Diamond Designs Unlimited named November Business Showcase
Diamond Designs Unlimited has been operating for 35 years, and owner Shawn Luvaas is as appreciative to be in Lakewood as we are to have him here.
An active member of the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce, the crew at Diamond Designs regularly contributes to the community by supporting other businesses, providing internships to local students, charitable donations and many other ways.
In the words of Luvaas: “I sell a want, not a need. But it makes people happy, which makes me happy.” He is also adamant that running a business is not about the money but the opportunities it provides to give back to the community.
Lakewood City Council adopts 2025-26 budget
After holding multiple meetings, including a public hearing, the Lakewood City Council adopted the proposed 2025-26 budget at its regular meeting Monday, Nov. 18.
The biennial budget reflects the policies, goals, programs and service priorities and values of the Lakewood City Council. It represents a financial roadmap for the city that guides operational decision‐making, strengthens organizational values, and invests in vital community initiatives.
Lakewood City Hall, police station, city services closed for Thanksgiving
Lakewood City Hall, the Lakewood police station and city operations will be closed Thursday and Friday, Nov. 28 and 29 for the Thanksgiving holiday.
Regular operations resume Monday morning, Dec. 2. While the lobby of the Lakewood police station will be closed to the public, Lakewood police officers will be working regular patrols and responding to resident calls for service.
15th annual Fallen Officer Food & Blood Drive is Dec. 5
The 15th annual Fallen Officer Food Drive to benefit Emergency Food Network and blood drive to support Bloodworks NW is Dec. 5 from 6 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Lakewood police station.
During this event people are encouraged to bring nonperishable food items to the parking lot across from the police station at 9401 Lakewood Drive SW. Drop items with volunteers who will be out all-day waving signs.
Can’t make it Dec. 5? You can also drop off nonperishable food items at the EFN collection bins during Dec. 2-9 at the following locations:
- Lakewood Police Department, 9401 Lakewood Dr. SW
- Lakewood City Hall, 6000 Main St. SW
- Blue Steele Coffee, 11401 Steele St. S.
- Classy Chassis Car Wash and Detail, 7432 Custer Road
- Lakewood Classic Coffee, 7609 Custer Road
- University Place Classic Coffee, 4828 Bridgeport Way W.
The blood drive will be held Dec. 5 at the station from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. by appointment only. Sign up online with Sponsor Code 4109.
Public feedback sought on 2025-29 Consolidated Plan
The City of Lakewood is seeking public input on how it should invest both Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnership Act (HOME) monies over the next five years to serve low- and moderate-income Lakewood residents.
Your input is greatly appreciated. Take the short survey online.
Lakewood Holiday Parade of Lights & Tree Lighting is Dec. 7
We’re preparing for our final event of the year: the Lakewood Holiday Parade of Lights & Christmas Tree Lighting.
Join us Saturday, Dec. 7 in Lakewood Towne Center for this community event. Line the parade route to cheer on local Lakewood businesses, school groups and community organizations. Parade participants will proceed from Park Lodge Elementary School onto Gravelly Lake Drive and turn left onto Main Street SW, stopping just past the roundabout at Lakewood City Hall.
Once Santa arrives on the West Pierce Fire & Rescue fire truck, he’ll help Mayor Jason Whalen and the Lakewood City Council countdown to the Christmas tree lighting. The tree is in the center of the roundabout in front of City Hall, 6000 Main Street SW.
Arrive early to hear carolers from Claudia Thomas Middle School, snap a selfie with Santa starting at 5 p.m. inside Lakewood City Hall, and enjoy food trucks and entertainment.
Join the Parade
Do you have an idea for a holiday-themed parade float? Or maybe you’re a member of a community organization that wants to get your group in front of a lot of people.
We’re now accepting applications for parade entries for our annual Holiday Parade of Lights.
The parade route is lined with people and is a wonderful opportunity to bring the community together. Find the application online. Deadline to apply: Nov. 22 at 5 p.m.
Registration now open for Lakewood’s Jingle Bell 5k & Kids Dash
The City of Lakewood is excited to again partner with the Lakes Cross Country Booster Club to host a Jingle Bell 5K Walk/Run & 1K Kids Dash at Fort Steilacoom Park.
Join us Saturday, Dec. 14 for this family-friendly event.
Wear your best holiday-themed costume, dress up your pet, and hit the trails for this holiday-themed fun run.
The 1-mile Kids Dash starts at 9:30 a.m. The 5k walk/run starts at 10 a.m. Chip timing will be provided by GC Racing.
- Pre-registration: $10 for 12 and under; $30 everyone else.
- Day-of registration: $15 for 12 and under; $35 everyone else.
Event details and registration are found online.
The proceeds from this affordable event go to support the Lakes Cross Country Booster Club, contributing to the enhancement of youth running events in the South Puget Sound area.
City Days at the McGavick Conference Center
The City of Lakewood is currently accepting applications for the use of a 2025 City Day at the Clover Park Technical College McGavick Conference Center. Please click here to view the policy and application materials. Applications will be accepted until Friday, Nov. 29, 2024. Applicants will be notified as to the approval or denial of the application by Friday, Dec. 13, 2024.
Complete applications can be emailed directly to City Clerk Briana Schumacher or can be delivered in person or by mail to Lakewood City Hall, 6000 Main Street SW Lakewood, WA 98499.
If you have any questions regarding the application or process, please contact City Clerk Briana Schumacher at [email protected] or 253-983-7705.
Council Corner: Nov. 18 recap
Proclamation recognizing former Municipal Court Judge Lisa Mansfield. The Lakewood City Council presented outgoing Lakewood Municipal Court Judge Lisa Mansfield with a proclamation. Judge Mansfield served the court from 2021-2024. Municipal Court Judge Tim Lewis was appointed to her vacated position, taking office this week.
Business Showcase: Diamond Designs. The Lakewood City Council presented Diamond Designs Unlimited owner Shawn Luvaas with the November 2024 Business Showcase. Read more.
The City Council acted on the following:
- Authorized the execution of a construction contract for roadway improvements along South Tacoma Way from 96th Street S to Steilacoom Boulevard.
- Authorized the execution of a grant agreement with the Department of Commerce to upgrade permitting software and supporting tools.
- Authorized the award of a contract with Pro-Vac for Surface Water Infrastructure Cleaning and Inspection Services.
- Authorized the award of a contract with McDonough & Sons, Inc., in the amount of, $275,437.00, for the 2025-2030 Street Sweeping Service Contract.
- Authorized the award of a contract to Thomson Electric Constructors, Inc, in the amount of $350,000, for 2025 electrical Services.
- Approved the 2025 Human Services funding recommendations.
- Approved the 2025 Lodging Tax funding recommendations.
- Adopted an ordinance amending Chapter 3.52 of the Lakewood Municipal Code related to Utility Tax Rates.
- Adopted an ordinance related to ad valorem property taxes; established the amount to be raised in 2025 by taxation on the assessed valuation of the property of the city; and set the property tax levy rate for 2025.
- Adopted an ordinance amending the 2023-2024 Biennial Budget.
- Adopted an ordinance adopting the 2025-2026 Biennial Budget.
- Adopted an ordinance approving the 2024 Development Regulation Updates.
- Adopted an ordinance amending Lakewood Municipal Code Chapters 18A.10.20 and 18A.30 to address 2SSB 5290 Local Project Review, Chapter 36.70B RCW; and establishing an effective date.
- Adopted a resolution setting the 2025 Fee Schedule.
- Adopted a resolution establishing the 2025 Docket of Comprehensive Plan Land Use, Zoning Map and Policy Amendments.
Watch the meeting.
What’s on Deck: The Lakewood City Council meets Monday, Nov. 25, 2024 for a study session at 7 p.m. in Council Chambers. Tentative agenda items include:
- Joint Youth Council meeting.
- Introduction of 2024 Locally-Initiated Shoreline Master Program (SMP) Update.
- Review an ordinance related to endangerment with a controlled substance.
How to attend: Attend in person at Lakewood City Hall, 6000 Main Street SW; (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, Nov. 12-19, 2024
- Calls for Service: 907 (-8% from prior week)
- Arrests: 44 (0% from prior week)
- Violent Crime: 11 (-50% from prior week)
- Property Crime: 43 (-38% from prior week)
- Traffic Stops: 132 (-14% from prior week)
- Collisions (reportable): 29 (+4% from prior week)
Community events
Support Partners for Parks on Giving Tuesday
Have you heard of Giving Tuesday? It’s a global day of giving, and a great opportunity to make a difference in your community by donating to the causes you care about. This year, consider supporting nonprofit Partners for Parks and its efforts to restore the historic H-Barn at Fort Steilacoom Park.
BMW Northwest and Amazon agreed to MATCH dollar-for-dollar gifts and pledges to the project, up to $100,000, on (or before) Giving Tuesday. Giving Tuesday is Dec. 3, 2024 – the Tuesday after Thanksgiving.
Partners for Parks is hoping to raise $100,000 on this day to put transform the H-Barn into a unique and much needed multi-purpose facility for public and private use. The nonprofit has already raised $2.3 million toward its $3.5 million goal.
To learn more about the historic H-Barn project visit: https://partnersforparks.net
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
Ardmore/Whitman/93rd
The contractor addressed on final items this week and anticipates being done with the project Friday.
Hipkins Road
The contractor continues to work on final items.
84th and Pine
The contractor will be on site soon to finish minor items and install pedestrian lighting.
Farwest Drive SW
The contract is currently in suspension while waiting for new pedestrian luminaires to be delivered.
Rose Road Sanitary Sewer Project
Work is anticipated to start January 2025.
Steilacoom Boulevard – Weller to 87th Ave
Active Construction, Inc. is expected to start construction in early 2025.
South Tacoma Way Overlay – 96th to Steilacoom Blvd
The contract was awarded to Miles Resources. Work is expected to start in early spring 2025.