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Thank You for All You Do!
Thank you to everyone who joined us last night for our State of the City and Advisory Board Recognition event. It was a great opportunity to come together as a community, reflect on the past year, and share our vision for the future. I especially want to, once again, thank our Advisory Board members for your dedication and service. You play an essential role in ensuring our work reflects the voices and values of our community members.
If you weren’t able to attend, we invite you to watch the event recording at your convenience. It includes a 2026 City Overview presentation and Advisory Board Chairs’ updates.
We appreciate your continued interest in the work happening in Lacey. None of this happens alone. It requires collaboration — between City Council, Advisory Boards, staff, community partners, and residents like you.
So, as we move forward, I invite you to stay involved. Attend events. Share your ideas. Participate in programs. Help shape the future of this community.
Because ultimately, this is your city.
— Rick Walk
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Supporting Safe and Healthy Childhoods
The Lacey City Council proclaimed April 2026 as Child Abuse Prevention Month, recognizing the importance of protecting children, strengthening families, and building a supportive community.
Child Abuse Prevention Month highlights the role everyone can play in creating safe, stable, and nurturing environments for children. It also reinforces that prevention is most effective when communities work together to support families and provide access to resources. The City’s proclamation encourages community members to take an active role in those efforts, helping prevent abuse and neglect while building a stronger, more connected community.
During the proclamation, Shelly Willis, Executive Director of Family Education and Support Services, and board member Jill Severn spoke about the long-term impact of prevention. Severn pointed to the connection between childhood experiences and later challenges, including housing instability and substance use, while Willis emphasized the value of early support, noting that “we know it is far less expensive to raise healthy kids than to go back and try to fix traumatized adults.”
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The blue pinwheel, a symbol of Child Abuse Prevention Month, represents the safe and healthy childhood every child deserves. It serves as a reminder that supporting children and families takes an entire community.
By working together, Lacey continues to invest in prevention efforts that help ensure every child has the opportunity to grow up safe, supported, and able to thrive.
Read the full proclamation here.
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More Than a Tap: The Work Behind Your Water
Communities across North America are recognizing Drinking Water Week, May 3 - 9, led by the American Water Works Association (AWWA). The annual observance highlights the importance of safe, reliable drinking water and the professionals who keep it flowing every day (thank you!).
Most of the work that keeps drinking water safe happens quietly in the background. From the moment water is collected at its source, it goes through a series of steps, including treatment, testing, storage, and distribution, before it reaches your tap. Systems are monitored, equipment is maintained, and data is carefully reviewed to make sure water continues to meet strict safety standards.
Behind the scenes, trained professionals do this work around the clock. Operators manage the treatment process, lab staff collect and analyze samples, field crews maintain pipes and equipment, and engineers plan for upgrades and improvements. Their work supports homes, schools, businesses, and essential services that rely on safe, dependable water every day.
Throughout the week, community members can also stop by City Hall to take part in a few fun and educational activities, including:
- Goodie bags with water-saving and conservation items.
- “Did You Know?” trivia questions to learn how the water system works.
- Vote for your favorite color contest entry!
It is easy to overlook how often water is part of your routine, from brushing your teeth and making coffee to cooking and cleaning. Drinking Water Week is a reminder of the care, expertise, and ongoing investment it takes to keep that system running and to deliver water our community can count on!
Want to learn more? Check out the AWWA Drinking Water Week webpage.
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Help Choose Lacey’s Story for
America’s 250th Anniversary
As the nation prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary, Lacey is stepping up to share its story, and we need your help deciding how!
Through Washington’s America 250 commemoration, Out of Many, One brings museums and communities together to highlight an object, image, or artwork that reflects the American experience. The Lacey Museum is taking part and inviting you to help shape this local exhibit.
Community members can review a selection of items from the Museum’s collection and vote for the one they feel best represents Lacey. The five items with the most votes will go on display at Lacey City Hall this summer, creating a community-selected exhibit highlighting Lacey’s role in the American story.
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Vote online or stop by one of the in-person voting stations:
- Lacey Museum
- Lacey City Hall
- Lacey Community Center
- The Virgil Clarkson Lacey Senior Center
- Bonaventure of Lacey
Take a few minutes to vote and help tell Lacey’s story as part of this nationwide milestone!
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Passionate About Local History? Apply for the Historical Commission!
Step up and help bring Lacey’s history to life! Join the Historical Commission and play a role in preserving and sharing our story.
Step up and help bring Lacey’s history to life. The Historical Commission has one vacancy, and this seven-member group advises the City Council on historic preservation, including identifying and protecting historic sites, promoting community awareness of local history, and supporting heritage programs and activities.
Commission members play an important role in recognizing and celebrating Lacey’s past while helping guide how it’s preserved for future generations. The commission typically meets on the third Wednesday of each month at 6 p.m. at Lacey City Hall.
Bring your interest in local history, your perspective, and your voice to help keep Lacey’s story alive.
Apply on the Board Application webpage.
Questions? Call 360-491-3214 or email CityClerk@CityofLacey.org.
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Don't Miss it this Friday and Saturday!
Thurston Forward DEIB Summit: A Time to Learn, Connect, and Act!
Community members from across Thurston County are invited to the Thurston Forward DEIB Summit, a two-day event focused on diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.
The summit kicks off with Tribal partnership, cultural acknowledgment, and community connection, bringing participants together through shared experiences, networking, and cultural immersion that honor local Tribal leadership and history. It continues with a day of collective learning, storytelling, youth leadership, and interactive sessions designed to deepen understanding, spark meaningful conversations, and inspire community-centered action, with meals provided for registered participants.
The event is designed for anyone who lives, works, or learns in the area and wants to be part of meaningful conversations and community-driven action.
Event Details:
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Dates: Friday, May 1 | 9:30 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Saturday, May 2 | 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
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Location: South Puget Sound Community College Lacey Campus
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Cost: Free
The Thurston Forward DEIB Summit offers a chance to listen, learn, and help shape a more inclusive future for our community. Register now!
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Creativity Corner: Cherry Blossom Craft in Full Bloom
Spring is here, and there’s a whole month to get creative at the Lacey Museum. Stop by Creativity Corner and make your own blooming cherry blossom tree, inspired by the colorful trees that mark the season across the Northwest!
This drop-in activity is a simple, hands-on way to celebrate spring. Whether you’re coming in with kids or just want a relaxing creative break, you can design your own tree using soft colors, fun textures, and your own unique style.
Create a seasonal keepsake you’ll be proud to display, and enjoy a little creativity during your visit. With the activity running all month long, there’s plenty of time to stop by, but don’t miss your chance to join in before May wraps up.
This free activity is open to all ages and makes an easy addition to any museum visit.
Event Details:
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Dates: May 1 – May 31
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Times: Thursday & Friday: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. | Saturday: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
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Location: Lacey Museum (4160 6th Ave SE)
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Lacey Night Market: The 80s Are Calling!
Neon colors, iconic music, and unmistakable 80s style take center stage at the next Lacey Night Market. This community favorite returns with a retro theme that adds a fun, energetic twist to an already lively evening!
The Night Market continues to bring people together with a mix of great food, local vendors, and live entertainment in a welcoming, festive atmosphere. Stroll through booths featuring local artisans and small businesses, grab a bite from a variety of food vendors, and enjoy performances throughout the night. The 80s theme adds a playful element, with familiar music, bold fashion, and a chance to dress up and join in.
Event Details:
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Date: Friday, May 1
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Time: 5 - 9 p.m.
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Location: Lacey Depot Park (5555 Pacific Ave. SE)
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Theme: 80s Night
Whether you come dressed in your favorite retro look or just stop by to enjoy the atmosphere, the Lacey Night Market is a great plae to spend a spring evening!
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Take the First Step Home: Free VA Homebuying Class
The Lacey Veterans Services Hub is hosting a Free VA Homebuying Class for Active Duty, Veterans, Military Families, and Reservists who are interested in learning how to use their VA home loan benefit.
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Topics include:
- Buying a home with $0 down
- No private mortgage insurance
- Flexible credit requirements
- Lower interest rates
- Understanding eligibility and entitlement
- Avoiding common lender pitfalls
Class Details:
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Date: Thursday, May 7
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Time: 3 - 4:30 p.m.
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Location: Lacey Veterans Services Hub (4232 6th Ave SE, Suite 101)
If you’ve been thinking about buying a home, this is a great opportunity to learn how your VA benefits can work for you.
To register: Call 206-941-0484 or email mjohnston@listings.com. For full details, please refer to the event flyer.
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Career Confidence Starts Here: Military Spouse Workshop
The Lacey Veterans Services Hub is hosting a Military Spouse Career Workshop in partnership with Hire Heroes USA. The event supports military spouses in building meaningful careers.
Participants will receive practical guidance on:
- Translating volunteer and leadership experience into career skills.
- Writing a resume to strengthen how you present your experience.
- Preparing for interviews and building confidence in telling your story.
Event Details:
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Date: Tuesday, May 12
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Time: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
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Location: Lacey Veterans Services Hub (4232 6th Ave SE, Suite 101)
If you are a military spouse preparing for your next career step, this is a great opportunity to gain tools and support.
Learn more and register today!
For full details, please refer to the event flyer.
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Small Town Pride Comes to Olympia
In this Lacey Museum HistoryTalks! presentation, Small Town Pride Comes to Olympia explores how a grassroots effort brought one of the region’s first small-town Pride celebrations to life. Speaker Anna Schlecht, co-founder of Capital City Pride, will share the story of organizing the first Pride march and rally in Olympia in 1991.
Schlecht will highlight how local residents and students from The Evergreen State College came together to create a space for visibility and connection at a time when many LGBTQ+ individuals had to travel to larger cities to celebrate safely. The presentation will reflect on the impact of that first event and how it helped shape a lasting tradition in the community.
Event Details:
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Date: Thursday, May 14
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Time: 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
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Location: Lacey City Hall, Council Chambers
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Want to attend virtually? Register here!
Anna Schlecht is a co-founder of Capital City Pride and a longtime community advocate. Her work has helped build and sustain local Pride celebrations, creating opportunities for connection, visibility, and support across the South Sound.
| REMINDER: Intercity Transit Bus System Redesign Launches Sunday, May 3 | |
Intercity Transit is rolling out a major bus system redesign starting on Sunday, May 3, bringing updated routes, expanded service, and improved connections across Thurston County.
The new system increases the number of routes and is designed to make trips more direct and efficient, with better access to key destinations like schools, shopping, and job centers. Some routes will change or be replaced, but the goal is to create a network that better reflects how people travel today. This redesign comes after years of planning and community input, with a focus on meeting the needs of a growing region.
Riders are encouraged to review the new routes and plan ahead before the changes take effect!
| For more information, updated maps, and trip planning tools, visit Intercity Transit’s Bus System Redesign webpage. | | |
Civil Service Commission
Monday, May 4 at 12 p.m.
City Council Informational Dinner Meeting
Tuesday, May 5 at 4:30 p.m.
City Council Meeting
Tuesday, May 5 at 6 p.m.
Parks, Culture and Recreation Board Meeting
Wednesday, May 6 at 5:30 p.m.
Human Services Commission
Thursday, May 7 at 5:30 p.m.
For details on how to participate in our Public Meetings, visit our webpage.
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Now Hiring
The City is recruiting for the following positions:
If you have any questions about these positions, contact the Human Resources Department. To learn more and apply for any of our current openings, visit our recruitment webpage.
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City of Lacey
420 College Street SE
Lacey, WA 98503
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Call: 360-491-3214
Visit: CityofLacey.org
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