See You Tonight at the Street Festival on Motor Ave!
Tonight’s the night! Join us for Lakewood’s 2026 Street Festival tonight, Friday, May 29, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Colonial Plaza for an evening of live music, dancing, and delicious food from local vendors.
Take a stroll down Motor Avenue as it transforms into a vibrant community gathering space filled with unique booths, festive energy, and a car show featuring a variety of makes and models. Whether you’re coming for the entertainment, the food, or the chance to connect with neighbors, you won’t want to miss this celebration.
Learn more about city events and festival updates at https://cityoflakewood.us/calendar/
Gravelly Lake Drive will be closed beginning Saturday, May 30
Gravelly Lake Drive will be closed beginning 6:00 a.m., Saturday, May 30 through 5:00 a.m., Monday, June 1 as WSDOT makes progress on the Gravelly Lake Drive–Thorne Lane connection project.
This closure affects southbound lanes between Nyanza Road and I-5. Drivers heading to the freeway will be detoured to the 112th & Bridgeport intersection to access I-5.
Why the closure? Crews need to install approximately 21 soldier piles, which will allow them to safely finish the remaining improvements off the roadway.
Thanks for your patience as this important connection takes shape. We appreciate you, Lakewood!
Youth Council Executive Leadership Training
Two student leaders made Youth Council history this week by launching and leading the first-ever executive leadership training. They envisioned, designed, and brought this program to life. Through their efforts, the Youth Council executive team learned meeting fundamentals, group management strategies, and practiced real-world scenarios to strengthen their skills and confidence. This training will now become a permanent part of the Youth Council curriculum, creating a lasting legacy for future student leaders.
A big shout-out to our 2026–27 Executive Board. We look forward to seeing the leadership, collaboration, and energy this team will bring in the coming year.
Government Finance Officers Association – Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting Award
The City of Lakewood has received national recognition for excellence in financial reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA).
Lakewood was awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for its Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for the fiscal year ending Dec. 31, 2024. The award recognizes governments that go above and beyond in clearly communicating their financial information and demonstrating a strong commitment to transparency.
An independent panel reviewed the City’s report and found it met the program’s high standards for governmental accounting and financial reporting, including providing clear, accessible information to residents, stakeholders and other readers.
The Certificate of Achievement is considered the highest form of recognition in governmental accounting and financial reporting. Receiving this award reflects the City of Lakewood’s ongoing commitment to responsible financial management and open communication with the community.
Farmers Market Opening Day!
The Lakewood Farmers Market returns next Tuesday, June 2, at Fort Steilacoom Park, kicking off another exciting season of fresh food, local vendors, and community fun. Held every Tuesday from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., the market brings together farmers, artisans, food trucks, live entertainment, and activities for all ages in one vibrant community gathering space.
Running through September 1, the market offers farm-fresh fruits and vegetables, handmade goods, lawn games, and special seasonal activities, including Kids Entrepreneur Market Days throughout the summer. SNAP/EBT benefits are accepted, helping make healthy, local food more accessible for community members and families.
Residents are encouraged to come out for opening day to shop local, enjoy great food, connect with neighbors, and celebrate the start of the summer market season in Lakewood.
The summer fun continues later this month with the City’s Concert Series beginning June 16, featuring live outdoor performances and family-friendly entertainment throughout the season. Be sure to bring a chair or blanket and enjoy evenings filled with music and community spirit.
Visit cityoflakewood.us/farmersmarket/ for market details, vendor information, and the full schedule of events.
Desserts on the Driveway Returns Tuesday, June 9
Desserts on the Driveway is a community-focused initiative designed to bring Lakewood residents together with the Mayor, Deputy Mayor, City Council members, and city staff in a relaxed and welcoming neighborhood setting. These informal gatherings give residents the opportunity to ask questions, share concerns, discuss ideas for improving their neighborhoods, and learn more about city programs, projects, and services that impact daily life in Lakewood.
Whether you want to talk about traffic safety, parks, neighborhood issues, community events, or simply get to know the people serving your city, Desserts on the Driveway offers an open and accessible way to connect directly with local leaders. It’s also a chance to meet neighbors, strengthen community relationships, and have meaningful conversations about the future of Lakewood.
The next Desserts on the Driveway event is scheduled for June 9 at 6:30 p.m. at the Tillicum Community Center, followed by another gathering on June 18 at the United Methodist Church at Lakewood. Residents from all Lakewood neighborhoods are encouraged to attend and join the conversation.
For more information and a full schedule of events, visit cityoflakewood.us/neighborhood-connections/
What Lakewood Residents Should Know About the 2026 FIFA World Cup™
As the Seattle region prepares to welcome the 2026 FIFA World Cup™, the City of Lakewood is encouraging residents to plan ahead for increased travel and activity throughout the region. With matches taking place in Seattle, community members may experience heavier traffic, increased transit use, and larger crowds on key travel corridors before and during the event.
Residents are encouraged to stay informed, allow extra travel time, consider public transportation options when possible, and plan ahead for major regional events and peak travel days. While Lakewood is not a host city, our proximity to Seattle and major transportation routes means the impacts may still be felt locally.
The City of Lakewood will continue sharing updates, resources, and travel information as the tournament approaches to help our community stay prepared and informed. Check the image below for the World Cup Schedule for Seattle.
Receive Emergency Notifications with 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
Building Safety Month Comes to a Close
As Building Safety Month comes to a close this May, the City of Lakewood is continuing to recognize the important work of building safety professionals who help keep our community safe, resilient, and prepared for the future. Building inspectors, plans examiners, engineers, permit staff, and code professionals all play a key role in ensuring homes, businesses, and public spaces meet critical safety standards.
Throughout the month, communities across the country highlighted the importance of safe construction practices, emergency preparedness, and sustainable development. In Lakewood, these efforts support responsible growth while helping protect residents, neighborhoods, and local businesses every day.
From reviewing permits and conducting inspections to assisting residents and contractors with development projects, Lakewood’s building and safety teams help ensure projects are completed safely and efficiently. The City of Lakewood appreciates the dedication and expertise of the professionals who work year-round to promote building safety and strengthen the community for generations to come.
Next Week’s City Hall and Community Engagement Events
The Lakewood Arts Commission meets Monday, June 1 at 5:00 p.m. at City Hall. Attend in person or online: https://cityoflakewood.us/lakewood-arts-commission/
The Lakewood Planning Commission meets Wednesday, June 3 at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall. Attend in person or online: https://cityoflakewood.us/planning-commission/
The Lakewood Promise Advisory Board meets Thursday, June 4 at 7:30 a.m. at City Hall. Attend in person or online: https://cityoflakewood.us/lakewoods-promise-advisory-board/
The Lakewood Civil Service Commission meets Thursday, June 4 at 9:30 a.m. Attend in person or online: https://cityoflakewood.us/civil-service-commission
The American Lake Management District Committee meets Thursday, June 4 at 4:00 p.m. Attend in person or online: https://cityoflakewood.us/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/2026-06-04-LMD-Agenda.pdf
The City Council met on Monday, May 18 for a regular meeting. You can watch or listen to the meeting below.
What’s on Deck: June 1, 2026, Regular Meeting and Study Session, 7:00 P.M.
- Proclamation recognizing Juneteenth National Freedom Day
- Youth Council Report and Recognition
- Clover Park School District Report – Darrin Lowry, Boardmember
- Authorizing the execution of an intergovernmental agreement with the Washington Military Department for Emergency Management Aid and Assistance
- Authorizing the execution of an addendum to the agreement with Aquatechnex, in the amount of $55,600, for the 2026 American Lake Management District (ALMD) Milfoil Treatment
- Authorizing the execution of an agreement with Gunderson Law Firm, in the amount $182,000, for municipal legal services
- Authorizing the execution of an agreement with AMS Consulting, LLC, in the amount of $101,653,99, for the Stormwater Asset Management System
- Resolution approving the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Transition Plan
- Resolution approving the Six-Year (2027-2032) Transportation Improvement Program
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.
5/12 – 5/19
Calls for Service: 854 (-9% from prior week)
Arrests: 45 (-21% from prior week)
Violent Crime: 29 (+4% from prior week)
Property Crime: 42 (+11% from prior week)
Traffic Stops: 113 (+28% from prior week)
Collisions (reportable): 15 (-32% from prior week)
5/19 – 5/26
Calls for Service: 1040 (+22% from prior week)
Arrests: 44 (-2% from prior week)
Violent Crime: 33 (+14% from prior week)
Property Crime: 47 (+12% from prior week)
Traffic Stops: 155 (+37% from prior week)
Collisions (reportable): 13 (-13% from prior week)
Updates for the week of May 28 – June 4, 2026
*Please note the dates listed are tentative and may change due to weather or other conditions.
ACTIVE CLOSURES
Gravelly Lake Drive – Interstate 5 to Nyanza (5/30-6/5): As part of the Gravelly-Thorne Connection project, the southbound lane of Gravelly Lake Drive toward I-5 will close at 6:00 a.m. on Saturday and reopen at 5:00 a.m. on Monday. Southbound lanes will also close nightly from Monday through Thursday. Please use 112th Street and Bridgeport Way as the detour.
FINISHING UP CONSTRUCTION
Steilacoom Boulevard Weller to 87th Ave: Final concrete pours were completed the week of 5/25. The contractor will address remaining punchlist items in the coming week.
Nyanza Rd Improvements: Striping is complete except for minor work along Gravelly Lake Drive east of the roundabout. Street lighting installation is underway, and the contractor is addressing punchlist items.
112th St SW – Gravelly Lake Drive to Bridgeport Way: 112th Street will close for striping on the nights of May 28-29, from 7:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. Striping is weather dependent. Drivers accessing local properties should follow flagger instructions, as fresh striping may damage vehicle paint if tracked. Lighting poles are scheduled for shipment in mid-August. Installation will begin once the contractor receives the poles and schedules crews.
Main Street Apartment Utility Connection: The developer has completed utility connections and restoration. Paint striping will require a lane closure on Monday, June 1.
Grant Ave/Orchard Sewer Extension: Sewer work is complete. Paving is scheduled for May 28-29, and utility castings will be adjusted in the coming week.
UPCOMING CONSTRUCTION
Wadsworth/Silcox/Boat Sewer Extension: Work on the new sewer system is expected to begin in early June 2026 and will require full closures of these local access streets.
112th Street – Farwest to Holden: Work is scheduled to begin June 11, after the Clover Park School District 2025-26 school year ends. Most traffic-impacting construction will be completed during summer break.
Custer Road – Bridgeport to 75th: This project will begin August 1 and require approximately 60 days of full closure for pavement removal, utility installation, road widening, curb and sidewalk construction, and paving. Striping will occur under a separate closure in October. A detour using Bridgeport Way and 75th will be in place during construction.
112th – South Tacoma Way to Steele Street: A resurfacing project is planned for early summer 2026. Most work will require full nighttime closures of 112th Street for about one week.
