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Standing Together in a Time of Tragedy
In the days following the heartbreaking loss of life that took place on November 14, we witnessed the very best of Lacey: compassion, collaboration, and a shared commitment to keeping our community safe.
I want to extend my deepest appreciation to the Lacey Police Department for their tireless work in locating and apprehending the suspects. Their quick, coordinated response — built on professionalism, expertise, and genuine care for our community members — brought significant progress to this difficult case. Our officers, detectives, and support staff worked around the clock and I’m extremely grateful for their dedication.
I also want to thank the many community members who came forward with information and updates, and supported the ongoing efforts. Your willingness to speak up and stay engaged played a vital role in helping investigators move quickly. Public safety is a partnership and its success relies heavily on your assistance.
My appreciation extends to our regional law enforcement partners, as well. This includes:
- Ballard Ambulance
- Columbia River Drug Task Force
- East Cascade Crisis Negotiators Team
- East Cascade SWAT
- FBI
- Olympia Police Department Detectives
- Pierce County SWAT
- Special Investigations Response Team
- Thurston County SWAT
- Thurston County Narcotics Task Force
- Washington State Patrol
- Washington State Patrol Aviation
- Wenatchee Police Department
- Wenatchee Valley Fire
The collaboration across agencies was seamless and instrumental in helping move this case forward. We value these relationships, and this incident demonstrates how essential they are to protecting our communities.
Above all, our hearts are with the victims’ family, friends, and loved ones. No words can ease the weight of this loss, but we hope the progress made in the investigation offers some level of comfort to the family as they navigate the days ahead.
Thank you again to everyone who supported the investigation, our officers, and one another. Lacey is a strong and caring community. In times like this, we find strength in coming together to support one another — it’s all about people helping people.
-- Rick Walk
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Growing Community Through Gardens: City Support Helps GRuB Nourish Local Families
Access to fresh, healthy food is a key part of a thriving community.
It supports well-being, strengthens families, and helps ensure everyone has the chance to live healthy and connected lives.
The City's Human Services Grant Program awards up to $300,000 each year to support nonprofits that provide essential services such as housing, food access, healthcare, and family support. These investments help meet the basic needs of people who live in our community.
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One of this year's recipients, GRuB, used its funding to bring the joy of growing food directly to households in Lacey through their Garden Project. The program installed five backyard gardens for community members with limited incomes. These gardens supported 14 individuals and reached even more neighbors, friends, and families who shared in the harvest.
For one recipient, the garden became part of a memorial created in honor of her daughter. She is turning her entire yard into a food garden and plans to build a small, free stand to share what she grows with her neighborhood.
Another participant described how surprising and meaningful the experience was for her family, saying her son-in-law "took over the gardens and has flourished" and is now learning about plants, cooking more, and discovering the financial value of growing food.
Others shared how the project helped them reconnect with something they love. One participant said, “I was just so happy to be gardening again, and I love sharing everything about gardening. I want everyone to be able to grow food and to enjoy that.” Their experience shows how these gardens grow more than food. They strengthen well-being, build community, and support the goals of our Human Services Grant Program.
To learn more or to see the complete list of recipients, visit the Human Services Grant Program webpage.
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Ride Into the Holidays with the Santa Mobile & Rudolph Truck!
The Santa Mobile and Rudolph Truck will hit the streets this December, bringing big holiday cheer straight to Lacey neighborhoods. Get ready for lights, music, and festive fun as Santa cruises by. Santa Stops are included in the routes listed below, giving you the perfect chance to wave, snap a photo, and soak in the holiday magic.
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Santa will leave the Lacey Fire District 3 Training & Education Center on Steilacoom Road at 6 p.m. on the scheduled nights and is expected to roll through neighborhoods between 6:30 and 7:30 p.m.
If your neighborhood isn’t on the list, don’t worry — you can swing by a nearby Santa Stop to join the fun!
Schedule:
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Wednesday, Dec. 10: 50th Ave SE, Sarazen, Beckonridge Loop, Bonaventure
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Tuesday, Dec. 16: Edgewater, Silverhawk, Campus Highlands Drive
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Wednesday, Dec. 17: Wilderness, 45th Ave/Loop SE, Glenmore
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Reminder: Lacey Fire District Three organizes this event. Please reach out to them directly with any questions!
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Signing Santa: A Night of Connection
Join us for Signing Santa as we celebrate the season with families in the deaf and hard of hearing community. The Signing Santa Organization and Lacey Parks, Culture & Recreation team up to create a fun, festive space where kids, parents, friends, and neighbors can meet Santa and share in the holiday spirit.
The event offers a communication-friendly setting with holiday activities, time to connect with others who share similar experiences, and plenty of seasonal cheer. It’s a warm, inclusive space that brings families together and keeps the focus on connection and celebration.
Event Details:
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Date: Friday, December 5
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Time: 6:30 - 8 p.m.
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Location: Chambers Prairie Elementary (6501 Virginia Street SE)
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Last Call for Cookies with Mrs. Claus!
Help your child step into the magic of the North Pole and spend an evening with Mrs. Claus. She’s excited to decorate cookies with her fans, share stories about Santa, and chat about all things Christmas.
Each child will receive a plate of cookies to decorate, enjoy or take home, and have the chance to snap a festive photo with Mrs. Claus. It’s a sweet way to celebrate the season and make lasting holiday memories.
Event Details:
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Date: Wednesday, December 10
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Time: 7 - 8 p.m.
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Location: Jacob Smith House (4500 Intelco Loop SE)
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Cost: $10
The first session filled up fast, and the second is almost full. Grab one of the last remaining spots while you can!
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Tribal Sovereignty: A History of Colonization and Federal Indian Policy
Since time immemorial, Indigenous Peoples have lived throughout the land we now call the United States, each with distinct cultures and their own systems of governance. This program explores the core concept that defines Tribal Nations: sovereignty.
Attendees will learn about the history of colonization in the Americas, how westward expansion shaped federal Indian law and policy, and the basic legal foundations that guide today’s government-to-government relationships between Tribes and the United States.
Event Details:
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Date: Thursday, December 18
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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!
Kyle Pittman, a Nez Perce descendant and Washington State resident who teaches in the Native Pathways Program at The Evergreen State College, will lead the discussion. His work focuses on federal Indian law and policy, Tribal governance, and American Indian histories.
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December 2 Meeting Recap
The Lacey City Council took the following actions at the December 2, 2025, Council meeting:
- Approved the minutes of the November 18, 2025, Council meeting
- Approved the payment of claims, wages, and transfers for October 26 through November 21, 2025
- Approved the 2026 State Legislative Agenda and Manual
- Adopted Ordinance 1687 approving and confirming the final assessment roll for ULID 25 (Tolmie Park Estates).
- Adopted Ordinance 1688 adopting amendments to the Lacey Municipal Code and the Development Guidelines and Public Works Standards Chapter One related to permit processing and development code procedures.
- Authorized the City Manager to sign the Thurston Climate Mitigation Collaborative interlocal agreement as amended.
- Approved the application for Special Tax Valuation for the Bowker House rehabilitation and authorize the City Manager to execute the Agreement for Special Tax Valuation.
For more details on the City Council's actions, visit the City Council's webpage.
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Joint Animal Services Commission
Monday, December 8 at 5:30 p.m.
City Council Worksession
Tuesday, December 9 at 6 p.m.
Planning Commission Meeting
Wednesday, December 10 at 6 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 see all of our current openings, visit our application website.
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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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