The Lakewood City Council recognized May 2023 as Asian American, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander Heritage Month. They are posed with representatives from the Asia Pacific Cultural Center at their May 1, 2023 meeting.

Council Corner: May 1, 2023

The first meeting of May kicked off with six proclamation readings and recognition of Crane’s Creations 2.0 as the May 2023 Lakewood Business Showcase.

The Lakewood City Council recognized May 2023 as Asian American, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander Heritage Month. They are posed with representatives from the Asia Pacific Cultural Center at their May 1, 2023 meeting.

National Asian American Native Hawaiian-Pacific Islander Heritage Month: The first proclamation read recognized May 2023 as National Asian America, Native Hawaiian-Pacific Islander Heritage Month. In its proclamation the Lakewood City Council recognized the history of Asian, Hawaiian and Pacific Islander immigrants and descendants in our city and celebrated the various cultures that contribute to the tapestry of our city making it one of the most diverse in the state. Read the proclamation.

The Lakewood City Council declared May 2023 as Hunger Awareness Month and presented a proclamation to the director of Emergency Food Network at its May 1, 2023 meeting.

Hunger Awareness Month: The Lakewood City Council presented Emergency Food Network with a proclamation recognizing May 2023 as Hunger Awareness Month. Now more than ever people need food banks and food donations to provide healthy food choices to their families, due to rising food costs. EFN will host a Hunger Walk May 6 at Fort Steilacoom Park. Residents are encouraged to participate, and consider donations or volunteer to support EFN which supplies food to food banks across Pierce County. Read the proclamation.

The Lakewood City Council issued a proclamation recognizing May 7-13. 2023 as Water Week. The presented it to Lakewood Water District representatives at their May 1, 2023 meeting.

May 7-13, 2023 is Drinking Water Week: Lakewood Water District accepted a proclamation declaring May 7-13, 2023 as Water Week in Lakewood. The proclamation calls attention to the vital role clean drinking water plays in our society and the importance of reliable, safe infrastructure to deliver that clean water to our homes and businesses. Read the proclamation.

The Lakewood City Council recognized May 12, 2023 as Childcare Providers Appreciation Day and presented the proclamation to a local childcare provider who works with Little Scholars Center.

May 12, 2023 is Childcare Provider Appreciation Day: The Lakewood City Council recognized May 12, 2023 as Childcare Provider Appreciation Day. Childcare providers offer a vital service to working families: a safe, healthy place for children to grow, play and learn. Without this, our economy would suffer because working parents would not be able to fulfill their job duties unless they have a safe place for their young children to go. Read the proclamation.

The Lakewood City Council issued a proclamation recognizing the 55th Anniversary of the Fair Housing Act at its May 1, 2023 meeting. Members of the council pose with representatives from the Tacoma-Pierce County Realtors Association.

55th Anniversary of the Fair Housing Act: The Fair Housing Act was enacted into law in 1968. This year marks the 55th anniversary of that piece of legislation that recognized no American should lose their right to purchase or rent housing of their choice because of their race, skin color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin, sexual orientation or gender identity. Read the proclamation.

The Lakewood City Council recognized May 2023 as Building Safety Awareness Month and posed for a photo with Lakewood Building Official Rafik Gindy.

May is Building Safety Month: The community depends on the role safety plays in our homes, buildings and infrastructure, both in everyday life and during a disaster. Building Safety Month calls attention to the important role experts in the building industry play in keeping our community safe, including building inspectors, building officials, development professionals, plumbers, electricians and more. Read the proclamation.

The Lakewood City Council recognized Crane's Creations 2.0 owner Dave Olson with the May 2023 Business Showcase recognition.

Business Showcase: Crane’s Creations 2.0 is the May 2023 Lakewood Business Showcase. This Lakewood business specialized in floral creations for more than 50 years. Crane’s Creations 2.0 is the new iteration of this Lakewood treasure. Owners David and Charlene Olson purchased the business three years ago. Read more.

Council action: At its meeting Council acted on the following items:

  • Adopted the 2022 Transportation Benefit District Annual Report.
  • Adopted the Fiscal Year 2023 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Annual Action Plan.
  • Approved American Rescue Plan Act funding to support the Dolly Parton Imagination Library. Initiated and supported by the Rotary Club of Lakewood, this program has the potential to reach up to 6,000 Lakewood children and provide them with free books.
  • Updated and authorized new uses for the city’s American Rescue Plan Act funds.
  • Held a public hearing on the 2023 Carry Forward Budget Adjustment.

What’s on Deck: The Lakewood City Council May 8 study session is canceled. The next meeting is May 15, 7 p.m.  Tentative agenda items include:

  • Police Chief Commissioning Ceremony
  • Proclamation declaring May 15-21, 2023 as National Police Week
  • Proclamation declaring May 21-27, 2023 as National Public Works Week
  • Authorizing the execution of a construction contract for Fort Steilacoom Park Athletic Field Improvements
  • Ordinance adopting the 2023 Carry Forward Budget Adjustment
  • Ordinance amending Chapter 9.06 of Lakewood Municipal Code relating to Controlled Substances.
  • Approving an intergovernmental transfer agreement between Pierce County and the city of Lakewood related to the transfer of Old Settler’s Cemetery property.
  • Reports by the City Manager: Partners for Parks Presentation; and review of the Opioid Abatement Council (OAC) Formation for Pierce County.

How to attend: Attend in person at Lakewood City Hall, 6000 Main Street SW; Join via Zoom (or dial 253-215-8782 and enter meeting ID: 868 7263 2373), or watch live on the city’s YouTube channel.