Custer Road Reconstruction Project
The City of Lakewood is rebuilding Custer Road between Bridgeport Way and 75th Street to improve safety, access, and the long-term condition of this important roadway. Custer Road carries approximately 20,000 vehicles each day, and the existing pavement has reached the end of its service life. Because the roadway has failed, it must be completely reconstructed – not simply resurfaced. For more information visit https://cityoflakewood.us/custer-road/
Construction includes:
A new roadway pavement, storm drainage improvements, sidewalks and curbs, a center two-way left-turn lane, and street lighting.
Project Funding:
This project is funded primarily through a $2.98 million Transportation Improvement Board (TIB) grant, helping improve Lakewood’s transportation system while minimizing local costs.
Road Closure & Detour:
To rebuild the roadway safely and efficiently, Custer Road will be closed between Bridgeport Way and 75th Street during construction.
Traffic Control:
Main detour will be via Bridgeport Way and 75th St for through traffic
Contractor will accommodate access to all businesses to the fullest extent possible
The Traffic Control Plan will adjust where needed as construction progresses.
Every Door Direct Mail (EDDM):
The City’s Every Door Direct Mail (EDDM) will be sent out to businesses and residents in the affected area early next week.
National Night Out is Tuesday, August 4th!
Celebrate community at National Night Out on Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2026! Meet the Lakewood police officers and firefighters who work year-round to keep our community safe while connecting with neighbors at potlucks, barbecues, games, and other family-friendly activities.
Featured neighborhood gatherings:
- American Lake Park
- 4:00–7:00 p.m.
- Wards Lake Park
- 3:00–7:00 p.m.
- Active Park
- 3:00–7:30 p.m.
- United Methodist Church
- 5:00–7:30 p.m.
If your neighborhood is hosting an event, register by July 31 so police officers, firefighters, and City staff can plan to visit as many neighborhood gatherings as possible.
Register at cityoflakewood.us/national-night-out
Not sure if there’s an event near you? Call the Lakewood Police Station front desk at 253-830-5000.
SummerFEST is 3 Weeks Away!
The countdown is on! Lakewood SummerFEST is just three weeks away! Join us on Saturday, Aug. 15 at Fort Steilacoom Park for Lakewood’s largest annual community celebration.
From 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., SummerFEST features something for everyone, including delicious food vendors, a marketplace, live music, cultural performances, family activities, and crowd favorites like the Bombs Away Car Show, aerial motocross, circus performances, and a variety of interactive experiences. This year’s event also celebrates Lakewood’s 30th anniversary with special commemorative activities throughout the day.
Planning to show off your classic, custom, or collector vehicle? Pre-registration is open now for the Bombs Away Car Show. Register your vehicle at bombsawaycarshow.com/ba-pre-register.
Mark your calendar, invite your family and friends, and get ready for a full day of community, culture, entertainment, and fun.
Learn more about SummerFEST at NEARcation.com/summerfest.
Cherry Cherry Brings Neil Diamond Hits to Summer Nights at the Pavilion
The Summer Nights at the Pavilion concert series continued on Tuesday, July 21, as Cherry Cherry, a high-energy Neil Diamond tribute band, entertained the crowd at Fort Steilacoom Park.
Families, friends, and neighbors gathered with lawn chairs and blankets to enjoy a beautiful summer evening filled with classic Neil Diamond hits. Audience members sang along to favorites while enjoying another night of free live music in one of Lakewood’s favorite summer traditions.
The series continues Tuesday, July 28, with Salt Water Sky, bringing an evening of country music to the Pavilion. Concerts begin at 6:30 p.m. at Fort Steilacoom Park and are free to attend.
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
2027-2028 Human Services Grant Applications Now Open!
The City of Lakewood is accepting applications for the 2027-2028 Human Services grants. Applicants must be a non-profit health or human services organization or public entity serving Lakewood residents. All funding proposals must align with one of the City’s human services funding strategies:
- Emotional Supports and Youth Programming
- Access to Food
- Access to Health and Behavioral Healthcare
- Housing Assistance and Homelessness Prevention
- Crisis Stabilization and Advocacy
Click here to view the grant application.
Click here to view the application rating tool.
Anticipated Funding Timeline
- Application Window: July 13 – August 14, 2026
- Applicants workshop: July 27, 2026
- Q&A deadline: July 27, 2026
- Applicant Interviews: September 8 – September 10, 2026
- Present 2027 HS recommendations: October 12, 2026
- City Council approves funding recommendations and award notifications given: October 19, 2026
- Contract development and signing – November & December
- Program start date; January 1, 2027
Completed applications should be submitted by email to Shannon Bennett at [email protected] by the deadline. If you have any questions, please contact Shannon Bennett by email at [email protected] or by phone at 253-983-7774 with any questions.
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].
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 for National Vehicle Theft Prevention Month that can help keep your vehicle from becoming a target.
One of the easiest ways to reduce your risk of vehicle theft is to never leave your keys or key fob inside your vehicle. Even if you’re only stepping away for a moment, an unattended vehicle with the keys inside can be an easy opportunity for a thief.
Modern vehicles with push-button start systems can also be vulnerable if the key fob is left inside the vehicle or placed close enough for someone to access it. Always take your keys with you, lock your vehicle, and double-check that it is secure before walking away.
A few simple habits can help reduce your risk:
- Always take your keys and key fob with you.
- Lock your doors and close all windows, even during short stops.
- Never leave your vehicle running and unattended.
- Park in well-lit, high-visibility areas whenever possible.
- If available, use anti-theft devices such as steering wheel locks or vehicle tracking systems.
Small steps can make a big difference in preventing vehicle theft. 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.
Oakbrook Neighborhood Association Discusses Community Priorities
Residents gathered at Oakbrook Elementary School on July 21 for the Oakbrook Neighborhood Association meeting, which featured updates on transportation planning, housing regulations, neighborhood concerns, and Lakewood’s Natural Environment & Climate Change Program.
City staff addressed questions about the proposed bridge project, clarifying that the City Council did not approve construction of a new bridge. Instead, the Council considered whether to include the project in the City’s long-range Transportation Improvement Plan. After extensive public input, the project was not added to the plan.
Residents also discussed adult family homes, transitional housing, and short-term rentals. Staff explained that many housing regulations are governed by state law, limiting local authority in some areas. Licensing concerns should be directed to the appropriate state agency, while property maintenance or code concerns can be reported through Lakewood 311. Staff also noted that short-term rentals meeting City requirements are allowed under current code.
Neighborhood infrastructure and safety concerns were raised, including speeding on Onyx Road and the need for additional sidewalks. Staff explained that traffic-calming measures must meet established engineering standards and that sidewalk projects are typically completed through development, roadway improvements, or grant opportunities.
The meeting concluded with an update on Lakewood’s Natural Environment & Climate Change Program. Planning Division Manager Tiffany Spear highlighted the City’s ongoing work to prepare for future climate impacts, including tree preservation efforts, climate planning, and community heat mapping. Lakewood currently has an estimated 24.5% tree canopy, with a goal of reaching 40% by 2050.
Residents can stay engaged by following City meetings, signing up for notifications, and participating in future community conversations.
See You Next Week In Oakbrook for Deserts on the Driveway, July 29.
You’re invited to the next Desserts on the Driveway neighborhood gathering on Wednesday, July 29, at 6 p.m. at Oakbrook Elementary School.
Desserts on the Driveway is an informal opportunity to meet with Lakewood City Council members and City staff, ask questions, share ideas, and talk about the issues that matter most to your neighborhood all while enjoying a sweet treat.
Whether you’re interested in learning more about City services, discussing neighborhood priorities, or simply meeting your neighbors, everyone is welcome to attend.
We hope you’ll join us for an evening of conversation, community, and connection at Oakbrook Elementary School on Wednesday, July 29, at 6 p.m.
Notice of Vacancy on the City of Lakewood Public Safety Advisory Committee (PSAC)
The City of Lakewood is accepting applications to serve on the Public Safety Advisory Committee.
DESCRIPTION: The role of the Public Safety Advisory Committee is to provide citizen input and advice to the City Council in developing and monitoring public safety policies. The Committee will report to the Council and will also assist the Council in assessing that public safety resources allow for compliance with City policies.
The Public Safety Advisory Committee shall annually provide to the City Council a report on progress made in carrying out the Committee’s responsibilities. Additional reports may be deemed appropriate by the Public Safety Advisory Committee and/or the City Council.
QUALIFICATIONS: Members shall be residents of the City unless the Council finds that appointment of a non-resident, by virtue of business involvement or expertise, will benefit the Committee and ultimately the City.
COMPENSATION: None.
MEMBERSHIP: Members are appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the City Council.
TERMS OF OFFICE: The term of office is for three (3) years.
MEETINGS: First Wednesday, every other month at 5:15 p.m.
ATTENDANCE: Individuals appointed are expected to attend meetings regularly. The Council expects to be informed in the event any Committee, Board or Commission member has three unexcused absences. The Council, may in the event of three unexcused absences, dismiss the individual from service.
EXPECTATIONS: Adhere to City of Lakewood’s Code of Ethics, mutual respect among members, good listener, and flexible.
APPLICATIONS: Applications are available online or by contacting the City Clerk at [email protected] or by phone at 253-983-7705.
DEADLINE: Friday, July 31, 2026.
Vote Early in the Aug. 4 Primary Election
The Aug. 4, 2026, Primary Election is underway, and the City of Lakewood encourages residents to vote early and plan to return their ballot.
Registered voters received ballots by mail beginning July 14. Depending on where you live, your ballot may include federal, state, county, judicial, and local races. Ballots must be returned by 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 4, to be counted.
The Pierce County Auditor’s Office recently expanded voter access by adding seven new ballot drop boxes and two additional vote centers, making it easier for residents to cast their ballots. Countywide, there are now 57 official ballot drop boxes, available 24 hours a day through 8 p.m. on Election Day.
Returning your ballot to an official drop box is the best way to ensure it is received on time. If you choose to return your ballot by mail, send it more than a week before Election Day to allow enough time for delivery and postmarking.
For information about what’s on your ballot, voter registration, ballot drop box locations, vote centers, and election results, visit the https://www.piercecountywa.gov/328/Elections
The Lakewood Planning Commission meets for a Special Meeting on Wednesday, July 29, at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall. The Planning Commission assists in preparing the Comprehensive Plan, zoning, and land-use-related regulations for Lakewood. Agenda, minutes, and how to attend in person or online: https://cityoflakewood.us/planning-commission/
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].
Planning Commission Cannabis Public Hearing
The Lakewood Planning Commission will be holding a public hearing for proposed zoning and regulation amendments that would allow Cannabis retail, processors, producers and testing laboratories within the city. The code amendments address land use requirements as well as specialty business licenses. The public hearing will be held on August 5, 2026 at 6:30 pm.
Public testimony for public hearings will be 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 August 5 will be provided to the Commission electronically that day.
HEARING DATE: August 5, 2026
TIME: 6:30 pm
PLACE: Lakewood City Hall Council Chambers, 6000 Main St SW, Lakewood, WA 98499
Live Virtual Public Participation: 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 August 5 meeting materials.
The draft amendments can be viewed under “Meetings” at https://cityoflakewood.us/planning-commission/ once the August 5 meeting packet is published.
For further information, please contact Angie Silva, Assistant PPW Department Director, at [email protected].
The City Council met on Monday, July 20 for a Regular Meeting and Study Session. You can watch or listen to the meeting below.
What’s on Deck:
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
- 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 addendum to the agreement with McDonough & Sons, Inc for street sweeping services
- Authorizing the execution of an agreement for the replacement of a section of the roof at Lakewood City Hall
- Appointing Youth Councilmembers
- Reappointing James Hairston to serve on the Public Safety Advisory Committee
- Resolution of the City Council expressing its 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
August 10, 2026, Study Session, 7:00 P.M.
- Pierce County Library System Update – Gretchen Caserotti, Executive Director
- Municipal Court Update
- Review of the interlocal agreement with Pierce County regarding the Tourism Promotion Area (TPA)
- Review of preliminary draft encroachment and permitting for rights-of way
- 2026 Comprehensive Plan Amendments Introduction
- Review of lease and services agreement for development and shared use of a community facility at Fort Steilacoom Park (tentative)
- Review of franchise agreement with Clover Park School District for fiber optic cable (tentative)
- Review of City Council Goals and Priorities – Follow-up from April 18, 2026 Retreat
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 14 – 21, 2026
- Calls for Service: 924 (-6% from prior week)
- Arrests: 44 (+5% from prior week)
- Violent Crime: 35 (+30% from prior week)
- Property Crime: 63 (+13% from prior week)
- Traffic Stops: 58 (-38% from prior week)
- Collisions (reportable): 18 (+13% 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 23 – July 30
*Please note the dates listed are tentative and may change due to weather or other conditions.
ACTIVE ROAD CLOSURES:
Interlaaken Drive – Holly Hedge Tacoma Power Pole Replacement: Tacoma Power will close Interlaaken Drive west on weekdays (south) between Holly Hedge and Point Lane from July 27 through August 4, 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The closure is to replace four power poles and complete maintenance and upgrades at 13 locations along the route. TPU has posted digital reader boards on Interlaaken and began social media notices earlier this week, giving drivers seven days’ notice. A full detour route with signage will be in place during each daily closure. Local access will be maintained for residents.More information on this project is available on the Tacoma Public Utilities social media pages: https://www.facebook.com/mytpu
112th Street – Farwest to Holden: 112th Street is closed during the workweek hours of 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. for roadway construction. Crews have completed the curb and sidewalk, except for two panels currently affected by poles requiring communication line relocation. In the coming week, restoration behind the sidewalk will be completed, and crews will 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 a complete closure of the road until September 30. Improvements include full roadway replacement, storm drainage, widening the road for a new two-way left-turn lane, curbs, and sidewalks. 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.
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.
