Lakewood Weekly Bulletin: Jan. 23, 2026

City Council Recognizes West Pierce Fire and Rescue Chief Jim Sharp for his Years of Service to the Community

At its regular meeting on Jan. 20, the Lakewood City Council honored Fire Chief Jim Sharp for his 40 years of dedicated service with West Pierce Fire and Rescue, during which he played a key role in improving public safety in Lakewood.  The Council presented him a proclamation and Lakewood Police Chief Patrick Smith shared a special recognition from the Lakewood Police Department to recognize his contributions to the residents of Lakewood over the years.

“On behalf of the City Council, I wish Chief Sharp the best in his retirement and thank him for all that he has contributed to the City of Lakewood and greater Pierce County over the last forty years,” said Lakewood Mayor Paul Bocchi. “Under his guidance, West Pierce Fire and Rescue has served our community with professionalism and dedication.”

We congratulate Fire Chief Sharp on his retirement and thank him for his lasting impact on the Lakewood community.

Attend an Upcoming Lakewood Advisory Board, Committee or Commission Meeting

City advisory boards, committees, and commissions make recommendations to the City Council about specific topics. Being involved in an advisory board or commission is a great way to make your voice heard in the community.

American Lake – Lake Management District No. 1 Advisory Committee

The American Lake – Lake Management District No. 1 Advisory Committee represents the property owners of American Lake (Lake Management District No. 1) and advises the Lakewood City Council on matters involving the lake. Visit the Lake Management District No. 1 Advisory Committee Page

Civil Service Commission

The Civil Service Commission follows State law to select, hire, demote, and promote police officers. Visit the Civil Service Commission Page

Community Services Advisory Board

The Community Services Advisory Board holds public hearings to identify community and housing needs. They then make recommendations to the City Council on the best use of money to meet those needs. Visit the Community Services Advisory Board Page

Lakewood Arts Commission

The role of the Lakewood Arts commission is to assess needs, establish priorities and make recommendations for the enrichment of the community and promotion of its cultural vitality through the arts. Visit the Lakewood Arts Commission Page

Lakewood’s Promise Advisory Board

The Lakewood’s Promise Advisory Board develops relationships among citizens and businesses to deliver The Five Promises to Lakewood youth. The Five Promises are adults that care, public safety, health, education, and equal opportunity. Visit the Lakewood’s Promise Advisory Board Page

Lodging Tax Advisory Committee

The Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC) reviews proposals to impose, adjust, or repeal taxes under RCW 67.28 (hotel/motel tax). The committee also considers applications to use tourism-related tax revenue to fund programs to improve tourism in Lakewood. Visit the Lodging Tax Advisory Page

Parks and Recreation Advisory Board

The Parks and Recreation Board gives recommendations to City Council on parks and recreation-related issues. Visit the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Page

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission assists in preparing a comprehensive plan for Lakewood in accordance with state law. Visit the Planning Commission Page

Public Safety Advisory Committee

The Public Safety Advisory Committee provides citizen input to the City Council about public safety policies. Visit the Public Safety Advisory Committee Page

Salary Commission

The Salary Commission determines the salaries paid to the Mayor and the City Council. Visit the Salary Commission Page

Youth Council

The Youth Council works with City Council to demonstrate how City decisions impact the youth of Lakewood. Visit the Youth Council Page

Volunteer Opportunities for 2026

Volunteers make Lakewood better. From keeping our roads clean by picking up litter, helping preserve our parks by pulling weeds and clearing invasive species, or supporting local businesses, community service projects are a great way to get involved. The following city-organized volunteer events are available for 2026.

  • Parks Appreciation Day
  • Lakewood Farmers Market
  • SummerFEST
  • Adopt-A-Street Program

The City also supports independent volunteer opportunities as well. Visit our website to learn more.

Notice of Development of an ADA Transition Plan

The City of Lakewood is developing an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Transition Plan for its public rights-of-way. The plan will address removal of non-compliant sidewalk ramps and signal push button barriers on its rights-of-way, and a schedule for achieving that goal.

The City has engaged King Technologics, PLLC, to assist in the development of its state and federally mandated ADA program and Transition Plan. The goal is to develop a plan that achieves real improvements and results.

As the plan is developed, draft copies will be posted on the City website, and a notice sent out so that interested parties may give their feedback for the City’s consideration and/or response. If you are interested in being kept informed, please submit your contact information via email to Weston Ott, City Engineer at [email protected]

Council Corner

A photo of the Lakewood City Council Chambers with a close up shot of the City Seal and flags around it. White text reads City Council Corner.

City Council met on Tuesday, Jan. 20 for a regular meeting and study session. Watch below.

What’s on Deck. The City Council meets Monday, Feb. 2, for a Regular Meeting at 7:00 p.m. Tentative agenda items include:

  • Proclamation declaring February 2026 as Black History Month
  • Youth Council Report
  • Awarding a bid for the 112th Street SW – Farwest Drive to Holden Road Sidewalk Project
  • Authorizing the execution of an agreement with Sound Electronics
  • This is the date set for a public hearing on Lakewood Municipal Code amendments related to the allowed locations of alcohol production and sales
  • Ordinance relating to contracting indebtedness; providing for the issuance, sale and delivery of not to exceed $2,900,000 aggregate principal amount of limited tax general obligation refunding bonds to provide funds to prepay certain of the City’s outstanding limited tax general obligation bonds and pay the costs of issuance of the bonds; fixing or setting parameters with respect to certain terms and covenants of the bonds; appointing the City’s designated representative to approve the final terms of the sale of the bonds; and providing for other related matters

How to Attend: 

Police Chief’s Corner

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.

Weekly Calls for Service Jan. 13 – 20, 2026

  • Calls for Service: 912 (-2% from prior week)
  • Arrests: 40 (+11% from prior week)
  • Violent Crime: 20 (-9% from prior week)
  • Property Crime: 33 (-21% from prior week)
  • Traffic Stops: 146 (+26% from prior week)
  • Collisions (reportable): 18 (-10% from prior week)

Road Project Updates*

*Please note these dates are tentative and may change due to weather, etc.

Interlaaken Drive / 112th Street / Idlewild Road
This work will occur in phases to reduce long-term impacts:

  • The 112th Street / Interlaaken Drive intersection will be fully closed for approximately one week to complete paving work. We’re looking at a Feb. 2, 2026, start date so we can provide one-week notice.
  • Once complete, Interlaaken Drive will reopen and pushing for a Feb. 6, 2026, reopening date.
  • The 112th Street / Idlewild Road area will then be fully closed for approximately one and a half weeks for paving. Closure would begin on Feb. 9, 2026, with a reopening date of Feb. 19, 2026 (due to President’s Day holiday on Feb. 16)
  • After paving, the project will pause until weather allows for final striping, which will require a full overnight closure to allow markings to cure properly. More on this as the weather window approaches

Nyanza Road Roundabout

  • Paving of the north side of the roundabout is scheduled to begin around Feb. 2, 2026.
  • Traffic will then shift to the north side of the roundabout, with full paving planned for the week of Feb. 16 President’s Day.
  • After paving, work will pause while we wait for light pole delivery/installation and weather window to complete striping. Final striping will require one to two overnight closures.

South Tacoma Way – 88th Street to 80th Street

  • The new traffic signals are scheduled to be activated on Feb. 10, 2026.
  • Final concrete work is planned for the week of February 17, 2026, at which point only final punchlist closeout items will remain.

South Tacoma Way / 92nd Street

  • Traffic signal activation is scheduled for Feb. 3, 2026.
  • All other construction work is complete, with only minor final punchlist items remaining

Farwest Drive to Holden Street: Construction will not begin until June 11, 2026. Contractors may use the time before then to procure materials, but no construction work will occur while school is in session. This approach ensures improvements are made during summer break when school impacts are minimized.

112th Street – Gravelly Lake Drive to Bridgeport Way: To help maintain safe access for students and nearby residents, the contractor will keep asphalt in place in front of the school for several additional weeks. This temporary measure is being provided by the contractor in recognition of the logistics at no cost to the City.

Steilacoom Boulevard: Sidewalk and retaining wall construction is ongoing. Final concrete work will occur after remaining utility adjustments by Comcast and Lumen are completed. The project is nearing final completion.

Visit the capital projects webpage for more information. You can also report an issue through the MyLakewood311 app.

Parks and Recreation Updates

An overhead shot of Harry Todd Park in Lakewood showing the newly installed playground. White text over the image reads Park Project Updates.

Winter Wellness Programs

New classes start in February! Check out our new Tai Chi and Qigong classes in addition to our yoga offerings. Details and registration on our recreation page: https://cityoflakewood.us/recreation-programs/

Take our Parks Legacy Plan Survey

We want to hear your thoughts on Lakewood parks! The City is updating its Parks Legacy Plan. You can take the survey and tell us what you think of our parks. Your voice will help shape the future of Lakewood’s open spaces, parks, and recreation programming.

The City of Lakewood will host many community events in 2026. Visit the events page on our website to see what’s coming up!

Community Events and Happenings

Honoring the 100th Year of Black History Observances

In 1926, Dr. Carter G. Woodson started the first organized celebration of Black History by creating Negro History Week. He also wrote the influential book “The Mis-Education of the Negro,” which is still available today. To honor Dr. Woodson’s legacy and keep Black History traditions alive, Vibrant Schools of Puget Sound and the Black Student Union at Lakes High School are hosting a centennial celebration on Sunday, February 15, from 3 to 5 pm. For sponsorship or event details, please contact Kimi Irene Ginn at (253) 273-2999.

The Annual Pierce County Homeless Point-in-Time (PIT) Count Seeks Volunteers

PIT Count is one of several data sources that helps the County understand the needs of people experiencing homelessness and guides planning for housing, services, and funding. Volunteers will receive training on how to engage vulnerable populations, basic information about the campaign, and how to complete surveys via a mobile app. Additional information, FAQs, training resources, and more will be provided at these sessions.

Here are a few links and resources to learn more about and get involved with the 2026 PIT Count:

For questions, please contact Valeri Almony at [email protected].

Proposed Spongy Moth Treatment in Lakewood this Spring

The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) plans to treat part of Lakewood this spring to protect the environment from the spongy moth, an invasive forest insect pest. The treatment uses a soil bacterium that is safe and effective, with a strong safety record for people, plants, pets, fish, birds, and bees. You can get information and treatment alerts by email, text, or phone. To sign up, visit agr.wa.gov/moths or call 1-800-443-6684.

Attend a Neighborhood Association Meeting in February

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 aims to better connect the community and help residents better understand city processes. The meeting times and locations are listed below. All residents are invited and encouraged to attend an upcoming meeting for their respective neighborhood. Visit the Neighborhood Connections webpage to learn more.

Meetings:

  • Tillicum/Woodbrook Neighborhood Association
    • Meets: Second Tuesday of each month
    • Next meeting: Feb. 10
    • Time: 6:30 p.m.
    • Location: Tillicum Community Center
    • Contact: [email protected]
      253-988-2536
    • Facebook
  • Lake City Neighborhood Association
    • Meets: Second Thursday of every month.
    • Next meeting: Feb. 12
    • Time: 7:00 p.m.
    • Location: Lake City West Pierce Fire & Rescue Station, 8517 Washington Blvd
    • Facebook
  • Downtown Neighborhood Association
  • Fort Steilacoom Neighborhood Association
  • Custer Neighborhood Association
    • Meets: No meetings scheduled
    • Location: Lakewood United Methodist Church, 6900 Steilacoom Blvd Lakewood, WA
  • Springbrook Community Meetings
    • Meets: No meetings scheduled
    • Location: Springbrook Park
    • Facebook
  • North Lakewood Neighborhood Association
    • Meets: No meetings scheduled
    • Location: The Adriatic at the Oakbrook, 8102 Zircon Drive SW. RSVPs are required for each meeting for planning purposes
    • Contact: [email protected]
    • Facebook

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