Lakewood has great infrastructure, highway access, simple permitting, available industrial properties, and development incentives. Lakewood is also a wholesome place to live with great schools and vibrant culture. Lakewood is a great place for big businesses, small businesses, and workers.
Becky Newton
Economic Development Manager
6000 Main St. SW, 3rd Floor
Lakewood, WA 98499
(253) 983-7738
Email: BNewton
To email Becky Newton add her email handle before @cityoflakewood.us
Permit and Service Counter
Walk ins welcome
Tuesday-Thursday, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Announcements
The Lakewood Economic Indicators Report is now updated for Q1 2024. The Economic Indicators report includes employment, income, housing, financial, and other demographic data. View the Q1 2024 Economic Indicators report here (PDF).
The October, 2024 edition of the Lakewood Economic Development editorial column is now available. View the October 2024 Editorial Column (PDF).
The Lakewood Permit Report is now updated for Q3 2024. The permit report includes all major permit activity, new constructions, and proposed projects for Q3 2024.
The Lakewood Contaminated Sites Report is now updated for 2024. The Contaminated Sites Report includes data about sites that still require cleanup as well as sites that have completed cleanup and are listed as No Further Action
The 2023 Annual Lakewood Business Retention & Expansion (BR&E) Report is now available. The BR&E report compiles community data gathered through interviews with businesses across the city. View the 2023 Annual Lakewood BR&E Report (PDF).
Economic Development Manager, Becky Newton gave a presentation to the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce. The presentation is available here (PDF).
The Annual Lakewood Permit Report is now updated for 2023. The annual permit report includes all major permit activity, new constructions, and proposed projects for 2023. View the 2023 Annual Permit Report (PDF).
Current Projects
Our Business Retention and Expansion (BRE) program is designed to:
- Retain or keep existing businesses in the community; and
- Provide assistance for existing businesses to expand.
BRE is applicable to all businesses in the community, from small mom-and-pop shops to large national employers and all industries, particularly trade-based or primary companies that bring in new dollars to the city, county, and state.
BRE and business attraction go hand in hand when developing a community. The City of Lakewood has three retail trade areas:
- Lakewood Towne Center
- International District
- Pacific Highway Transit-Oriented Commercial area on Pacific Highway adjacent to I-5.
Lakewood has a large industrial park and additional industrial lands available for development. Opportunities are abundant and many properties are ripe for redevelopment.
Lakewood has a wide range of affordable to high-end residential offerings. The City is focused on increasing the variety of living spaces such as live-work units, mixed residential, garden style living communities, and middle market homes.
View the Economic Vitality Strategy (PDF) for information on our target areas for development.
Editorial Column
All files below are in PDF format.
- October 2024 – Inflation, Workforce, and Financial Resources Update
- June 2024 – Parks and Green Spaces
- April 2024 – 2021 International Building Code Amendments
- February 2024 – Housing and Homelessness
- October 2023 – Community Partnerships
- September 2023 – Comprehensive Plan Updates
- June 2023 – Climate Change, Energy and Transportation
- April 2023 – Trees and Tree Code
- February 2023 – Workforce Development
Common Questions
How do I start a Business in Lakewood?
- We would love for you to start your business in Lakewood. For information and resources on how to start the process, please visit our Business Resources page. To apply for a business license, please visit the Washington State Department of Revenue Business Licensing service portal.
- If you have questions or unique needs for your business, please contact our Economic Development team at (253) 983-7738.
Does Lakewood offer business incentives?
- Yes, Lakewood does offer business incentives. Please visit the Developing in Lakewood page to learn more.
How do I get a permit in Lakewood?
- All permitting in Lakewood goes through our Permit Portal. For more information on permitting in Lakewood, please visit our Development Services page.
How long does it take to get a permit?
- Permit times vary. Read more about permit timelines in Lakewood here (PDF).
What can I do with my property in Lakewood?
- Property use depends on multiple factors. Read more about property, codes and zoning in Lakewood here (PDF).
Why do some properties remain vacant?
- Long-term vacant properties can happen for several reasons:
- Contamination on the site
- Legal issues complicating a sale or redevelopment effort
- Owner is holding out for a price well above market value
- Ground characteristics making site development problematic
- Building code issues that are cost prohibitive to come into compliance
How do I get a grant or government contract in Lakewood?
- There are various ways to receive grants or government contracts in Lakewood. Read more about grants and government contracts here (PDF).
Economic Reports
All documents below are in PDF format.