The Lakewood City Council consists of seven part-time, nonpartisan positions. Elected council members serve four-year terms. The terms are staggered. Only Lakewood residents can serve on the City Council.
Common Questions
Who is eligible to serve as a Councilmember?
A candidate for City Council must be a:
- Resident of Lakewood for at least one year.
- Registered voter in Lakewood (to register to vote, you must be a citizen of the United States, a legal resident of Washington State and at least 18 years old by Election Day).
Neither a Councilmember nor their spouse/significant other or interdependent family members may be employed by the City, except when the Councilmember’s spouse/signficant other was employed by the City before the election or appointment to the Council.
What are the primary election requirements?
Candidates who meet the legal qualifications above must file a Declaration of Candidacy with Pierce County Elections within the filing period in May. The general election is in November but the Primary Election Day is in August. If no more than two people file for a position, there is no primary election for that position.
What are the November election procedures?
Councilmembers are elected by registered voters of the City. Newly elected Councilmembers take office at the first Council meeting of the next year (following certification of election results by the Pierce County Auditor’s Office).
What is the purpose of Council position numbers?
Washington State election law requires that if more than one position with the same name (Councilmember) and district number (Lakewood) will be voted upon during an election, the positions to be filled shall be designated by number. This means that candidates must file for a specific position on the Lakewood City Council. Positions 1, 3, 5, and 7 are on the ballot in the same year and positions 2, 4, and 6 are on the same ballot two years later.
How often does the City Council meet?
The City Council meets the first and third Monday of the month for regular meetings. Study sessions are held the second and fourth Monday of the month. Meetings start at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noticed. Special meetings are called as needed. Council meets at Lakewood City Hall in Council Chambers, 6000 Main St SW, Lakewood, WA. Council meetings are hybrid, offering in-person and remote attendance via Zoom. Meetings are also streamed live on the City of Lakewood YouTube channel.
What time commitment is required?
The duties of a Councilmember involve preparation, participation and attendance at meetings (regular and special City Council meetings, board and commission meetings, community meetings and appointments to regional boards and commissions). Prospective candidates are encouraged to contact a current Councilmember to ask what the experience is like and what is involved.
How long is a Councilmember’s term?
Councilmembers serve four-year terms.
How are vacancies filled when a Councilmember leaves prior to the end of their term?
In case of a vacancy, the remaining Councilmembers appoint someone to fill the vacancy until the next regularly scheduled election pursuant to RCW 42.12.070 and as outlined in the City Council Rules of Procedure. The Council will publish a notice of the vacancy, the procedure by which the vacancy will be filled, and the application form on the City’s website and distribute the information. Candidate interviews take place during a public meeting.
How are the Mayor and Deputy Mayor elected? What are the roles of the Mayor and Deputy Mayor?
Councilmembers vote to select the Mayor and Deputy Mayor. The terms are for two years. The positions are selected at the first Council meeting of the even calendar year. Approval is by a majority vote of Council members present. The Mayor presides at all Council meetings, votes as a Councilmember and does not have any veto power. The Deputy Mayor serves in the Mayor’s absence.
Open Positions
The following positions are up for election in the 2023 election cycle.:
Council Position 4 – Don Anderson (incumbent; not running for re-election)
Council Position 6 – Trestin Lauricella (appointed incumbent)
Council Position 7 – Paul Bocchi (incumbent)