Did you know you need a permit to clear city-owned ROW?
This week we learned vegetation was removed from the public right-of-way on Westlake Avenue where the street ends at Lake Steilacoom.
The work that was done – removal of invasive species like blackberries – was unauthorized. This type of work requires city approval first. Specifically, removal of vegetation on the lake requires a shoreline exemption permit. Work within the city’s right-of-way also requires a right-of-way permit.
These permits are required to make sure any vegetation removed does not result in erosion issues on the shoreline or other environmental damage. The right-of-way permit covers concerns about liability and people doing work on city-owned property, among other requirements.
Last year we saw volunteers with good intentions cause damage to the lake access point off 100th Street on Lake Steilacoom. The removal of vegetation and subsequent work that was done resulted in the Department of Ecology visiting the site and requiring the city to repair the damage to protect the shoreline. This came at an additional cost to the city, and ultimately taxpayers, for the corrective action that was required.
While we appreciate the public’s enthusiasm to remove invasive species and try to open access to the lake using the city-owned street ends, people should not remove vegetation without city approval or necessary permits. If you see someone removing vegetation from a public street end, please report it to the city by calling the police non-emergency number: 253-287-4455.
We are in the process of creating a volunteer program to engage people interested in clearing these sites and helping maintain them. The goal of the program is to make it easier for volunteers to clear street ends in accordance with environmental regulations.
Specific to Westlake Avenue, we are actively designing a public access point to the lake at this location. We are working with the neighborhood to gather feedback and develop the site in a way that is appropriate for the area. Construction is expected to begin in 2026.
- Read more about the city’s street ends in this 2023 street end report.
- Read a summary of a public meeting to hear neighborhood opinions about developing Westlake Avenue into public access to the lake.
Lakewood City Hall site of food distribution for veterans/military families
The South Sound Military and Communities Partnership and STEP (Support the Enlisted Project) are distributing food to veterans and military families Saturday, May 10, 2025 from 12 to 2 p.m. at Lakewood City Hall, 6000 Main Street SW.
Families and veterans are encouraged to stop by and grab items they need to help stock their cupboards.
Come dance with us!
We’re kicking off our summer festival season on Friday, May 30, 2025 with our Dancing in the Streets festival.
Head to the Colonial Plaza on Motor Avenue for an evening of family fun from 4-7 p.m. Festivities include:
- DJ Shamwow will spin dance hits to get you up and dancing
- Food trucks
- Kids activities, face painting, balloon animals
- Roaming entertainment
The event is free and family friendly. Colonial Plaza is located at 6100 Motor Avenue SW.
Public hearing notice: 6-Year Transportation Improvement Program
On Monday, May 19, 2025 the Lakewood City Council will hold a public hearing on the proposed six-year Transportation Improvement Plan. This is the planning document that outlines the city’s short-, medium- and long-term transportation projects like sidewalk additions, streetlighting, stormwater improvements and more.
The document is updated regularly to reflect funding changes, and ensure the city is eligible to apply for grants to help pay for necessary improvements. Find the document online. Public comment will be heard at the City Council’s regular meeting that starts at 6 p.m. Read more about how to provide comment.
Public hearing: Comprehensive Plan & Zoning Map
Monday, May 19, 2025 the Lakewood City Council will hold a public hearing on the proposed Comprehensive Plan amendments and updates to the city’s zoning map. The public hearing is part of the City Council’s regular meeting that starts at 6 p.m.
Find a full list of the proposed changes and details about how to provide comment online.
Public hearing: Multi-Family Tax Exemption Residential Target Areas
The Lakewood City Council will hold a public hearing at its May 19, 2025 regular meeting on proposed Multi-Family Tax Exemption Residential Target Areas. The meeting starts at 6 p.m. Read more about how to provide comment.
In 2024 the city began an assessment of the Multi-Family Tax Exemption (MFTE) program, including a review of the corresponding Residential Target Areas (RTA) in the city. As a result, amendments are recommended to update Lakewood Municipal Code related to the MFTE program and the city’s RTA boundaries. Consistent with the comprehensive plan and downtown subarea plan, the amendments are intended to improve clarity, increase participation and improve effectiveness.
Read the staff report starting on page 118 of the agenda packet for the Lakewood City Council May 12, 2025 study session to learn more about what is proposed.
What is the Multi-Family Tax Exemption program?
The Multi-Family Tax Exemption, or MFTE, program is an economic incentive tool designed to encourage the development and renovation of multi-family housing in RTAs.
By offering property tax exemptions on residential improvements for a limited period, the program provides opportunities for development that aims to increase affordable housing, stimulate economic growth and support urban revitalization.
Developers still pay property taxes on the land and commercial parts of the building during the exemption period, ensuring continued funding for public services. Once the MFTE period ends, taxes for the residential structures are collected, resulting in increased revenue, sometimes by as much as 200% in the first year. This revenue increase further supports public services like law and justice programs and parks.
MFTE is not a permanent exemption, and it does not change land uses or zoning for a property. It’s a voluntary program that supports redevelopment in areas designated for growth, helping meet local and regional housing goals.
Now accepting: Lakewood Youth Council applications
Lakewood youth interested in joining the city’s Youth Council can submit applications now for consideration for appointment to the 2025-2026 Youth Council.
Applications should be submitted using this form. The deadline to apply is Friday, June 13, 2025 at 5 p.m.
Youth Council members play a valuable role in Lakewood. They convey to the City Council issues of relevance to youth in Lakewood. This includes researching, analyzing and pulling together data and information to be included in reports for the City Council. Youth Council members demonstrate leadership at school and in the community and encourage their peers to get involved. The Youth Council hosts an annual Youth Summit, and other activities to engage peers in civic engagement. Read more about the Lakewood Youth Council responsibilities.
Harry Todd Park parking lot closure continues
The main parking lot of Harry Todd Park remains closed this week. It will reopen Saturday, May 17 for the Kid Fishing Event.
Drivers visiting the park are directed to a lot accessible from North Thorne Lane. Pedestrians can continue to access the park.
The temporary parking lot closure is necessary for the city’s contractor to begin work on planned improvements. This includes three new ADA accessible stalls a full re-sealing and re-stripping of the main parking lot. The large concrete blocks in the main lot will also be replaced with a permanent island curb. Other improvements include the installation of four pickleball courts.
Work in the park will continue through November 2025. The park will remain open during construction, however, at times, there may be temporary main parking lot closures. Please refer to the posted signage to understand access throughout the construction process.
We appreciate the public’s patience as we work through these improvements. If you have project related questions please contact Capital Projects Manager Daví de la Cruz, via email at [email protected].
Save the date: Retirement reception for John Caulfield is May 27
The public is invited to an open house reception to celebrate Lakewood City Manager John J. Caulfield. Earlier this year Caulfield announced his retirement after 12 years serving the city. Caulfield’s last day is June 5, 2025.
The celebration is Tuesday, May 27, 2025 from 5:30-7 p.m. in Council Chambers at Lakewood City Hall, 6000 Main Street SW. Please RSVP.
Lakewood Volunteer Recognition event is May 28
Are you a volunteer with the city of Lakewood? Or did you volunteer with the city in the last year? We want to say thank you!
Please join us for our annual Volunteer Recognition event on Wednesday, May 28 from 4:30-6 p.m. at The Pavilion at Fort Steilacoom Park, 9107 Angle Lane SW.
All attendees must RSVP. Deadline to RSVP is Wednesday, May 16. Please RSVP online.
Hold your next event in Lakewood
Did you know that in addition to beautiful natural areas, several Lakewood parks offer facilities for rent? That includes The Pavilion at Fort Steilacoom Park.
This facility has room for up to 75 people inside and can hold more than 100 people with the large garage-style door open. This is a great spot for corporate events, training, graduation parties, weddings or other special occasion celebrations.
Want to stick outside? Many of Lakewood’s parks have picnic shelters with seating for 25 to 100 people. Call 253-983-7887 for a complete list of available space, or email [email protected] to book your spot today!
Drop in Yoga offered at The Pavilion
Interested in trying yoga? The City of Lakewood hosts affordable yoga classes for all levels. All classes are held indoors at the Pavilion at Fort Steilacoom Park, 9107 Angle Lane SW.
The following Yoga classes allow drop-ins for $12 per class:
- Gentle Yoga, Mondays, 4:45-5:45 p.m.
- Gentle Yoga, Thursdays, 4:45-5:45 p.m.
- Fusion Yoga, Thursdays, 6-7 p.m.
Find class descriptions, registration links and more information about drop-ins online.
Council Corner: May 5, 2025 meeting recap
Proclamation recognizing May 4-10, 2025 as Drinking Water Week. Representatives from the Lakewood Water District joined the Lakewood City Council for a presentation of a proclamation recognizing May 4-10, 2025 as Drinking Water Week. Read the proclamation.
Proclamation recognizing Hunger Awareness Month.Since 2019 Pierce County has experienced a 130% increase in the amount of people seeking food assistance. To help raise awareness about food insecurity and show its support for food banks and food resources in the area, the Lakewood City Council issued a proclamation declaring May as Hunger Awareness month. Read the proclamation.
Proclamation recognizing National Police Week. The Lakewood City Council issued a proclamation recognizing May 11-17, 2025 as National Police Week. In its proclamation the City Council showed support for law enforcement, including those killed in the line of duty. Read the proclamation.
Proclamation recognizing Public Works Week. May 18-24, 2025 is Public Works Week. The Lakewood City Council issued a proclamation recognizing the week and the importance of the work done by public works personnel, including road construction, infrastructure improvements, stormwater management, sewer, water systems and more. Read the proclamation.
Public hearing: 2025 Carry Forward Budget Adjustment. The City Council held a public hearing for people to comment on the proposed 2025 Carry Forward Budget Adjustment.
The City Council acted on the following:
- Authorized an amendment to the agreement with Redside Construction for Wards Lake Park pump track.
- Authorized an amendment to the agreement with Robert Droll for the American Lake Park bulkhead assessment.
- Approved the 2024 Transportation Benefit District Annual Report.
- Public hearing: 2025 Carry Forward Budget Adjustment
- Adopted an ordinance amending Ordinance No. 766 to extend the bond within which the City’s designated representative can finalize the terms of the City’s Limited Tax General Obligation Bonds.
- Adopted an ordinance relating to the approval of projects to be funded with revenue generated by the City of Lakewood’s Transportation Benefit District.
- Adopted a resolution adopting the Tacoma-Lakewood 5-year (2025-2029) Consolidated CDBG Plan.
- Adopted a resolution updating the fee schedule related to permits.
- Adopted a resolution approving Halcyon Commons 40-unit Multifamily Tax Exemption (MFTE).
What’s on Deck: The Lakewood City Council meets Monday, May 12 at 7 p.m. in Council Chambers for a study session.Tentative agenda items include:
- Joint Planning Commission meeting
- Introduction of 2025 Comprehensive Plan Amendments
- Review of Multifamily Tax Exemption Residential Target Areas
- Review of Six-Year (2026-2031) Transportation Improvement Program
May 12, 2025, Special Meeting, Following City Council Study Session
- Consideration of applicants for the City Manager position with the intent of selecting individuals to move on in the recruitment process
How to attend: Attend in person at Lakewood City Hall, 6000 Main Street SW. Attend virtually via Zoom (or dial 253-215-8782 and enter meeting ID: 868 7263 2373), or watch live on the city’s YouTube channel.
Police Chief’s Corner
Each week Lakewood Police Chief Patrick D. Smith shares a summary that includes a look at total calls for service the Lakewood Police Department responded to for the prior week. The intent of the summary is to show a snapshot of how the department works to keep the community safe. To see quarterly statistical analysis, visit the Lakewood Police Department crime statistics page on the city website.
Weekly summary April 29-May 6, 2025
- Calls for Service: 1,007 (up 1% from prior week)
- Arrests: 33 (down 18% from prior week)
- Violent Crime: 22 (down 4% from prior week)
- Property Crime: 35 (down 20% from prior week)
- Traffic Stops: 181 (down 15% from prior week)
- Collisions (reportable): 23 (up 77% from prior week)
Attend a Neighborhood Association meeting in 2025
Neighborhood associations play a crucial role in fostering community engagement and improving the quality of life in local neighborhoods. Through its Neighborhood Connections program, the City of Lakewood aims to not only better connect the community, but also help residents better understand city processes.
There are currently six Neighborhood Associations in Lakewood. Five meet regularly. The meeting times and locations are listed below. All residents are invited and encouraged to attend an upcoming meeting for their respective neighborhood. Find out more about the Neighborhood Connections Program online.
Meetings:
- Fort Steilacoom Neighborhood Association
- Meets: The third Tuesday of the month
- Location: The Pavilion in Fort Steilacoom Park, 9107 Angle Lane SW
- Springbrook Community Meetings
- Meets: The third Thursday of the month
- Location: Springbrook Park
- Tillicum/Woodbrook Neighborhood Association
- Meets: The second Tuesday of the month.
- Location: Tillicum-American Lake Gardens Community Center, 14916 Washington Ave SW.
- Downtown Neighborhood Association
- Meets: Meets the second Wednesday of the month.
- Location: Interim Lakewood Library, 10202 Gravelly Lake Dr. SW
- Lake City Neighborhood Association
- Meets: Every other month. Next meeting is in May.
- Location: West Pierce Fire & Rescue station, 8517 Washington Blvd. SW
- North Lakewood Neighborhood Association
- No meetings scheduled.
Community events
Lakewood Playhouse presents ‘for colored girls who have considered suicide/when the rainbow is enuf’
Join the circle as seven women share their stories and find strength in each other’s truth, passion and humor. This fusion of poetry, dance, music and song explodes off the stage and touches the hearts and minds of all those who experience it. It’s time for joy. It’s time for sisterhood. It’s time for colored girls. The performance runs May 23 to June 8, 2025, with performances on Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. The “pay what you can” and industry night is Sunday, June 1 at 7:30 p.m. Call the Box Office at (253) 588-0042 or visit www.lakewoodplayhouse.org to book online.
South Sound Wildlife area spring cleanup
Head to the South Sound Wildlife area this Saturday and join members from Clover Park Rotary and other Lakewood service clubs for an annual Spring Cleanup from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Located in the heart of Lakewood on Phillips Road across from Hudtloff Middle School, this 100 acre area is open to the public for hiking, bird watching, dog walking and other uses consistent with a wildlife preserve.
Jobs include something for everyone:
- Plant starts in Prairie
- South field and West Field weed indigenous plant ID Garden
- Weed retaining walls in parking area
- Install two informational signs for education area
- Remove ivy by entrance area
- Pull Scotch broom
Come join friends and neighbors for half a day of making Lakewood a better place for everyone. For more information, contact Alan Billingsley at [email protected].
Celebrate Classy Chassis reopening in Lakewood
Classy Chassis is inviting the community to celebrate the grand re-opening of its Lakewood location May 16-18, 2025. The event will include free car washes, giveaways and prizes, a bounce house for kids on Sunday and the award of $10,000 to be split between three local nonprofits: Lakewood Baseball Club, Lakewood Boys & Girls Club and the Lakewood Family YMCA. Classy Chassis Car Wash & Detailing is located at 7701 Custer Road. Find more information online.
Community conversation with Rep. Mari Leavitt
Head to Pierce College in Lakewood on Monday, May 19 from 12:30-1:30 p.m. for a conversation with state Rep. Mari Leavitt. Community members and students are invited to attend to discuss legislative updates, share what’s important to them and get answers to questions on key issues affecting the 28th Legislative District.
Event Details
- What: Community Conversation with Rep. Mari Leavitt
- When: Monday, May 19, 2025
- Time: 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
- Where: Pierce College Fort Steilacoom | Student Performance Lounge
9401 Farwest Dr SW, Lakewood, WA 98498
This event is free and open to the public. Constituents are encouraged to attend, share their perspectives, and hear about Rep. Leavitt’s work in the state Legislature. This is a time to learn from folks what is top of mind for them.
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.
Road project updates
Steilacoom Boulevard Weller to 87th Ave: Demolition, storm drainage, and conduit installation for traffic signal and street lighting is nearing completion. This is a significant milestone as the contractor has already begun the grading for the new curb and sidewalk. Once the curb, gutter, and sidewalk are installed, the contractor will schedule the paving of the roadway.
Rose Road Sanitary Sewer Project: The city’s contractor is finishing up stub outs on Rose Road.
South Tacoma Way Overlay 96th to Steilacoom Blvd.: Major delays are expected along South Tacoma Way between 96th Street and Steilacoom Boulevard during the nights of Wednesday, May 14 and Thursday, May 15. The work will start at 7 p.m. and finish by 5 a.m. The contractor will be grinding and paving the roadway, so this work is highly dependent upon weather.
South Tacoma Way & 92nd signal replacement: Signal foundations were poured this week. The contractor has a few minor concrete pours to complete prior to being suspended until fall while they await the delivery of the traffic signal material.
South Tacoma Way – 88th to north city limits: The city’s contractor has been diligently working on the west side of South Tacoma Way installing irrigation and electrical conduit. They intend to patch the segment between the existing asphalt and the new curb next week.
Bridgeport Way from 75th to north city limits: Pierce County Sewer has an emergency repair starting of its interceptor line along Bridgeport Way through the entire city limits and into University Place. Traffic impacts in Lakewood are expected to begin soon with travel lanes being reduced. For more information visit Pierce County’s website.
Parks project updates
American Lake Park: Work continues on this major park project. Formwork of the entry plaza is underway. Progress was made on the restroom sewer connections, concrete seat walls, irrigation repair and handrail fabrication this week. The current opening is expected in mid-summer.
American Lake boat launch update: The city applied for an emergency repair permit to complete necessary repairs to its launches at the end of 2024. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers denied the permit and told the city to apply for a separate permit. The city was awarded the permit but could not complete the necessary repairs due to rising water levels and availability of Department of Fish and Wildlife crews who must be part of the repair project. The work is anticipated to begin in the fall.
Wards Lake Park Improvements: Work continues with the site trail development, bridge abutments and north and south playground construction. Work is also starting on the new shelter footings. The 35-acre park will remain closed through November 2025 while the city’s contractor makes major upgrades to this park.
Westlake Avenue Street End Pilot project: Design on how the site development could look for this pilot project will start this summer. Construction is anticipated in 2026. View a summary of a March 8 public meeting on page 6 of PRAB meeting agenda packet.
Chambers Creek Trail. The first section of the trail will open to the public in spring 2025, with the remaining two sections of trail opening throughout the spring and summer as trail crews complete work. The public should expect trail closures during this work.Please be aware of trail signage and stay on the open trails.
Other park projects planned for 2025:
- Primley Park playground replacement: The playground is being installed.
- Oakbrook Park: A new picnic shelter is on order and design is ongoing for a trail inside the park perimeter that will be installed before the busy summer season.
- New park signs: The new signs will be installed in May. Parks will remain open during this process. Please respect the construction area and stay away from heavy machinery.
- Historic H-Barn revitalization: Local nonprofit Partners for Parks is working to raise $3.5 million to match a $4 million commitment from the city to restore the historic H-Barn in Fort Steilacoom Park. Design work is underway to determine building and code needs, as well as cost estimates.
- Harry Todd pickleball courts: Four new pickleball courts will be developed at Harry Todd Park this year. Work began May 5 with a parking lot closure to add ADA stalls and improve the parking lot. The closure remains in place until May 16. A side lot will be open off North Thorne Lane for cars. Future parking lot closure are expected, but will be minimized to keep the park accessible.The courts should be available for public use by fall 2025.
- Nisqually Loop Trail Fort Steilacoom Park: In partnership with the Nisqually Tribe, the city will install several interpretive exhibits along the Nisqually Loop Trail in the southeast area of the park. The exhibits will be located along a 1-mile trail and include Nisqually art, educational information and Lushootseed language. Construction is anticipated to occur late summer-fall of 2025.
- Tenzler Log: Landscaping and fencing will surround the perimeter in the coming months. Additional signage and information will be added to share more about this BIG piece of history.
- Reader board: A new electronic reader board is planned for the corner of Gravelly Lake Drive and Motor Avenue.
- Lakewood Legacy Plan: As the city begins outreach information will be shared with the public about how to get involved and provide feedback.
- Camp Murray Boat Launch Master Planning: The city will be assembling a stakeholder group to shape the early master plan for improvements at the Camp Murray Boat Launch in the Tillicum neighborhood.