100th Street vacation request update
The Lakewood City Council is not expected to act Monday on a request to vacate a portion of 100th Street SW that runs into Lake Steilacoom.
The Planning and Public Works Department is recommending the City Council postpone its consideration of Ordinance No. 810 until its Sept. 16, 2024 regular meeting, or a meeting after that date.
The postponement is necessary to allow the applicants to submit a complete appraisal for the street end. Lakewood Municipal Code has specific requirements that must be met for the City Council to decide a street vacation request. When a street vacation occurs, the compensation received by the city must be fair market value or full appraisal value. This prevents the potential gifting of public funds.
A notification was sent to the applicant with this information, giving them time to submit the appraisal that adheres to the city’s requirements. The City Council will set a new meeting date for the ordinance. Once set, the information will be shared publicly.
Mayor Whalen’s Coffeehouse is Wednesday
The next Community Coffeehouse with Mayor Jason Whalen is Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2024 at 6 p.m. at the Pavilion at Fort Steilacoom Park.
Mayor Whalen is excited to welcome former Lakewood City Council member and Historic Fort Steilacoom Association board member Walter Neary. Neary will share about Historic Fort Steilacoom, which recognizes its 175th birthday this year.
As part of his presentation, Neary will have newly acquired artifacts to show.
Head to the Pavilion at Fort Steilacoom Park, 9107 Angle Lane SW, to hear what’s happening in Lakewood and learn more about the area’s history.
Parking is available in the lot behind the Pavilion.
Second road closure planned for 87th Ave SW
A second overnight road closure is planned for Thursday, Aug. 22 at 87th Ave SW just north of its intersection with Steilacoom Boulevard.
The closure is required so Tacoma Public Utilities can continue to replace utility poles in the area. A large crane is required to complete this work. The poles are 95 feet tall.
The closure will begin at 8 p.m. and remain closed until 4 a.m. Friday, Aug. 23. Detour signs will be in place.
Urban heat mapping in Lakewood
Earlier this month, 32 community science volunteers spent a day driving around Pierce County with heat and humidity sensors on their cars, including in Lakewood.
The goal: Map urban heat.
Urban heat islands are areas in cities that are often much warmer than nearby rural areas. Cities, roads and buildings gain heat during the day and radiate it into the surrounding air.
Cities can be 15-20 degrees warmer than areas with more trees and other vegetation!
A grant from the National Integrated Heat Health Information System (NIHHIS) funded the project. Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department coordinated the work with the support of 17 partners, including Pierce County Planning and Public Works and the Tacoma Tree Foundation.
Read more about this effort and why it is important to our community.
TPU offers one-time bill credit to eligible customers
During the 2024 Legislative Session, the State appropriated $150 million for the Washington Families Clean Energy Grant Program. This funding comes from the Climate Commitment Act (CCA). This program provides qualifying utility customers with a one-time, $200 bill credit to help with energy costs. These credits will be applied until funding runs out.
Tacoma Power was awarded approximately $7.4 million, to be credited to qualifying customer accounts by Sept. 15th, 2024.
Tacoma Power customers can learn about and apply for the bill credit at www.MyTPU.org/CCACredit. This application must be filled out and signed no later than September 2, 2024.
Fiesta de la Familia is Sept. 7
The city’s third annual Fiesta de la Familia is taking over Fort Steilacoom Park on Saturday, Sept. 7 from 12-6 p.m.
Head to the park to enjoy a day filled with rich cultural traditions from different countries representing and celebrating Hispanic heritage. There will be live performances on the Pavilion stage, an opportunity to learn traditional dances, and free activities for all.
Children are encouraged to wear a costume or dress in traditional attire to celebrate their heritage and participate in the Children’s Parade. The parade will be led by Alma from PBS Kids. Participants will walk through the park at 3 p.m. Those who want to participate/walk in the parade should gather at the Pavilion at 2:45 p.m.
New to the event this year is a performance by Mexican dancing horses. They will begin at 1 p.m.
Other activities include:
- Community Offrenda, honor loved ones with personal mementos
- Tree of Life
- Student art displays
- Art displays by local Latino/a artists
- Interactive poetry station
- Face painting
- Vuelta La Luna Circus roaming entertainment
- Fairy catcher
Registration is now open for the Night Owl’s car show at the Fiesta. This year’s theme is “Trunk or Treat”. There are 25 awards up for grabs, including Best in Show. Move in is 11 a.m. Awards will be announced 4 p.m. Register online now and save.
Find the full schedule of events online at CityofLakewood.Us/Fiesta.
Commute Trip Reduction survey
Traffic congestion isn’t just a headache for drivers—it’s a major factor in increased pollution and carbon emissions, impacting both our health and the environment. That’s why our region is taking action.
Commute Trip Reduction (CTR) works to reduce air pollution, traffic congestion and fuel consumption by encouraging alternative transportation options other than driving alone throughout Washington State. Requirements are focused on employer-based programs that support employees in choosing non-drive alone commute options and reducing their drive-alone trips.
In Lakewood, input was sought from community members and employers to craft a detailed Commute Trip Reduction (CTR) plan. A draft plan is now available to review and comment on.
Find the plan here. Take this survey to share your thoughts on certain sections of the plan.
Lakewood Lodging Tax application period now open
The application period is now open for the city’s 2024 Lodging Tax grant awards for 2025. All applications must be received by 5 p.m. Aug. 19, 2024.
Project proposals should support and encourage tourism and cultural activities in Lakewood. The source of monies from which projects will be funded is the city’s share of taxes collected on overnight stays at hotels, motels and short‐term rentals, including such activities as Airbnb, bed and breakfasts, RV parks, and other housing and lodging accommodations for periods of time less than 30 days within the City of Lakewood.
Read more and find the application online.
Now accepting applications for Larry Saunders Service Award
The nomination period is now open for the 2025 Larry Saunders Service Award. Names can be submitted until Sept. 20, 2024. Find the nomination form online.
The award recipient will be announced in 2025 and formally recognized at a Lakewood City Council regular meeting at the start of the year. As part of the recognition the winner will select a Lakewood organization to receive a grant award.
The Larry Saunders Service Award was created eight years ago by the Lakewood Community Foundation Fund in collaboration with the City of Lakewood. Its purpose is to recognize exemplary service to Lakewood, either by an individual or organization. It is given annually.
Larry Saunders served as the first Chief of Police for Lakewood and was responsible for forming the department 20 years ago. He also served in the Army and helped establish the National Police College in Baghdad. As a Lakewood resident Saunders honored Lakewood with tireless community service benefiting the Boys & Girls Club, the city’s two Rotary clubs, local veterans and neighborhood associations, and the Lakewood Community Foundation Fund. He passed away unexpectedly in 2016. The award was created to honor his service and keep his legacy and memory alive in Lakewood.
Lakewood Farmer Market & Summer Concerts
There are only two summer concerts left in our 2024 Summer Nights at the Pavilion concert series. If you haven’t been to a concert yet, don’t miss it!
Head to Fort Steilacoom Park Tuesday for a high-energy evening of all your favorite ABBA hits performed by the ABBAgraphs. Concerts are every Tuesday from 6:30-8 p.m. at the Pavilion at Fort Steilacoom Park. The last show is Aug. 27.
Make sure to stop by the Lakewood Farmers Market before the show. The market runs every Tuesday from 2-7 p.m. through Sept. 17 at Fort Steilacoom Park.
Check out local vendors and enjoy local entertainment. Shop the market, grab dinner and head to the Pavilion lawn for a fun-filled, family-friendly evening.
2024 Summer Nights at the Pavilion concert schedule
- August 20: ABBAgraphs (ABBA Tribute)
- August 27: Mr. Pink (Dance Hits)
Comprehensive Plan review
The City of Lakewood began its required periodic review of its Comprehensive Plan in September 2022. That work included public meetings and review by the Lakewood Planning Commission of new planning documents and policies and new regulatory documents.
The Planning Commission sent its recommendation to the Lakewood City Council at its July 10, 2024 meeting. The City Council began its review of the recommendation July 22, 2024 at a study session.
The City Council will continue its review of the proposed changes and updates on the following dates. All meetings begin at 7 p.m.:
- Aug. 19 Public Hearing. In-person or virtual comments will be accepted live. Written comments must be sent by noon, Aug. 19 to be entered on the record. Email comments to City Clerk Briana Schumacher at [email protected].
- Aug. 26 Study Session.
- Sept. 3 Public Hearing. In-person or virtual comments will be accepted live. Written comments must be sent by noon, Sept. 3 to be entered on the record. Email comments to City Clerk Briana Schumacher at [email protected].
- Sept. 9 Study Session.
- Sep. 16 Regular Meeting. The Lakewood City Council is expected to take final action on the update at this meeting.
Council Corner: Aug. 12 meeting recap
Joint meeting. The Lakewood City Council began is study session with a joint meeting of its Public Safety Advisory Committee. The committee and City Council reviewed accomplishments for the year and workplan items. These include:
- Neighborhood Association Revitalization
- Business Public Safety Survey
- Truck and Tractor Day presence
- Community involvement with state Legislature
- City’s Emergency Management Plans
Review of 2025-2026 City Council Goals and Priorities. The City Council reviewed a final draft of its proposed goals and priorities for the coming biennium. The are:
- Downtown Park and Multi-Generational Community Center Development
- Public Safety
- Parks & Lakes Access
- Downtown and Lakewood Station District subarea revitalization for sustainable growth
Once adopted, the goals serve as the policy direction for developing and implementing the proposed 2025-2026 Biennial Budget. The also help guide decision-making at all levels of city government. The City Council is expected to act on the goals at its Aug. 19 meeting.
2024 Comprehensive Plan Periodic Review Part 2. The City Council continued its review of proposed updates to the city’s Comprehensive Plan as part of the larger Periodic Review process. A public hearing is set for Aug. 19 at the council’s regular meeting.
Review of funding agreement with Sound Transit for Lakewood Station Access Improvements. Sound Transit is planning improvements to benefit and encourage the use of bus and commuter train facilities at Lakewood Station. These improvements include gaps in sidewalks, lighting, ADA ramps, and bike lanes. As Sound Transit moves forward from the planning to the implementation stage, Lakewood was approached to enter into an agreement with Sound Transit to design and construct $31.6 million of these improvements. Next steps are for both parties to approve the agreement to move forward with project design and construction.
Watch the meeting.
What’s on Deck: The Lakewood City Council meets Monday, Aug. 19, 2024 for a regular meeting at 7 p.m. in Council Chambers. Tentative agenda items include:
- Police Commissioning and Commendation Ceremony.
- West Pierce Fire & Rescue Recognition of Agencies for Fire Response.
- Approving the agreement between the City of Lakewood and the Central Puget Sound Regional Transit Authority for the Lakewood Station Access Improvements Funding Agreements.
- Authorizing the execution of an interlocal agreement with Clover Park School District for the purchase of fuel.
- Approving the 2025-2026 City Council Goals and Priorities.
- Public Hearing: 2024 Comprehensive Plan Periodic Review.
- Ordinance considering the proposed vacation of a portion of 100th Street SW lying west of Dekoven Drive and east of Steilacoom Lake (postponement anticipated).
- Reports by the City Manager: Review of City Council meeting schedule.
How to attend: Attend in person at Lakewood City Hall, 6000 Main Street SW; Join via Zoom (or dial 253-215-8782 and enter meeting ID: 868 7263 2373), or watch live on the city’s YouTube channel.
Community events
Lakewold Gardens presents Shakespeare in the Garden!
Lakewold Gardens and Theater Artists Olympia are pleased to present Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing. This abridged version of one of the most revered classical comedies is not your standard Shakespeare; rather, the mood is light, fun and a bit zany!
The family-friendly performance features a small troupe of nine actors who will portray the numerous roles, sometimes donning a wig or a hat to denote the difference between characters in this fast-paced production. The duration of the play is approximately 80 minutes. With the backdrop of Wagner House, the fragrant gardens and sweeping lawns, Lakewold makes an ideal setting for the play and an enchanting summer outing.
Performances are Friday and Saturday, Aug. 23 and 24, 2024. Tickets are $20.
Learn more about other summer events at Lakewold Gardens and purchase tickets online.
Save the date: Harvest Hoedown at the H-Barn
Partners for Parks is hosting a “Harvest Hoedown” Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024 from 4-7 p.m. to help raise money for its H-Barn restoration project.
This fun-filled, family-friendly event will have live country music, family activities, a festive farm atmosphere, dancing, food trucks and a raffle. Cost is $10 per person. Children eight years and under are free.
The nonprofit Partners for Parks is raising $3.5 million to contribute toward restoration of the historic H-Barn at Fort Steilacoom Park. The group has raised $2.1 million toward its final goal. Learn more about its efforts and purchase tickets online.
Sign up for Lakewood Alert (Code Red)
The City of Lakewood uses Code Red, an alert service, to notify residents of important information happening in the city.
If there is an emergency that requires public notification, we will use Lakewood Alert as one way to communicate. We will also post information to our website and social media channels.
Subscribers can sign up to receive text and email alerts. People can also sign up for important non-emergency updates including information about road impacts from large events in the city or information about special events.
Find out more and sign up today.
Now Hiring!
There are a variety of positions available for hard workers looking to join the City of Lakewood team. Lakewood offers a competitive benefits package. We are part of the state retirement system (PERS). And the city is a beautiful place to work. Find a current list of open positions online.
Road project updates
Interlaaken Bridge repair
The City’s contractor continues replacing deteriorated structural components on the bridge. In-water work is expected to conclude by the end of September. After the in-water work is completed, the contractor will replace multiple pedestrian/guardrail posts. Once all work is complete, the bridge will reopen to traffic.
Steilacoom Boulevard (Weller Road to 87th Ave SW)
Work continued this week by Tacoma Public Utilities to replace 38 utility poles along Steilacoom Boulevard between Weller Road and 87th Ave SW. A second overnight road closure is planned for Thursday, Aug. 22 at 87th just north of its intersection with Steilacoom Boulevard. The closure will begin at 8 p.m. and remain closed until 4 a.m. Friday, Aug. 23. Detour signs will be in place.
While TPU is doing this work drivers should expect lane closures as the poles are installed over the next three to four months. Road construction will begin this fall on this stretch of roadway for a $6 million road improvement project. Once construction begins, drivers can expect all-day lane closures over an extended period.
Hipkins Road
Hipkins is closed from 104th to Cross Lane and will remain closed through the duration of the rest of the work; detours are in place. The new water main passed pressure testing, and the contractor will begin installing services. Preparation for asphalt and concrete work is ongoing.
Farwest Drive, Safe Routes to School
Concrete crews continue to place new concrete along the project limits. There are some segments of asphalt patching that will be completed next week. Pedestrian luminaires are expected mid-late fall. Traffic control continues to allow traffic movement in all directions, except for temporary stops while equipment is maneuvering through the jobsite.
Ardmore/Whitman/93rd
Remaining work includes the installation of street luminaires (beginning next week and will continue until complete) and the installation of a new signal bridge (current signal installation is scheduled for the early-mid September).
84th and Pine
The contractor has installed the new signal poles and will be working on the installation of the new mast arms/signals next week. Pedestrian luminaires are installed.