Congrats to 2026 Graduates, Welcome to our New Officers, Night Market, and More!

June 11, 2026

CITY MANAGER'S MESSAGE

Congratulations to the Class of 2026

Graduation is an important milestone and a time to celebrate the hard work, dedication, and accomplishments of our local students.

As we celebrate this achievement, we also must recognize the families, teachers, mentors, and friends who supported these students along the way. Success is rarely achieved alone, and today's graduates are a reflection of the people who encouraged them, challenged them, and believed in them.

At the City, we often say, “It’s the people.” This milestone is a perfect reminder of that truth. It’s the people who invest in our young people, the people who inspire them to dream big, and the graduates themselves who will help build a stronger future for our community. Whether continuing their education, entering the workforce, serving in the military, or pursuing other opportunities, their talents, ideas, and involvement will help shape Lacey’s next chapter.

On behalf of the City of Lacey, congratulations to the Class of 2026! You are our future leaders. We look forward to seeing the positive impact you will make on our community in the years ahead.

— Rick Walk

CITY MANAGER'S SPOTLIGHT: It's the People!

Investing in the Future of Public Service

The strength of an organization comes from
its people. Across the City of Lacey, we are fortunate enough to have employees who choose to grow, develop their skills, and deepen their commitment to serving our community.

Recently, the Lacey Police Department welcomed three new officers as they took their oath of office and officially joined the ranks of commissioned law enforcement professionals serving Lacey.

Two of these officers began their careers with the department as Community Service Officers. Through hard work, dedication, and a desire to take on new responsibilities, they pursued additional training and graduated from the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission Academy before returning to serve the community in this new role.

As they begin several months of field training alongside experienced officers, they continue a journey of learning and professional growth that will prepare them for the responsibilities of policing in our community.

Congratulations to our newest officers. Their stories are a reminder that public service is not simply a job. It is a commitment to others and a willingness to answer the call when our community needs support. We are grateful to these officers for choosing this path and for dedicating themselves to the safety and well-being of the city we call home.

— Rick Walk

NEWS & UPDATES

City Offices Closed for Juneteenth

City offices and facilities will be closed on Friday, June 19, in observance of Juneteenth. We'll reopen on Monday, June 22.

Juneteenth is a time to honor freedom, reflect on our nation's history, and celebrate resilience. We wish everyone a safe and meaningful holiday weekend.

Meet Lacey's New Poet Laureate

The City is pleased to welcome Sonya Wohletz as its new Poet Laureate!

A Lacey resident since 2017, Wohletz is an accomplished poet whose work has appeared in publications including Latin American Literary Review, Blue Unicorn, Neologism, and Aftershock Review.

As Poet Laureate, Wohletz hopes to connect with the community through projects that explore the many ways people experience home and belonging.

"Poetry is language dreaming itself into being," she writes. "It allows us to access our creativity, memory, emotions, traditions, and, when spoken in specific contexts, can enact healing."

Please join us in welcoming Sonya Wohletz to this new role as we look ahead to the stories, conversations, and moments of inspiration her work will bring to Lacey! To learn more about Sonya, visit the Poet Laureate webpage.

FREE Summer Fun Is Right Around the Corner!

Grab a blanket, pack some snacks, and get ready for another season of free family fun! Lacey In Tune and Concert and Movies in the Park are back with a summer full of music, movies, and memorable moments.

The fun kicks off with the Steel Pan Wizards on Tuesday, June 23, followed by Ian Dobson on Tuesday, July 7, and Full Metal Racket on Wednesday, July 8. Whether you're discovering a new favorite band or enjoying a movie under the stars, we'll see you at the park this summer!

View the full schedule on the Parks Event webpage.

Want a Seat at the Table? Apply to Join the Lacey Youth Council!

Have ideas about how to make Lacey even better? Want to build leadership skills and get a behind-the-scenes look at how local government works? The Lacey Youth Council (LYC) is looking for its next great group of leaders.

Applications are open now through Monday, July 6, for 2026-2027 sophomores, juniors, and seniors who attend public or private schools, alternative education programs, or are home-schooled in Lacey.

The LYC serves as an advisory board to the Lacey City Council, giving local teens a voice in community conversations and decisions. Members meet twice a month during the school year and provide monthly, in-person reports to Council.

As a member of the LYC, you'll have the opportunity to:

Discover how local government works and how it serves the community.
Share ideas and recommendations directly with City leaders.
Take part in projects that make a difference in Lacey.
Earn 30 or more community service hours or receive a $50 stipend per meeting, up to $500 each year.

If you're ready to step up, speak up, and help shape your community, learn more and apply on the Youth Council webpage.

Some of the best ideas for Lacey don't come from behind a desk. They come from neighbors who care deeply about their community and are willing to share their time, experience, and perspective.

If you've ever wished you had a say in how Lacey grows and serves its residents, this is your chance. The City currently has one opening each on the Historical Commission, Library Board, and Parks Advisory Board.

Board and commission members help preserve local history, support library services, strengthen our parks system, and provide valuable input on decisions that shape everyday life in Lacey. In return, members gain a deeper understanding of local government, connect with fellow community members, and play a meaningful role in our city's future. Members also receive a $50 stipend per meeting, up to $500 per year.

Interested in getting involved? Learn more about each opportunity:

Apply through the Board Application webpage.

Questions? Call 360-491-3214 or email CityClerk@CityofLacey.org.

COMMUNITY EVENTS

Lacey Night Market: Juneteenth Celebration

Community, culture, and connection come together at the Lacey Night Market with a special Juneteenth Celebration theme. This community favorite returns to Lacey Depot Park for an evening of local vendors, food, live entertainment, and meaningful celebration.

The Night Market continues to bring people together with a lively mix of artisan vendors, small businesses, and food options from across the region. Stroll through vendor booths, discover unique handcrafted goods, enjoy live entertainment, and soak up the welcoming atmosphere that has made the market a favorite summer tradition.

This week's event honors Juneteenth, a day of remembrance, reflection, and celebration. Through community gathering and shared experiences, the evening offers an opportunity to celebrate freedom, culture, and connection.

Event Details:

Date: Friday, June 12
Time: 5 - 10 p.m.
Location: Lacey Depot Park (5555 Pacific Ave. SE)
Theme: Juneteenth Celebration

Before You Go: Parking Tips

To respect and support the businesses near the
Lacey Night Market, please park only in designated event parking areas or in locations suggested by Market staff. Please do not park in private lots unless you're patronizing that business.

Parking near the market is limited, and we are working on alternatives. In the meantime, we encourage attendees to carpool, walk, bike, or take the bus (it's free!) whenever possible.

Thank you for helping us maintain positive relationships and making the Lacey Night Market a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone!

Join Us for the Lacey Museum Grand Opening Event - this Saturday!

We invite you to stop by the Lacey Museum’s new space for a day built around exploration, creativity, and connection!

Enjoy live music throughout the day along with scavenger hunts, hands-on crafts, guided tours, and light refreshments as you move through the museum. It’s a relaxed, come-and-go experience designed to let visitors explore at their own pace and discover something new with each stop.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or already familiar with the museum, it’s a great opportunity to see what’s new and spend time with friends, family, and neighbors in a fun setting.

Event Details:

Date: Saturday, June 13
Time: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Location: 4160 6th Ave SE, Suite 101, Lacey, WA 98503

Catch the FIFA Action at the Olympia-Lacey Fan Zone

Great news — you don't have to head to Seattle to experience the excitement of the FIFA World Cup! The Olympia-Lacey Fan Zone is bringing match watch parties, entertainment, and community fun to downtown Olympia with free events throughout June.

Gather with fellow fans, cheer on your favorite teams, and enjoy the festive atmosphere as the world comes together through soccer.

Event Details:

Location: Port Plaza (701 Columbia St. NW, Olympia)
Cost: Free

Match Schedule:

Friday, June 19

USMNT vs. Australia | Noon kickoff
Fan Zone open 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Wednesday, June 24

Canada vs. Switzerland | Noon kickoff
Fan Zone open 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Thursday, June 25

USMNT vs. Türkiye | 7 p.m. kickoff
Fan Zone open 5 - 10 p.m.

Friday, June 26

Uruguay vs. Spain | 5 p.m. kickoff
Egypt vs. Iran | 8 p.m. kickoff
Fan Zone open 5 - 10 p.m.

The Wall That Heals is Coming to Lacey

Later this month, Lacey welcomes The Wall That Heals, a traveling exhibit featuring a three-quarter-scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. The Wall bears the names of the 58,281 service members who made the ultimate sacrifice during the Vietnam War and serves as a powerful tribute to those who served.

Visitors can also explore the 53-foot Education Center, which shares the history of the Vietnam War, the creation of the Memorial, and stories of Veterans through exhibits and photographs.

The visit will begin on Thursday, June 25, with a special Welcome Home Ceremony from 6-7 p.m., inviting the community to help give Vietnam Veterans the welcome home many never received.

Event Details:

Dates: June 25 - 28, 2026
Hours: Open 24 hours a day
Admission: Free
Location: Chamber Prairie Elementary (6501 Virginia St. SE)

Whether you come to honor a loved one, learn more about our nation's history, or pay your respects, The Wall That Heals offers an opportunity for remembrance, reflection, and gratitude.

To learn more, visit The Wall That Heals website.

PARTNER POSTS

Would You Know What to Do in an Emergency? Take a survey!

Most of us hope we'll never have to call 911, but if that moment comes, would you know what information to give the dispatcher? Do you know when to call 911 versus a non-emergency number?

The Washington State 911 Public Education Sub-Committee wants to find out! They're asking community members to take a short, five-minute survey designed to better understand what people know about the 911 system and where more education may be needed. The results will help shape future outreach efforts so residents feel more prepared and confident if they ever need emergency assistance.

Whether you've called 911 before or have never had to pick up the phone, your feedback matters. The survey closes June 15, so if you have five minutes to spare, now's the time to share your input and help improve public understanding of the 911 system.

To learn more about 911 services and public education efforts in Washington, visit the 911 information website.

Give Those Old Batteries a Second Thought

Out of sight, out of mind ... until you open the kitchen junk drawer and find a growing collection
of old batteries with nowhere to go.

Before you toss them in the trash, bring them to the upcoming Battery Take-Back event at the Washington State Capitol. Hosted by the National Waste & Recycling Association in partnership with several state agencies, this free event makes it easy to safely dispose of common household batteries while learning more about battery safety.

In addition to battery collection, attendees can snap a photo with Woodsy Owl, tour Woodsy's Airstream, and pick up some fun swag, making it an educational outing for all ages.

Event Details:

Date: Thursday, June 18
Time: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Location: Washington State Capitol (416 Sid Snyder Ave., Olympia)
Cost: Free

The event accepts most household batteries, including button cell batteries, AAAA through D batteries, and rechargeable lithium-ion batteries from electronics and power tools.

Active to Civilian: A Discussion on Grief & Loss

Transitioning from military service can bring many changes, and sometimes, unexpected grief. Providence Behavioral Health & Recovery and the Lacey Veterans Services Hub invite Veterans, family members, caregivers, and community members to join "Active to Civilian: A Discussion on Grief & Loss," a free event focused on navigating life's transitions with understanding and support.

While grief is often associated with the loss of a loved one, it can also stem from experiences such as retirement from service, career changes, shifts in health or finances, changes in relationships, or letting go of long-held hopes and expectations. This discussion offers a safe space to learn, reflect, and connect with others who may be experiencing similar challenges.

Event Details:

Date: Wednesday, July 1, 2026
Time: 1 p.m.
Location: Lacey Veterans Services Hub
(4232 6th Ave. SE, Suite 201)
Cost: Free
Who Should Attend: Veterans, family members, caregivers, and anyone navigating major life transitions

Whether you're experiencing these changes yourself or supporting someone who is, this conversation offers an opportunity to gain insight, find connection, and remember that grief can take many forms, and no one has to navigate it alone.

UPCOMING PUBLIC MEETINGS

CAR-PFD Annual Meeting

Monday, June 15 at 1 p.m.

City Council Meeting

Tuesday, June 16 at 6 p.m.

Historical Commission Meeting

Wednesday, June 17 at 6 p.m.

Lacey Library Board

Thursday, June 18 at 5:30 p.m.

For details on how to participate in our Public Meetings, visit the City Council webpage.

JOB OPENINGS