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.
Local Businesses:
Please continue to support the local businesses along the Custer Road corridor during construction. These businesses will remain open and rely on the continued support of customers throughout the project. Your patronage will help them continue serving the community while this important infrastructure improvement is underway.
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) has been sent out to businesses and residents in the affected area.
Custer Business Highlight – BeanWater Espresso
BeanWater Espresso was born from Josh and Nicole Scott’s dream of building a better future, one that puts family first. In 2018, they took a leap of faith, leaving behind long work hours to create a locally rooted coffee business dedicated to quality, community, and connection.
BeanWater serves ethically sourced, fair-trade coffee roasted by a local partner. It is passionate about supporting other local businesses while delivering exceptional coffee in every cup. From its family-inspired name to its mobile coffee experience, BeanWater brings people together and helps customers start each day with something special.
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:
Harry Todd Park:
- 4:30-7:30 p.m.
- 8928 N Thorne Ln SW, Lakewood, WA 98498
- Food, Bouncy House, Music, Kickball and other fun community events.
American Lake Park:
- 4:00–7:00 p.m.
- 9222 Veterans Dr SW, Lakewood, WA 98498
- Fun games and activities
Wards Lake Park:
- 3:00–7:00 p.m.
- 2716 84th St Ct S, Lakewood, WA 98499
- Fun games and activities
Active Park:
- 3:00–7:30 p.m.
- 10506 Russell Rd SW, Lakewood, WA 98499
- Fun games and activities
United Methodist Church:
- 5:00–7:30 p.m.
- 6900 Steilacoom Blvd SW, Lakewood, WA 98499
- Root Beer Floats, a painting table, games and tour of church
Not sure if there’s an event near you?
Call the Lakewood Police Station front desk at 253-830-5010.
More information at https://cityoflakewood.us/national-night-out/
Camp Murray Boat Launch Master Plan Open House
This open house is your opportunity to learn about and discuss design alternatives for the Camp Murray Boat Launch Master Plan. Project staff want to hear how you use the site, how it affects your neighborhood, and what you would like to see the site become. Stop by to share your ideas and provide feedback!
- Harry Todd Park: 8928 N Thorne Ln. SW, Lakewood, WA 98498
- Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2026
- 4:00–7:00 p.m.
SummerFEST is 2 Weeks Away!
The countdown is on! Lakewood SummerFEST is just two 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.
Saltwater Sky Brings Country Favorites to Summer Nights at the Pavilion
The Summer Nights at the Pavilion concert series continued on Tuesday, July 28, with Saltwater Sky bringing an evening of country music to Fort Steilacoom Park.
The series continues on Tuesday, Aug. 4, with Good Times Roll (The Cars Tribute), bringing the iconic new wave and rock hits of The Cars to the Pavilion.
Concerts at Fort Steilacoom Park begin at 6:30 p.m. and are free to attend. Visitors are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets and enjoy an evening of live music in the park.
There will be no concerts or Farmers Market on 8/11/26 and 8/18/26 due to the upcoming SummerFEST event.
Final Week to Join Lakewood Youth Summer Camp!
There’s still time to register for the final week of the City of Lakewood’s 2026 Summer Camp! Designed to keep children active, engaged, and having fun throughout the summer, camp features exciting activities, games, field trips, and more. The last week of camp runs Monday through Thursday, Aug. 3–6, at Idlewild Elementary School, with drop-off beginning at 8 a.m. and pickup at 5 p.m.
Families can register online, then complete and submit the required registration packet to [email protected] or return it to Lakewood City Hall before camp begins.
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 Desserts on the Driveway Recap
Residents gathered at Oakbrook Elementary on July 29 for another successful Desserts on the Driveway event, where they enjoyed desserts and engaged with Mayor Paul Bocchi, Deputy Mayor Patti Belle, Councilmember Mike Brandstetter, City staff, and community partners during an open Q&A. Topics included upcoming community events such as SummerFest, Fiesta De La Familia, Truck and Tractor Day, and the weekly Farmers Market, as well as major city issues, including the Custer Road reconstruction project, adult family home density, homelessness and housing challenges, public safety, crime trends, gang activity, police staffing, and the recent Harry Todd Park dock incident. Officials also addressed jurisdictional challenges in the Oakbrook creek area, encouraged residents to stay involved with the Oakbrook Neighborhood Association, and emphasized the City’s continued efforts to improve infrastructure, strengthen public safety, and support community engagement.
Community Resources and Desserts Available at Springbrook Back to School Bash
Join us at the Desserts on the Driveway and Back to School Bash at Springbrook Park on Thursday, Aug. 14, where a variety of community organizations will be on site with information, resources, and services for local families.
Participating organizations include:
- Caring for Kids
- St. Leo’s Mobile Food Bank
- Multicultural Child and Family Hope Center
- Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department
- Pierce County Library System
- Pierce Conservation District
- Community Health Care
- Asia Pacific Cultural Center
- Chambers-Clover Watershed Council
Join Us for an Upcoming Desserts on the Driveway Event!
Desserts on the Driveway is an innovative initiative connecting the Mayor, Deputy Mayor, City Council members, and city officials with Lakewood neighborhoods. This event offers residents a platform to voice concerns, share ideas for solutions, and gain insight into city services.
- Downtown
- Lakewood Playhouse
- Wednesday, August 12
- 5:30 p.m.
- Springbrook
- Springbrook Park
- Friday, August 14
- 6:30 p.m.
- Fort Steilacoom Park
- The Pavilion at Fort Steilacoom Park
- Thursday, August 27
- 6:00 p.m.
- Lake City
- former school site 8800 121st SW Lakewood, WA 98498
- Thursday, Sept. 10
- 7:00 p.m.
Notice of Vacancy on the City of Lakewood Public Safety Advisory Committee
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 Arts Commission meets Monday, Aug. 3, at 5:00 p.m. at City Hall. The Arts Commission works to understand what the community needs, set priorities, and suggest ways to enrich local life and support cultural growth through the arts. Agenda, minutes, and how to attend in person or online: https://cityoflakewood.us/lakewood-arts-commission/
The Lakewood Public Safety Advisory Committee meets Wednesday, Aug. 5 at 5:15 p.m. at the Lakewood Police Department. The Committee provides citizen input to the City Council about public safety policies. Agenda, minutes, and how to attend in person or online: https://cityoflakewood.us/public-safety-advisory-committee/
The Lakewood Planning Commission meets on Wednesday, Aug. 5 at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall. The Commission assists in preparing the Comprehensive Plan, zoning, and land use-related regulations for Lakewood in accordance with state law. Agenda, minutes, and how to attend in person or online: https://cityoflakewood.us/planning-commission/
The Lakewood Promise Advisory Board meets on Thursday, Aug. 6 at 7:30 a.m. at City Hall. Lakewood’s Promise Advisory Board works with local citizens and businesses to support Lakewood youth through The Five Promises. These promises include adults that care, public safety, health, education, and equal opportunity. Agenda, minutes, and how to attend in person or online: https://cityoflakewood.us/lakewoods-promise-advisory-board/
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 storm drainage system cleaning services
- Authorizing the execution of an addendum to the agreement with McDonough & Sons, Inc for street sweeping services
- Appointing the 2026-2027 Youth Councilmembers
- Reappointing James Hairston to serve on the Public Safety Advisory Committee through August 6, 2029
- 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 21-28, 2026
- Calls for Service: 965 (+4% from prior week)
- Arrests: 37 (-16% from prior week)
- Violent Crime: 27 (-23% from prior week)
- Property Crime: 58 (-16% from prior week)
- Traffic Stops: 75 (+29% from prior week)
- Collisions (reportable): 19 (+6% 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 30 – August 6
*Please note that the listed dates 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 begun their work this past week. 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.
Wadsworth/Silcox/Boat Sewer Extension: Sewer extension along W Thorne Lane continued this past week. Sewer construction on Silcox, Wadsworth, Boat and 88th will begin next week. Local access will be provided via detour routes, as applicable.
112th – South Tacoma Way to Steele Street: Road closures begin August 3. The contractor will close 112th each night between the hours of 8 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. For the first week, the contractor will prepare the roadway for grinding and paving which is tentatively scheduled for the week of August 10. Minor delays may occur during daytime hours for pouring of curb ramps.
FINISHING CONSTRUCTION:
112th Street – Farwest to Holden: Paving of the bike lanes was completed on July 29. Remaining work includes restoration behind sidewalk, mailbox installation, pavement marking, and installation of the street lighting poles when they arrive. The contractor is expected to demobilize the coming weeks.
UPCOMING CONSTRUCTION:
Washington Boulevard SW: The City of Lakewood’s electrical services contractor will temporarily close Washington Boulevard SW to repair two streetlights damaged by errant vehicles. The closure will allow replacement of streetlight poles at two locations in the median. The closure will occur westbound on Washington Boulevard SW between Interlaaken Dr SW and Alameda Ave SW on August 7th, from 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. A full detour route with signage will be in place, and local access for residents will be maintained.
Custer Road – Bridgeport to 75th: This project will begin on August 12 and will require 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 night closure in October. A detour including Bridgeport Way and 75th will be in place during construction. Tacoma Power has completed their power relocation. Four communication lines need to be relocated in the coming weeks for the existing poles to be removed during construction. Relocation of the first one started last week.
Projects in Design & Development in 2026:
- Edgewater Park
- H-Barn partnership project at Fort Steilacoom Park
- Nisqually Trail partnership Project at Fort Steilacoom Park
- Westlake Ave Street End Lake Access Pilot Project
- Oakbrook Park Improvements
- Primley Park Improvements
For more information on upcoming parks capital projects, please visit https://cityoflakewood.us/parks-and-recreation/parks-capital-projects