Lakewood City Council appoints interim City Manager
The Lakewood City Council appointed Tho Kraus as interim City Manager while it conducts its search for a permanent city manager.
Kraus fills the vacancy left by City Manager John J. Caulfield, who retired June 5, 2025.
In addition to this leadership role, Kraus continues to serve as the city’s Chief Financial Officer, overseeing Finance, Human Resources and Information Technology.
With a focus on transparency, efficiency and service, Kraus has strengthened the city’s financial position and internal systems. Under her leadership, the city has received multiple recognitions from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA), including the Triple Crown Award, a distinction awarded only to a small number of governments nationwide.
Kraus joined the City of Lakewood in October 2013 after a distinguished career with the city of Federal Way, where she spent 19 years. She previously worked for the City of Tacoma and the Clover Park School District. Kraus grew up in Lakewood and is a Clover Park High School alumnus. She graduated from the University of Washington Foster School of Business with a BA in business administration with an accounting concentration.
During this transitional period, Kraus is committed to providing stable leadership, ensuring transparency, and maintaining continued progress until a permanent city manager is appointed.
Lakewood PD K9 Officer earns ‘Master Trainer’ honor
Lakewood Police K9 Officer Anthony Bucat was recently awarded a Master Trainer certificate by the Washington State Police Canine Association (WSPCA), signifying a prestigious accomplishment.
This distinction is earned by only the most seasoned and dedicated K9 professionals in the state. With this honor, Bucat becomes one of only two certified Master Trainers in Pierce County.
As a Master Trainer, Bucat now plays a vital role in leading the training, development and certification of canine teams from law enforcement agencies across the region. His role will help elevate police K9 standards and capabilities. This milestone certification is not only a personal achievement for Bucat but also serves as a major asset for the Lakewood Police Department, its K9 program and the larger Pierce County METRO K9 team.
Mosaic workshop is today, Saturday at Fort Steilacoom Park
We’re looking for people to join us at the Pavilion at Fort Steilacoom Park Friday and Saturday, June 6-7 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. to help lay tile for a community mosaic project.
All ages and abilities are welcome. Drop-in, stay as little or as long as you like!
Once complete the piece will be installed at the base of two kiosks in Fort Steilacoom Park. The design is a replication of the woven basket patterns from the Nisqually Indian Tribe. The installation will be permanent and complements the Nisqually Loop Trail and the interpretive signs that will line the path.
No artistic ability or experience is necessary! (Think “paint by numbers.”) This is a wonderful opportunity to contribute to a project that will be enjoyed by the million-plus visitors to the park each year.
Meet the Lakewood City Manager candidates June 10
The Lakewood City Council invites the public to meet the five City Manager finalists at a meet and greet Tuesday, June 10, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in the McGavick Center Ballroom at Clover Park Technical College.
Come to engage with the finalists, ask questions and provide input. Attendees can share comments anonymously on cards that will be collected and reviewed by the City Council prior to finalist interviews on June 11.
Reception Itinerary:
- 7–7:30 p.m.: Informal meet and greet with finalists stationed around the room
- 7:30–8 p.m.: Finalist introduction speeches
- 8–8:30 p.m.: Continued meet and greet Light refreshments will be served.
The City Council encourages residents to attend and share their voices in this important step in selecting Lakewood’s next City Manager.
Read more about each candidate.
Open House: H-Barn restoration at Fort Steilacoom Park
Did you know we have plans to restore the historic H-Barn at Fort Steilacoom Park? The city is partnering with local nonprofit Partners for Parks to transform the largely unused historic building into a multi-generational community gathering space.
Head to the Pavilion at Fort Steilacoom Park on Tuesday, June 10 between 3-6 p.m. for an open house. If you’re there at 5 p.m. you will hear a short presentation. Designs will be displayed to show conceptual drawings of the planned transformation. We’ll be there to answer questions, explain what is planned and speak to the history of the site.
For years we’ve heard from residents who want access to the 120-year-old barn. People want to host fundraisers, barn dances, fun runs and other special events at the site.
We’ve conducted several feasibility studies and are working with a design team to see how the building can be used for public and private events.
While there, stop by the Lakewood Farmers Market, which will be set up nearby between 2-7 p.m. with vendors, food trucks, music and more.
Lakewood Farmers Market is back!
Farmers Market season is here! Head to Fort Steilacoom Park every Tuesday between 2-7 p.m. for the Lakewood Farmers Market.
Opening day was a huge success! Our vendors are reporting sales that are more than double of what was collected last year on opening day.
Head back next week for more fun. Make sure to stop by the City of Lakewood booth to learn about what programs we offer, including SNAP/EBT benefits and Healthy Bucks for Kids.
This year’s market once again features fresh produce, hand-cut flowers, baked goods, food trucks, local artisans, wine and more. The market runs every Tuesday until Aug. 26, except for July 15 and 22.
See what vendors will be there. Check out a photo gallery from the first day on the city’s Facebook page.
Retirement celebration for Mary Dodsworth
The public is invited to a public reception to send long-time Parks, Recreation and Community Services Director Mary Dodsworth into retirement with a celebration.
The open house event is Thursday, June 12 from 9-11 a.m. in Council Chambers at Lakewood City Hall, 6000 Main Street SW.
Everyone is invited and welcome to come wish Mary well and celebrate her many accomplishments during her 24 years with the city. Her last day with the city is Friday, June 13. Light refreshments will be served.
Save the date: Summer Nights at the Pavilion starts June 17
We’re just over 1 week away from the start of our FREE summer concert season.
Head to The Pavilion at Fort Steilacoom Park Tuesday, June 17 for our Summer Nights at the Pavilion concerts. The summer fun kicks off with Rebel Canyon.
Grab your lawn chairs and blankets and get ready for a high-energy show highlighting the hottest country hits, plus classics from the last 20 years. Swing by the Lakewood Farmers Market before heading over to the Pavilion lawn to find food, sweet treats, drinks, fresh produce and local items.
Summer concerts run 6:30-8 p.m. with a 90-minute set list. Entrance and parking are always free!
Now accepting: Lakewood Youth Council applications
Lakewood youth interested in joining the city’s Youth Council can submit applications now for consideration for appointment to the 2025-2026 Youth Council.
Applications should be submitted using this form. The deadline to apply is Friday, June 13, 2025 at 5 p.m.
Youth Council members play a valuable role in Lakewood. They convey to the City Council issues of relevance to youth in Lakewood. This includes researching, analyzing and pulling together data and information to be included in reports for the City Council. Youth Council members demonstrate leadership at school and in the community and encourage their peers to get involved. The Youth Council hosts an annual Youth Summit, and other activities to engage peers in civic engagement. Read more about the Lakewood Youth Council responsibilities.
Council Corner: June 2, 2025 meeting recap
Proclamation recognizing John J. Caulfield for his service to the City of Lakewood. The Lakewood City Council read a proclamation recognizing City Manager John J. Caulfield on his 12 years of service with the city and the impact he made during his tenure. Caulfield retired June 5, 2026. Read the proclamation.
Proclamation recognizing the 250th Anniversary of the United States Army. The City Council acknowledged and celebrated the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army and highlighted the city’s longstanding support of the military and military families. Read the proclamation.
Proclamation recognizing Juneteenth National Freedom Day. The City Council read a proclamation celebrating the upcoming Juneteenth holiday on June 19, 2025. As part of its proclamation the City Council urged people to attend the upcoming Juneteenth celebration planned for June 14 at the Lakewood Playhouse. Hosted by St. Joseph-St. John Episcopal Church, the event runs 3-5 p.m. and will include dancing, song, displays, community connection and more. Read the proclamation.
Proclamation recognizing 75th Commemoration of the Korean War. The Lakewood City Council presented a proclamation to the Korean American Association of Tacoma honoring the 75th anniversary of the commemoration of the Korean War. A representative from the Korean Consulate in Seattle was also in attendance for the recognition. After accepting the proclamation representatives from the association invited the public to attend a ceremony June 21, 2025 at the Korean War memorial in Olympia. Read the proclamation.
Proclamation recognizing the month of June as LGBTQ+ Pride month. In its proclamation celebrating June 2025 as LGBTQ+ Pride Month the City Council reaffirmed its commitment to support the right for every resident to experience equality and freedom from discrimination. It also acknowledged Pride is a time to recall the trials faced by members of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ+) communities and what they have endured, while celebrating the triumphs of trailblazing individuals who have bravely fought — and continue to fight — for full equality. Read the proclamation.
The City Council acted on the following:
- Authorized the execution of an interagency agreement with the Washington Traffic Safety Commission for Lakewood Police Department DUI OT Patrols.
- Authorized the execution of an agreement with Leasing Co, LLC/Berry Sign, in the amount of $126,248, for the ECM Reader Board at Gravelly Lake Drive and Motor Avenue.
- Accepted a donation from Amazon, in the amount of $13,000, to support SSMCP’s special events and initiatives.
- Appointed Deputy City Manager Tho Kraus to serve as Interim City Manager.
- Reappointed Kate Read and appointed Kurt Spingath and Weston Ott to the American Lake – Lake Management District No. 1 Advisory Committee through June 2, 2028.
- Adopted an ordinance adopting the 2025 amendment to the Lakewood Comprehensive Plan, Future Land Use Map and Zoning Map, and Lakewood Municipal Code Titles 12, 17, 18A, 18B and 18C.
- Adopted an ordinance amending Lakewood Municipal Code Title 3, Revenue and Finance, Property Tax Exemptions for Multifamily housing, Chapter 3.64Resolution creating a city travel expense reimbursement policy for job candidates.
- Adopted a resolution adopting the Six-Year (2026-2031) Comprehensive Transportation Improvement Program.
Watch the meeting.
What’s on Deck. The Lakewood City Council meets Monday, June 9 at 7 p.m. for a study session. Tentative agenda items include:
- United Way of Pierce County Update
- Economic Development Presentation
- Joint Parks and Recreation Advisory Board meeting
- H-Barn Update
- Review of Pacific Point Defense contract amendment
How to attend: Attend in person at Lakewood City Hall, 6000 Main Street SW. Attend virtually via Zoom (or dial 253-215-8782 and enter meeting ID: 868 7263 2373), or watch live on the city’s YouTube channel.
Police Chief’s Corner
Each week Lakewood Police Chief Patrick D. Smith shares a summary of total calls for service for the prior week. The intent of the summary is to show a snapshot of how the department works to keep the community safe. To see quarterly statistical analysis, visit the Lakewood Police Department crime statistics page on the city website.
Weekly summary May 27-June 3, 2025
- Calls for Service: 891 (down 2% from prior week)
- Arrests: 50 (no change from prior week)
- Violent Crime: 23 (up 28% from prior week)
- Property Crime: 67 (up 3% from prior week)
- Traffic Stops: 109 (down 34% from prior week)
- Collisions (reportable): 9 (down 57% from prior week)
Attend a Neighborhood Association meeting in 2025
Neighborhood associations play a crucial role in fostering community engagement and improving the quality of life in local neighborhoods. Through its Neighborhood Connections program, the City of Lakewood aims to not only better connect the community, but also help residents better understand city processes.
There are currently six Neighborhood Associations in Lakewood. Five meet regularly. The meeting times and locations are listed below. All residents are invited and encouraged to attend an upcoming meeting for their respective neighborhood. Find out more about the Neighborhood Connections Program online.
Meetings:
- Downtown Neighborhood Association
- Meeting Dates: June 11, August 13, October 8, November 15, 2025
- Time: 5:30 p.m.
- Location: Interim Lakewood Library, 10202 Gravelly Lake Dr. SW
- Facebook: Downtown Lakewood Neighborhood Association | Facebook
- Fort Steilacoom Neighborhood Association
- Meeting Dates: June 25, Sept. 16, Oct. 21, Nov. 18
- Time: 6:30 p.m.
- Location: The Pavilion at Fort Steilacoom Park, 9107 Angle Lane SW
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/921496959928160
- Lake City Neighborhood Association
- Meets: Second Thursday of every month
- Time: 7 p.m.
- Location: Lake City West Pierce Fire & Rescue Station, 8517 Washington Blvd
- Tillicum/Woodbrook Neighborhood Association
- Meets: Second Tuesday of each month
- Time: 6:30 p.m.
- Location: Tillicum-American Lake Gardens Community Center, 14916 Washington Ave SW, or Manic Meatballs,14815 Union Ave SW
- Contact: [email protected]
- Springbrook Community Meetings
- Meets: Third Thursday of each month
- Time: 4:30 p.m.
- Location: Springbrook Park
- North Lakewood Neighborhood Association
- Meets: No meetings scheduled
- Contact: [email protected]
Community events
Celebrate Juneteenth in Lakewood
St. Joseph-St. John Episcopal Church is hosting its third annual Juneteenth Commemoration, held this year at the Lakewood Playhouse, Saturday, June 14, 2025 from 3-5 p.m.
The event includes speakers, interpretive dancers, poetry reading, musicians, documentary video, audience participation, local vendors, light refreshments and giveaways and a re-learning of the Emancipation Proclamation. All are welcome.
Sign up for Lakewood Alert (Code Red)
The City of Lakewood uses Code Red, an alert service, to notify residents of important information happening in the city.
If there is an emergency that requires public notification, we will use Lakewood Alert as one way to communicate. We will also post information to our website and social media channels.
Subscribers can sign up to receive text and email alerts. People can also sign up for important non-emergency updates including information about road impacts from large events in the city or information about special events.
Find out more and sign up today.
Road project updates
Steilacoom Boulevard Weller to 87th Ave: Crews continue grading/prepping for concrete placement on the south side of Steilacoom Boulevard. They are placing concrete sidewalks and driveways and are doing pavement patching. Asphalt grinding is expected to take place June 11 and 12 with pre-level paving taking place the week of June 23. Final paving activities are anticipated at the beginning of July with channelization to follow approximately one month later.
Rose Road Sanitary Sewer Project: Sewer work continues on Forest Road. An informational flyer will be provided to residents affected by the sewer extension later this summer with information regarding mandatory hookups. The current construction schedule reflects paving of the entire project area mid-late July.
South Tacoma Way Overlay 96th to Steilacoom Blvd.: This contract is currently in a planned suspension status while waiting for the new asphalt to finish a necessary curing period prior to placing final roadway channelization. Channelization is expected to be placed at the end of June.
South Tacoma Way & 92nd signal replacement: Other than minor work, this project is in suspension while waiting for signal system components to be delivered.
South Tacoma Way – 88th to north city limits: The city’s contractor has begun working on the east side of South Tacoma Way installing new storm system components.
Pierce County Bridgeport Way sewer repair: The county expects to complete its work in University Place this week. By next week the work will move into Lakewood. From Pierce County: Starting Monday, June 9, work will begin to bury the bypass across Bridgeport Way West south of the intersection with Meadow Park Road in Lakewood. Through that area, traffic will be reduced to one lane in each direction and the speed limit will be reduced to 20 mph.
The lane reduction will be in place 24/7 for approximately two weeks while work takes place in the roadway. During the day Monday-Friday, traffic control will be provided by an off-duty police officer at the Meadow Park Road intersection. During nights and weekends, the signal will change to a four-way stop.
The sidewalk on the east (northbound) side of Bridgeport will be closed during this time. The southbound bus stop on Bridgeport at Meadow Park Road West will be temporarily closed as well. Visit PierceTransit.org for up-to-date bus route information.
For more information about this sewer construction project, visit www.PierceCountyWa.gov/BridgeportRepair
Park project updates
American Lake Park: The new entry plaza was expected to be complete by the end of this week. Asphalt paving is done, as well as the restroom installation. Ongoing work with the landscape, irrigation, handrails and fencing is expected to continue through June.
Legacy Plan Update 2026: The city is updating its Legacy Plan. Visit the Legacy Plan webpage for information about upcoming opportunities to provide feedback on how you want to see Lakewood’s open spaces and parks managed and developed in the future. Look for us at the Lakewood Farmer’s Market June 10, June 24, July 8, or August 19 to learn more and share your thoughts. Email Capital Projects Manager David de la Cruz with questions or for more information. if you have any questions about the process.
Harry Todd Improvements: Pickleball Courts are slated for completion before the end of summer 2025.
Nisqually Trail Partnership Project: Please join us for a FREE mosaic tile workshop hosted by the city and JK Mosaic Friday or Saturday at the Fort Steilacoom Park Pavilion. Installation of a mosaic inspired by Nisqually basketweaving will be created during the workshop and installed on the two concrete kiosks in the park as part of this project. No experience necessary and all materials will be provided. The workshop is free and open to all ages. Drop in any time between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Park Sign Replacement: New signs are in fabrication and slated to be installed before the end of summer 2025.
Primely Park Playground Replacement: The new playground is open to the public, additional ADA parking stall and pathway coming soon.
Westlake Ave Street End Pilot Project: Research and exploration of the site, along with preliminary planning and design, has started to support future permitting with the goal to start construction in 2026.
Fort Steilacoom Park H-Barn Renovation Open House: Join us Tuesday, June 10 from 3-6 p.m. for an open house to see design ideas for renovating the 120-year-old historic barn at Fort Steilacoom Park. There will be a short presentation at 5 p.m. See drawings and schematic designs. This is happening during the Lakewood Farmers Market so stop by after visiting the many market vendors.
Oakbrook Park Improvements: Design and permitting for a shelter and perimeter pathway is underway. We anticipate construction to start before year end.
Wards Lake Park: Progress continues with new playgrounds, the south parking lot, and bridge construction. The bridge is anticipated to be installed later this month.