Honoring Filipino American History Month
At its Regular Meeting on Monday, Oct. 5, the City of Lakewood proclaimed October 2026 as Filipino American History Month, recognizing the rich history, culture, achievements, and contributions of Filipino Americans. From local businesses and community organizations to youth leaders and military service members, Lakewood’s Filipino American community continues to strengthen our city through service, leadership, entrepreneurship, cultural preservation, and civic engagement. We are grateful for the generations who have shared their heritage and helped shape the vibrant community we celebrate today.
Recognizing Domestic Violence Awareness Month
The Lakewood City Council has named October 2026 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month during its Regular Meeting on Monday, Oct. 5 to highlight how domestic violence affects people, families, and the whole community. Between January and August 2026, the City of Lakewood Legal Department filed 358 domestic violence cases for residents of Lakewood, DuPont, and Steilacoom, which is about 45 cases each month.
The City thanks local advocates, law enforcement, courts, health care workers, community groups, and service providers, including the Crystal Judson Family Justice Center, for their efforts to support survivors and connect them with safety, advocacy, and other help. During October, the City invites everyone to learn more about domestic violence, support survivors, encourage healthy and respectful relationships, and get to know the resources available in our community.
Fire Prevention Week is Oct. 4 – 10
At its Regular Meeting on Monday, Oct. 5, the Lakewood City Council proclaimed Oct. 4–10, 2026 as Fire Prevention Week, highlighting the importance of fire prevention, preparedness, and community involvement. This year’s proclamation recognizes the dedicated volunteers of the “Scotch Broom Group,” who gather each Wednesday to manually remove invasive Scotch broom from Fort Steilacoom Park and the South Sound Wildlife Refuge. Their ongoing efforts help reduce hazardous vegetation and wildfire fuels while protecting parks, wildlife habitat, neighboring properties, and the broader community. The City thanks these volunteers, along with City staff, community organizations, and fire service professionals, for their continued commitment to wildfire prevention and environmental stewardship.
Lakewood City Council Keeps Ban on Cannabis Businesses
On Monday, Oct. 5, during its Regular Meeting, the Lakewood City Council voted against adopting amendments that would have established local regulations for cannabis businesses in Lakewood.
As a result, Lakewood’s ban remains in effect. All cannabis businesses are still prohibited from operating in the city.
Washington law allows cities to determine whether state-licensed cannabis businesses may operate within their jurisdictions. Council’s action does not change state law governing legal adult possession or use.
This decision followed public review by the Lakewood Planning Commission, a City Council study session, and public hearings before both groups.
Any future changes to Lakewood’s policy will require a new public process and formal City Council action.
For more information, visit: https://cityoflakewood.us/cannabis-code-amendments/
Lakewood City Council Special Meeting: 2027–2028 Biennial Budget
The Lakewood City Council will hold a special meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. to continue its review of the City’s proposed 2027–2028 Biennial Budget.
During the meeting, councilmembers will hear department presentations outlining proposed budgets and priorities from the Municipal Court, Human Resources, Planning and Public Works, and Administrative Services departments.
The special meeting is part of the City Council’s ongoing budget process and will provide an opportunity for councilmembers to review departmental needs, priorities, and proposed funding for the upcoming two-year budget cycle.
Congratulations to the 2026 Lakewood Municipal Youth Academy Participants!
Over three weeks in August, students explored how local government and community partners work together to serve Lakewood. Through interactive classes and behind-the-scenes tours of organizations including Emergency Food Network, LeMay Recycling, Pierce Transit, and the Lakewood Police Department, students gained insight into community services, career opportunities, and ways they can get involved.
We’re proud to celebrate these students and their commitment to learning more about their community and the people who help make it thrive. Congratulations on completing the 2026 Youth Academy!
Truck and Tractor Day is Oct. 17
Truck & Tractor Day happens every year and welcomes people of all ages. You can decorate pumpkins, make crafts, play games, and try out a giant slingshot for pumpkin chucking. Kids can climb on big trucks and tractors, sit in the driver’s seat, and honk the horn. Each family gets a free pumpkin, and kids can enjoy hayrides and receive hard hats while supplies last.
The event will also feature food trucks, market vendors, and local community groups.
Parking is free for everyone attending.
Date: Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026
Time: 12:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Location: Fort Steilacoom Park, 8714 87th Ave SW, Lakewood, WA 98498
Pierce College Employee Art Show Comes to Lakewood City Hall
Pierce College employees’ artwork will be on display at Lakewood City Hall this fall as part of the Pierce College Employee Art Show. Join us for a reception on October 19 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. to celebrate the artists and their work. The exhibition will remain on display at City Hall through Dec. 30, 2026.
Admission is free, and the community is invited to attend.
Downtown Transportation Feasibility Study Open House – Attend in Person or Virtually
The Downtown Transportation Feasibility Study Open House gives the community a chance to review early ideas for downtown Lakewood.
These include safer street crossings, better sidewalks and bike routes, improved accessibility, and the proposed Green Street Loop. The event is informal, so you can stop by anytime to check out maps and displays, talk with City staff and consultants, and share your thoughts in person, on comment cards, or online.
These ideas are still in the early stages and do not yet have funding. Community feedback from this event, along with input from the SummerFest booth, Fiesta de la Familia, the community survey, and volunteer task forces, will help shape the options and guide the next steps.
After the open houses and more analysis, City Council will choose the preferred plan. The City will also post a summary of community feedback and explain how it shaped the final options on the project website, in participant updates, and in the final report.
You can participate in the Open House either in person or virtually. More information and how to attend is available on the project webpage: https://cityoflakewood.us/downtown_transportation/
Date: Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2026
Time: 6 – 8 p.m.
Location: 6000 Main St SW, Lakewood, WA 98499 or Online
Lakewood Street Sweeping Focuses on Fall Leaf Cleanup
As fall arrives in Lakewood, residents can expect increased street-sweeping activity throughout October and November.
The City has identified several High Organic Debris Areas (HODA) that street sweepers focus on during this time of year. These areas are particularly important as trees begin dropping leaves and other organic debris onto roadways. The city map below highlights the roads included in the HODA routes so residents can see where additional sweeping is scheduled.
Residents can help make street sweeping as thorough and efficient as possible by keeping vehicles and trash cans off the street on non-pickup days. Clear streets allow sweepers to reach more of the roadway and collect leaves and debris that can otherwise build up along curbs and gutters. Your cooperation makes a real difference in keeping our neighborhood clean and safe!
LeMay Community Fall Clean-up Event is Almost Here
Bring trash, junk, and recyclables to the Lakewood Transfer Station for the city’s fall Community Cleanup Saturday, Oct. 24 and Sunday, Oct. 25, from 8 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. (last vehicle admitted at 1:45 p.m.).
This event is free for Lakewood residents only; you must bring a utility bill or ID to show proof of residence.
Participants should be prepared to back up a steep ramp, unload all items themselves, bag all loose items, and wear proper footwear.
Date: Saturday, Oct. 24 & Sunday, Oct 25
Time: 8 a.m. to 1:45 p.m.
Location: Lakewood Transfer Station, 3869 94th St SW, Lakewood, WA 98499
Additional rules:
• 5-minute limit to unload items
• No box vans or vehicles taller than 7 feet
• Trailers over 4 feet by 8 feet prohibited
• Unsafe vehicles may be cited
Accepted Items
• Tires (removed from rims)
• Bicycles
• Furniture
• Grills
• Appliances
• Recyclables
• Bagged garbage
Not Accepted Items
• Commercial waste
• Loose items
• Paint/hazardous materials
• Yard waste
• Construction waste
• Lumber longer than 8 feet
• Concrete
• Auto parts
• Explosive materials
• Propane tanks
• Electronics
• Donations
• Mattresses
Lakewood Police Fallen Officers Food and Blood Drive
Help support local families and honor fallen officers by participating in the Lakewood Police Fallen Officers Food and Blood Drive. Community members are invited to donate non-perishable food items, make a monetary donation, or sign up to donate blood. This annual event, hosted by the Lakewood Police Department, benefits Emergency Food Network and Bloodworks Northwest.
Date: Dec. 3, 2026
Location: Lakewood Police Station, 9401 Lakewood Dr SW, Lakewood, WA 98499
Assistant Chief Claridge Steps in as Interim Chief of the Lakewood Police Department.
The City of Lakewood is pleased to announce that Assistant Chief Claridge will serve as Interim Chief of the Lakewood Police Department. Chief Claridge will serve in the interim role into 2027 as the City prepares to begin an open recruitment process for a permanent Chief of Police in January 2027.
The City appreciates the dedication and professionalism of the Lakewood Police Department team during this period of transition. Our officers and staff continue to provide outstanding service to the Lakewood community each day. We also thank Chief Claridge for stepping into this leadership role and helping guide the department through the transition.
A New Neighborhood Association is Coming to Lakeview!
Residents of the Lakeview neighborhood are invited to join us for the first Lakeview Neighborhood Association meeting. This is an opportunity to meet your neighbors, connect with the City of Lakewood, and begin building a neighborhood association focused on the needs, ideas, and priorities of the Lakeview community.
Date: Wednesday, Oct. 28
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Location: Lakeview Hope Academy (Elementary) School
At this first meeting, the topics will be:
• What a neighborhood association can do for the community
• Getting to know your neighbors
• Neighborhood concerns and priorities
• How residents can stay connected with the City
• Next steps for building the Lakeview Neighborhood Association
Graves Concerns Final Marker Ceremony
After 22 years of volunteer work, Grave Concerns Association is placing the final markers at the Western State Hospital cemetery in Fort Steilacoom Park. The public is invited to a ceremony on Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026, at 1 p.m. to honor the people buried there and mark the completion of the project.
Between 1876 and 1953, 3,218 former patients were buried at the cemetery with numbers instead of names on their graves. In 2004, Grave Concerns Association helped change state law so their records could be unsealed. Volunteers have worked ever since to give those buried there markers bearing their names.
The approximately 45-minute ceremony will feature longtime volunteers sharing the history of the cemetery and their experiences with the project.
The ceremony will take place at the Western State Hospital cemetery in Fort Steilacoom Park, 8714 87th Ave SW, Lakewood. Attendees are encouraged to bring a chair.
Attend a Wellness Class This Fall
Registration is open for all classes and sessions. Use the registration link to find the class and time that works best for you.
All classes are held at the Pavilion at Fort Steilacoom Park, 9107 Angle Lane SW. Parking is available behind the building or along the fence near the city park maintenance shop.
Please visit https://cityoflakewood.us/recreation-programs/ to register!
Gentle Yoga: Gentle Yoga is perfect for beginners. This class focuses on slow, mindful movements that honor your body’s natural rhythm. Through accessible poses, breath awareness and other techniques, you’ll build strength, flexibility and inner peace. This class welcomes all bodies and abilities, come as you are!
Fusion Yoga: This dynamic yet accessible class blends gentle, vinyasa, traditional and yin yoga elements into one session. Each session is thoughtfully crafted and adapted to meet the unique needs and energy of the students, creating a personalized experience. No matter what your favorite style of yoga is, you’ll find something that works for you in this class.
Yin Yoga: Experience the healing combination of Yin Yoga’s Passive stretches and Reiki’s gentle energy work. In this meditative style of yoga, you’ll hold supportive poses for extended periods of time. This unique fusion promotes relaxation and releases stored tension in the body and mind.
Qigong: Qigong, pronounced “chi gong,” was developed in China thousands of years ago as part of traditional Chinese medicine. It uses exercises to optimize energy in the body, mind, and spirit, with the goal of improving and maintaining health and well-being. This Qigong class is designed to stimulate the 12 meridians and will include Meridian Tapping, breathwork, and warm-ups. Practicing Qigong in the morning promotes a calm, focused mindset, increases energy, and sets a positive tone for the rest of the day! Qigong is based on a series of forms depicted in the famous silk paintings excavated from the Mawangdui temple in Changsha, Hunan Province.
Intermediate Tai Chi: Tai chi can help reduce the risk of falling and improve balance and flexibility. This class teaches participants ways to improve their overall mind, body, and spirit through a series of slow, continuous movements. It does not matter how strong, flexible, or active you are, as Tai chi is designed for people at all levels of health. With over 30 years of experience, instructor Ronny Llanos will teach an Abbreviated Yang Style form. You will walk away with tools to help with stress reduction, cardiovascular function, balance and posture, arthritic conditions, lowering high blood pressure, and more!
Upcoming October Neighborhood Association meetings
- Lake City Neighborhood Association
- Meets: Second Thursday of every month.
- Next Meeting Date: Nov. 12
- Time: 7:00 p.m.
- Location: West Pierce Fire & Rescue Station 22
- Facebook
- Tillicum/Woodbrook Neighborhood Association
- Meets: Second Tuesday of every month
- Next Meeting Dates: Oct. 13, Nov. 10, Dec. 8
- Time: 6:30 p.m.
- Location: Tillicum Community Center
- Contact: [email protected], 253-988-2536
- Facebook
- Downtown Neighborhood Association
- Meets: Second Wednesday of every month
- Next Meeting Dates: Oct. 14, Nov. 11, Dec. 16
- Time: 6:00 p.m.
- Location: Redeem Church 9315 Gravelly Lake Dr SW, Lakewood, WA 98499
- Facebook
- Fort Steilacoom Neighborhood Association
- Meets: Third Wednesday of every month, unless noted below
- Next Meeting Dates: Oct. 20, Nov. 17
- Time: 6:30 p.m.
- Location: Pavilion at Fort Steilacoom Park, 9107 Angle Ln SW, Lakewood, WA 98498
- Facebook
- Oakbrook Neighborhood Association Meeting
- Meets: Third Tuesday, every other month in odd months
- Next Meeting Date: Nov. 17
- Time: 6:30 p.m.
- Location: Oakbrook Elementary School
Plant Trees for More Shade, a Cooler Home, and Cleaner Water
Looking to add more trees to your yard and help keep local water clean, all without spending too much? The Urban Tree Sale from Pierce Conservation District makes it simple and affordable to plant new trees.
From now until November 7th, you can choose from several types of trees, each over 6 feet tall and in 5 to 7 gallon containers, for only $10 to $30. When you buy a tree, you’ll also get a free workshop on planting, tips to help your tree grow well, and a watering bucket for deep watering.
Put planting a tree on your to-do list today: https://www.pcdwaterquality.com/tree-sale
Free Dental Care For Veterans
AMVETS Post 1, in partnership with Compassion Washington and Harkness Furniture & Mattress, is proud to host a Free Veterans Dental Event for those who have served our nation.
Date: Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Location: AMVETS Post 1, 5717 Tyler Street, Tacoma, WA 98409
- Free dental services for Veterans
- No appointment necessary
- First Come, First Served
This is a wonderful opportunity for Veterans to receive needed dental care at no cost. Please share this post with fellow Veterans, family members, and friends who may benefit from these services.
Thank you to Compassion Washington, the volunteer dental professionals, and Harkness Furniture & Mattress for helping make this event possible.
Look For Your Ballot Starting Oct. 13!
The 2026 General Election is Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026. Pierce County voters can find information about voter registration, ballots, drop box locations, and other election services through Pierce County Elections.
Ballots will begin arriving in voters’ mailboxes on October 13. If you do not receive your ballot or have questions about your ballot, contact Pierce County Elections at 253-798-VOTE (8683) or [email protected].
Ballot drop boxes will be available beginning October 16 and will remain open 24 hours a day through 8 p.m. on Election Day, November 3. A ballot drop box is located outside Lakewood City Hall at 6000 Main St. SW, Lakewood, WA 98499. Additional drop box locations are available throughout Pierce County.
Voters who are not registered, or who need to update their voter registration, may do so online or by mail through October 26. Voters may also register or update their registration in person through 8 p.m. on Election Day at the Pierce County Elections Office, located at 2401 S. 35th St., Room 200, Tacoma, WA 98409.
For more information, visit PierceCountyElections.org or contact Pierce County Elections at 253-798-VOTE (8683) or [email protected].
The Community Services Advisory Board meets on Thursday, Oct. 15, at 5:30 p.m. at Lakewood City Hall. The Community Services Advisory Board holds public hearings to identify community and housing needs. They then recommend to the City Council how best to use funds to meet those needs. Click here to view the 2026 Community Services Advisory Board Work Plan.
The City Council met on Monday, Oct. 5 for a Regular Meeting. You can watch or listen to the meeting below.
What’s on Deck:
Oct. 12, 2026, Study Session, 7:00 p.m.
- Tacoma Public Utilities Rates Presentation – Rosa McLeod, Regional Relations Manager
- Joint Community Services Advisory Board meeting
- Review of 2027 Human Services funding recommendations
- Economic Development Strategy and Economic Conditions Update
Oct. 14, 2026, Special Meeting, 6:00 p.m.
- Department Presentations of the 2027-2028 Proposed Biennial Budget
- Municipal Court
- Human Resources
- Planning and Public Works
- Administrative Services
Each week, the Lakewood Police Department shares a summary of total calls for service from the prior week. The intent of the summary is to provide a snapshot of how the department works to keep the community safe.
Statistics for the week of Sept. 29 – Oct. 6
- Calls for Service: 891 (+3% from prior week)
- Arrests: 37 (+16% from prior week)
- Violent Crime: 32 (+14% from prior week)
- Property Crime: 46 (-8% from prior week)
- Traffic Stops: 84 (+53% from prior week)
- Collisions (reportable): 20 (0% 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 features a fresh look and a simpler sign-up process.
If you signed up previously, your contact information was transferred to the new platform. Now is a good time to review and update your details if needed.
These alerts will primarily be used for emergencies where life safety is at risk. The system will also be used sparingly for non-emergencies, such as 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
ACTIVE ROAD CLOSURES:
Wadsworth/Silcox/Boat Sewer Extension: Paving was completed on Thursday, Oct. 8, and Friday, Oct. 9. Over the next few weeks, crews will raise utility castings to grade and restore affected properties before demobilizing.
Custer Road – Bridgeport to 75th: Striping is tentatively scheduled for the evenings of Oct. 14-16. The roadway will be closed each night starting at 8:00 p.m. Work is weather-dependent.
UPCOMING ROAD CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS:
Kendrick Street – 111th to 108th & 111th Street – Bridgeport to 112th: The project is currently advertised, with bids expected to open on Oct. 21. Construction is anticipated to begin in December or January.
This project will implement a green street design with new pavement, curbs, bike lanes, sidewalks, planters, street lighting, storm drainage, and water main replacement along Kendrick from 111th to 108th Street. 111th Street will receive similar improvements, except for street lighting.
The Park Legacy Plan is an important document that captures the needs of Lakewood’s future park system. The draft plan was online for resident review and comment through September 30. Comments will be compiled and will be used to finalize the plan for adoption, slated for the Nov. 2 City Council meeting.
Camp Murray Boat Launch Master Plan. This plan examines opportunities for potential development at the Camp Murray Boat Launch, currently operated by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. The master plan includes concept drawings of potential improvements and will also recommend funding and future operations. The Master Plan is in its final stages of completion based on steering committee and public input and is slated to go before City Council in November.
Capital projects in design and development:
- Nisqually Interpretive Trail Loop at Fort Steilacoom Park – This project is now in production, with interpretative signs and materials being ordered for installation late this year. The project was developed in partnership with the Nisqually Indian Tribe and is primarily supported by grant funding from the Department of Commerce.
- Westlake Street End Pilot Project – This project is in the contracting phase. Westlake Avenue is the City’s first street end development. The City previously assessed the existing conditions and development potential of these lakefront sites through a street end water access study conducted in 2022. See https://cityoflakewood.us/lakefrontstreetends to learn more.
- Edgewater Park – This project is in design. This project will both protect and improve the shoreline, improve parking and access, and replace the existing boat launch. Project permitting is slated to begin in fall 2026 and extend into 3Q 2027 because of the rezoning of portions of the park, the complexity of shoreline development, and extensive local and state agency review.
- H–Barn Restoration at Fort Steilacoom Park – The City is working with Partners for Parks on the design and fundraising for this project. The project is slated for 60% design completion and a fundraising update in December 2026.
- Oakbrook & Primley Park – These neighborhood parks will receive accessibility and amenity improvements in early 2027.
You can learn more about all Park plans and projects at: https://cityoflakewood.us/parks-and-recreation/parks-capital-projectspital-projects