City of Lakewood announcement.
December 10, 2021: Weekly Summary
After 9 years as Mayor of Lakewood, Don Anderson will not seek re-election in January. He will remain as a member of City Council to complete the remaining two years of his term.
Join us on Saturday to celebrate the holidays at our Drive-Through Light Parade at Fort Steilacoom Park from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. Bring the family and some hot cocoa!
The City invites proposals to repair the economic damage of the pandemic to low-income neighborhoods in Lakewood. Eligible proposals may be funded using federal relief funds.
Another decorative utility box wrap has been applied. This one features a lovely painting of hummingbird and is located across the street from the library along Gravelly Lake Drive.
Sewer repair beneath Steilacoom Boulevard is progressing on schedule. The roadway should reopen in early February. All local businesses are open.
Happy Holidays!
Celebrate the Holidays at Lakewood’s Drive-Through Light Parade on Dec. 11
Pack the family into the car, bring some hot cocoa, and play your favorite Christmas music as you tour our Drive-Through Light Parade on Saturday at Fort Steilacoom Park. The event will be held from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. There is no cost to attend.
Light displays built by community organizations will flank a path through Fort Steilacoom Park. An improved traffic plan is in place – staff expect that traffic flow will be much smoother this year.
Mayor Don Anderson to Step Down, Remain Councilmember
At the conclusion of Monday night’s meeting of the Lakewood City Council, Mayor Don Anderson announced that he will not seek re-election in January. He will serve the remaining two years of his term on City Council, however.
The City of Lakewood is a code city with a Council-Manager form of government. The City Council consists of seven part-time, nonpartisan members elected at-large every two years to staggered, four-year terms. The council elects one of its members as Mayor. The nomination and election of Mayor and Deputy Mayor will occur on Jan. 3, 2022.
Lakewood Invites Applications for Qualified Uses of Federal Relief Funds
Do you have an idea that might benefit the Lakeview, Springbrook, Monta Vista, Tillicum, or Woodbrook neighborhoods?
The City of Lakewood has nearly $6.4 million in available American Rescue Plan Act funds. The City is accepting applications from businesses and organizations for qualified uses of those funds.
All projects that address economic damage from COVID-19 within Qualified Census Tracts (shown in purple) will be considered.
https://cityoflakewood.us/arpa-application
Decorative Utility Box Wrap Applied Along Gravelly Lake Drive
Another lovely utility box wrap has been applied across the street from the Pierce County Library on Gravelly Lake Drive.
The piece is “Luminous Horizons” by Susan Russell Hall. The image depicts an Anna’s Hummingbird, a species native to the Northwest.
Upcoming Events
Holiday Parade of Lights: Saturday, Dec. 11
The City of Lakewood will celebrate the holidays with a drive-through “Parade of Lights” on Saturday, Dec. 11 from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Fort Steilacoom Park. Visitors will drive through a maze of holiday floats constructed by local businesses, clubs, and organizations.
Reel Fest ’96 Film Competition: February 2022
Aspiring actors and directors are invited to join Lakewood’s upcoming film contest: Reel Life ’96. Participating groups in this fast-paced contest must create a 4-minute film in 4 days based on a theme. Participants of any experience level are invited.
- Saturday, Dec. 11: Holiday Parade of Lights
- Wednesday, Jan. 5: Reel Fest ’96 Film Contest registration concludes
Road Work Updates
- Steilacoom & Lakewood: Sewer repair beneath Steilacoom Boulevard remains on scheduled. Steilacoom Blvd is closed between Lakewood Drive and Gravelly Lake Drive. The roadway should reopen in February. All local businesses are open.
- Steilacoom & Custer: Utilities are still moving overhead lines to new poles. Once complete, sidewalk work in this area will begin. Occasional lane closures will be required.
- Gravelly Lake & Nyanza: Gravelly Lake Drive is closed between Nyanza & Washington through February. Streetlights are now active above the new roundabout at Gravelly Lake and Nyanza.
City Council Summary
Monday, Dec. 6 (Regular Meeting)
The council kicked off the holiday season with a virtual tree lighting video. The Warriors of Change program, Youth Council, and Clover Park School District each briefed the council.
The City authorized the purchase of a property in the JBLM North Clear Zone. The Department of Defense is expanding the buffer around McChord Field runways, and Lakewood is helping current tenants relocate. The acquisition is funded primarily by the federal government and assistance from the state and Pierce County.
The City Council agreed to form an ad hoc committee to prescribe tree preservation policy. The committee would be comprised of 9-13 qualified members of the public with expertise related to trees or environmental policy. The council will discuss this further and officially form the committee on Dec. 20.
The City Council conducted two public hearings; one for projects to be funded by Transportation Benefit District revenues and another for proposed ARPA program expenditures.
The City Council awarded a contract to install 58 street lights around North Lakewood. Installation should begin in February and conclude by July.
Mayor Don Anderson announced that he will not seek re-election in January.
Next Meetings:
COVID-19 & Relief Programs
- Health Guidance: TPCHD implores residents to get vaccinated, mask up, and practice social distancing.
- Booster Shots: Adults 18+ are eligible to receive a booster shot if 6+ months have passed since prior vaccination.
- Vaccine Locations: The Towne Center Vaccine Clinic is open daily from 12:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at 10330 59th Avenue Southwest, STE B, Lakewood, WA 98499.
- Vaccine Eligibility: Children ages 5-11 are now vaccine eligible, and the CDC encourages vaccination for this age group.
Notes
- Visit the Community Advisory Boards and the City of Lakewood Jobs pages for open volunteer and paid positions.
- Report maintenance issues or code violations with MyLakewood311, available on iTunes App Store or on Google Play.
- Keep in touch with the City of Lakewood by subscribing to our official email newsletters.
