Custer Road Reconstruction Project
The City of Lakewood is preparing to reconstruct Custer Road between Bridgeport Way and 75th Street, replacing one of the city’s most deteriorated arterial roadways, beginning mid-August. To complete the work as safely and efficiently as possible, Custer Road will close during construction for up to 3 months.
A full closure will significantly shorten the project compared to phased construction, which would take an estimated six to seven months and create longer access disruptions. A detour will be in place via Bridgeport Way and 75th Street, and the contractor will work to maintain business access.
The project will include a completely reconstructed roadway, new sidewalks, curbs, street lighting, storm drainage, a two-way left-turn lane, and improved access for businesses and motorists.
Carrying approximately 20,000 vehicles each day, this section of Custer Road has reached the end of its service life and requires a full rebuild rather than routine pavement repairs.
The approximately $2.74 million project is funded through a Transportation Improvement Board grant, with construction required to be completed in 2026.
The City, in partnership with business owners, is launching a regular video series to highlight local businesses along the section of Custer Road. The first feature is Classy Chassis, a well-established Lakewood business known for car washing and detailing.
For more information about the road project, download a detour map, and how to subscribe to get road updates, visit https://cityoflakewood.us/custer-road/
Experience the Art of Classic Cars at Lakewood City Hall on July 20
Rev up your summer with a unique art exhibit celebrating the beauty, history, and craftsmanship of classic automobiles. From July 1 through September 30, Lakewood City Hall will showcase a stunning photography exhibition featuring captivating images of classic cars by local artists Anna and Armand.
Join us for a special Artist Reception on Monday, July 20, from 5–7 p.m. Meet the photographers, connect with local car enthusiasts, and enjoy an evening of art, conversation, live jazz music by Maureese Itson, and complimentary appetizers.
The reception is also a great opportunity for classic car owners to learn more about and register for the Bombs Away Car Show at SummerFEST, where participants can compete for awards in more than 38 trophy categories.
Whether you’re a photography lover, a classic car enthusiast, or simply looking for a fun community event, this exhibit offers something for everyone.
• Artist Reception: Monday, July 20, from 5:00 –7:00 p.m.
• Exhibit Dates: July 1 – September 30
• Location: Lakewood City Hall
Admission is free. We hope you’ll join us to celebrate art, automobiles, and community!
Lakewood SummerFEST Returns August 15! Get Ready for a Full Day of Fun, Food, and Special 30th Anniversary Festivities
SummerFEST is Lakewood’s largest annual community celebration, running from 11:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. and featuring food vendors, a marketplace, live music, cultural performances, family activities, and signature attractions such as the Bombs Away Car Show, aerial motocross, circus performances, and a variety of interactive experiences for all ages. This year’s event also celebrates Lakewood’s 30th anniversary with special commemorative activities throughout the day.
Registration is now open for the Bombs Away Car Show, part of Lakewood SummerFEST 2026, taking place Saturday, August 15 at Fort Steilacoom Park. Car enthusiasts are encouraged to pre-register their vehicles in advance at https://www.bombsawaycarshow.com/ba-pre-register.htm
Residents are encouraged to save the date, explore registration opportunities for featured activities, and prepare for a full day of community, culture, and celebration at Fort Steilacoom Park.
For car show pre-registration, visit https://www.bombsawaycarshow.com/ba-pre-register.html
For SummerFEST details, visit NEARcation.com/summerfest
Another Memorable Summer Night at the Pavilion
The Summer Nights at the Pavilion concert series continued on July 14 with another fantastic evening of live music at Fort Steilacoom Park.
This week’s featured band, Beat Frequency, entertained the crowd with an energetic performance showcasing talented musicians, including contestants from The Voice. Families, friends, and neighbors gathered with lawn chairs and blankets to enjoy the music, warm summer weather, and the welcoming community atmosphere that has become a hallmark of the concert series.
The fun continues next Tuesday, July 21, with Cherry Cherry, a high-energy Neil Diamond tribute band. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, family, and friends and enjoy another free evening of live music beginning at 6:30 p.m. at the Pavilion in Fort Steilacoom Park.
Upcoming Desserts on the Driveway Events
Looking for an opportunity to meet your City Council members, ask questions, and share ideas about your neighborhood? Join us at one of the upcoming Desserts on the Driveway events.
These informal neighborhood gatherings provide residents with a chance to connect directly with City Council members and City staff in a relaxed setting while enjoying a sweet treat. Whether you have questions about city services, want to discuss neighborhood concerns, or simply want to meet your neighbors, everyone is welcome.
- Desserts on the Driveway – Oakbrook
- Wednesday, July 29 at 6:00 p.m.
- Oakbrook Elementary
Desserts on the Driveway is a great way to stay informed, build community connections, and help shape the future of Lakewood. Event locations and additional details are available on the City of Lakewood website and social media channels.
We hope to see you there!
Application Period Open July 1 – 31, 2026 for 2027 Comprehensive Plan Amendment Cycle
Changes to the Lakewood Comprehensive Plan, and some related changes to zoning code and development regulations, are allowable once per year under state law. As the first step in this process, the City of Lakewood invites interested parties to identify proposed changes. Afterward, the Lakewood Planning Commission and then City Council will review and confirm the list of amendments to be considered over the course of the year, including privately-initiated amendments. This list is known as the “Annual Comprehensive Plan Docket.”
Any individual, organization, business, or other group may propose an amendment. Applications to amend the Comprehensive Plan and associated Zoning Code provisions must be received by the Lakewood Planning and Public Works (PPW) Department online at https://cityoflakewood.us/permit-center/ between 8:30 am on July 1, 2026 and 5:00 p.m. on July 31, 2026. Proposals received after the deadline will be considered for inclusion in the 2028 Comprehensive Plan Docket.
For more information, please go to https://cityoflakewood.us/comprehensive-plan/ and/or email Tiffany Speir, Planning Division Manager, at [email protected].
Lakewood Youth Summer Camp Registration!
Register today for the City of Lakewood’s 2026 Summer Camp! Designed for children to stay active, engaged, and have fun all summer long, this affordable program features exciting activities, games, field trips, and more. Camp will be held weekly, Monday – Thursday, from June 22 through August 6 at Idlewild Elementary School, with drop-off beginning at 8 a.m. and pickup at 5 p.m.
After registering online, families must complete and submit the registration packet to [email protected] or return it to Lakewood City Hall.
Click Here to Register
Click Here for the Registration Packet
July is National Vehicle Theft Prevention Month
The Lakewood Police Department is partnering with the Washington Auto Theft Prevention Authority (WATPA) throughout July to share simple tips that can help prevent vehicle break-ins.
Before you walk away from your vehicle, take a moment to look inside. If valuables such as purses, backpacks, laptops, wallets, shopping bags, or other personal items are visible, they could attract the attention of someone looking for an easy target.
The best way to protect your belongings is to take them with you whenever possible. If you must leave items in your vehicle, make sure they are completely out of sight before you arrive at your destination. Remember, it takes only seconds for someone to break a window, grab your property, and leave.
A few simple habits can help reduce your risk:
- Take valuables with you whenever possible.
- If you must leave items behind, store them out of sight before reaching your destination.
- Always lock your doors and close your windows.
- Stay aware of your surroundings and park in well-lit, well-traveled areas when possible.
Small steps can make a big difference in preventing vehicle break-ins. Follow the City of Lakewood throughout July for more crime prevention tips and information from our partners at WATPA to help keep our community safe.
Next Week’s City Hall and Community Engagement Events
The Oakbrook Neighborhood Association meets on Tuesday, July 21, at 6:00 p.m. at Oakbrook Elementary School. Neighborhood associations play a crucial role in fostering community engagement and improving quality of life. More information: https://cityoflakewood.us/neighborhood-connections/
Community Partner Events and Happenings
August 4 Primary Election: What Lakewood Voters Need to Know
The August 4, 2026, Primary Election is approaching, and the City of Lakewood encourages residents to make a plan to vote. Ballots will be mailed beginning July 14, and registered voters will automatically receive a ballot by mail.
Depending on your residence, your ballot may include races for federal, state, county, and judicial offices, as well as local contests and measures. Ballots must be returned by 8 p.m. on Tuesday, August 4.
Washington is a vote-by-mail state, and voters are encouraged to return their ballots early. Official ballot drop boxes will be open beginning July 14. Voters can also sign up to track their ballot through VoteWA.gov.
For more information about the election, including what’s on your ballot, voter registration deadlines, ballot drop box locations, and election results, visit the Pierce County Elections website.
Notice of Public Hearing and Opportunity for Public Comment
2026 Annual Development Regulation Amendment Package
The Lakewood Planning Commission will be holding a public hearing for the 2026 Annual Development Regulation Amendment Package on July 29, 2026 at 6:30 pm.
Public testimony for public hearings are accepted via mail, email or live during the meeting either in person or via ZOOM. Written comments should be sent to Karen Devereaux, Planning Commission Clerk, at 6000 Main Street SW Lakewood, WA 98499 or [email protected]. Written comments received before noon on July 29 will be provided to the Commission electronically that day.
• HEARING DATE: July 29, 2026
• TIME: 6:30 pm
• PLACE: Lakewood City Hall Council Chambers, 6000 Main St SW, Lakewood, WA 98499
Directions on how to provide testimony live during the hearing will be provided at https://cityoflakewood.us/planning-commission/ on the first sheet of the July 29 meeting materials.
For further information, please contact Tiffany Speir, Planning Division Manager, City of Lakewood, at [email protected].
The City Council met on Monday, July 13 for a Study Session. You can watch or listen to the meeting below.
What’s on Deck:
July 20, 2026, Regular Meeting and Study Session, 6:00 P.M. (Tentative Topics)
- Authorizing the execution of an addendum to the agreement with Olson Brothers Pro-Vac for surface water cleaning and inspection services
- Authorizing the execution of an interlocal agreement with Pierce County for on-call building inspection services
- Accepting a grant from the Defense Community Compatibility Account (DCCA), in the amount of $873,000, for the North Clear Zone Project demolition of Tactical Tailor building
- Authorizing the execution of an agreement for the replacement of a section of the roof at Lakewood City Hall
- Authorizing the execution of an amendment to the agreement with McDonald Miller
- Authorizing the execution of an amendment to the agreement with Graham Baba Architects for redesign, costing and schedule extension for the H-Barn project
- Accepting a grant from the Office of Public Defense, in the amount of $5,000, for public defense services
- Resolution expressing intent and commitment to work with other Pierce County governments to launch a Unified Regional Approach to Homelessness (URA); direct the City Manager to work collaboratively with other Pierce County governments to develop an interlocal agreement; and to make progress in addressing homelessness by taking certain actions while agreement(s) are in development
- Items for Discussion – Review of 2nd Quarter (2026) Police Report
- Items for Discussion – Review of Automated Traffic Safety Camera Program
- Items for Discussion – Downtown Transportation Feasibility Study: Status Update & Preliminary Alternatives
August 3, 2026, Regular Meeting, 7:00 P.M.
- Proclamation recognizing August 4, 2026 as National Night Out
- Authorizing the execution of an agreement with Clover Park School District for Extra Duty police services; School Resource Officers
- Appointing Youth Councilmembers
- Appointing Public Safety Advisory Committee members
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.
Statistics for the week of July 7 – 14, 2026
- Calls for Service: 926 (-4% from prior week)
- Arrests: 42 (+35% from prior week)
- Violent Crime: 25 (+108% from prior week)
- Property Crime: 49 (+9% from prior week)
- Traffic Stops: 92 (-23% from prior week)
- Collisions (reportable): 14 (-18% from prior week)
Sign up for Lakewood Alert
Sign up to receive emergency alerts from the City of Lakewood through our new notification system. Lakewood Alert has a fresh look and a simpler sign-up process.
If you signed up previously, your contact information was saved to the new platform. Now is a good time to check and update your details if needed.
These alerts will mainly be used for emergencies where life safety is at risk. The system will also be used sparingly for non-emergencies like missing persons, traffic congestion, and extreme weather notifications.
When you register to receive alerts, you can select the types of messages and your preferred communication method. You can adjust these settings at any time.
Subscribe: Scan the QR code or visit CityofLakewood.Us/Lakewood-Alert
Updates for the week of July 16 – July 23
*Please note the dates listed are tentative and may change due to weather or other conditions.
ACTIVE ROAD CLOSURES:
112th Street – Farwest to Holden: 112th Street is closed Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. for roadway construction. Crews have poured sidewalk on the south side and curb on the north side of 112th. In the coming week, sidewalk will be poured on the north side of the road, and crews will prepare to pave the bike lanes.
Wadsworth/Silcox/Boat Sewer Extension: Crews removed pavement and began sewer installation this past week. Sewer line construction is expected to take approximately two months, with road restoration occurring immediately after the pipe work concludes. The first phase of the project will include road closures of W Thorne Lane (between Portland Ave and Woodlawn St) and Silcox Dr (from W Thorne Lane to the private road east of Wadsworth). Local access will be provided via detour routes, as applicable.
UPCOMING CONSTRUCTION:
Custer Road – Bridgeport to 75th: This project will begin on August 10 and require approximately 60 days of full closure to remove pavement, install utilities, widen the road for a new two-way left-turn lane, curbs, and sidewalks, and pave. Striping will be completed under a separate closure in October. A detour including Bridgeport Way and 75th will be in place during construction. Tacoma Power has completed its power relocation. Four communication lines need to be relocated in the coming weeks so the existing poles can be removed during construction. Work on the roadway is expected to commence in August 2026. Construction will require a complete closure of Custer Road from Bridgeport Way to 75th.
112th – South Tacoma Way to Steele Street: A resurfacing project along 112th Street between South Tacoma Way and Steele Street is expected to take place in July 2026. Most of this work will require full closures of 112th Street during nighttime hours over the course of a week. a week.
