from the CDC, Washington State Department of Health, and Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department all indicate that case rates remain very high. Vaccine Information TPCHD data says that unvaccinated persons are 3x more likely to be infected and 10x more likely to be hospitalized. VACCINE LOCATIONS: COVID-19 vaccines are widely available. No documentation or insurance is required at most …
Monday’s meeting began with a presentation from Partners for Parks on the progress of its early efforts to renovate one of the historic barns at Fort Steilacoom Park, perhaps converting it to a multi-use community space. Early study data seems to support the feasibility of a restoration project. Partners for Parks estimates a cost of $7.5 million and presented some …
Mayor Lakewood Police Department Welcomes Class of 16 New Officers The Lakewood Police Department welcomed a class of new officers during a Commissioning Ceremony on Jan. 18, 2022. 16 new officers joined the LPD ranks, including 10 entry-level officers and six lateral officers. Two LPD officers were promoted to detective. The Lakewood Police Department lost a portion of its strength …
Casual conversation sessions will be held bimonthly on Thursday evenings after work hours. Lakewood, Wash. – Lakewood’s new mayor Jason Whalen has announced bimonthly “Community Coffeehouse” conversation sessions to invite conversation with residents. Each session will be themed and will begin with a presentation from the mayor or a guest speaker before opening the floor for residents with questions and remarks …
Chief Zaro welcomed a new class, promoted two officers, and presented two awards during Tuesday’s Commissioning Ceremony. The Lakewood Police Department welcomed a class of new officers during a Commissioning Ceremony on Jan. 18, 2022. 16 new officers joined the LPD ranks, including 10 entry-level officers and six lateral officers. Two LPD officers were promoted to detective. “Tonight, we have …