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Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.: A Day On, Not a Day Off
As we honor the life and legacy of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., we are reminded that the strength of our community, and our democracy, has always been rooted in people. People who show up, speak up, and choose service over silence. Dr. King was much more than a dreamer — he was a doer who organized, led, and took action to turn vision into meaningful change.
Dr. King devoted his life to the nonviolent pursuit of civil rights, justice, and equality. His vision of a nation where freedom and opportunity are shared by all continues to inspire us more than 60 years later. While our nation has made progress since the Civil Rights Movement, inequities, racism, and injustice remain. His work is not finished, and his vision continues to challenge us to do more and be better.
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At their last regular meeting, the City Council proclaimed January 19, 2026, as Martin Luther King Jr. Day in the City of Lacey. Dr. Thelma Jackson offered a powerful reminder: “This holiday, more than ever before in our history as a nation, is a time to be a day on, not a day off.”
In Lacey, our vision is simple: it’s the people. It’s the people who volunteer, who care for their neighbors, who advocate for fairness, and who work — often behind the scenes — to make Lacey more welcoming and inclusive.
This Martin Luther King Jr. Day, I encourage each of us to take time to reflect, listen, and act — through service, conversation, or renewed commitment to equity and justice. Together, we can continue building a more just and inclusive future.
— Rick Walk
| | CITY MANAGER'S SPOTLIGHT: It's the People! | | |
Meet Maren Turner: Your Councilmember, Up Close
Councilmember Maren Turner was officially sworn in on January 6, 2026, following her election to Lacey City Council, Position #4, in the November 4, 2025, election.
Councilmember Turner brings a wealth of experience and passion to the Lacey City Council. A gerontologist by training, she works with the State of Washington’s Home and Community Living Administration. On the Council, Maren’s focus areas include housing, seniors, behavioral health, and strengthening small businesses.
Maren moved to Lacey over 4 years ago with her teenage son and their pets, after living in several different parts of the country. She holds a master’s and a doctoral degree from the University of Kansas, as well as a master’s from Howard University. Growing up in a family of vegetarians, she’s stayed close to her roots while enjoying the city’s local food scene.
Outside of her professional and council work, Maren loves spending time with family and friends, traveling (two continents to go!), walking her dogs, learning Brazilian Portuguese, and giving back through community service.
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Get to Know Councilmember Ryan Siu — Beyond the Council Seat
Councilmember Ryan Siu was officially sworn in on January 6, 2026, following his election to Lacey City Council, Position #6, in the November 4, 2025, election.
By day, Ryan works as a program analyst for the Washington State Office of Public Defense. On the City Council, he’s focused on priorities that matter to his community, including affordable housing, transportation improvements, and small business development. He’s especially interested in how these issues connect with environmental sustainability and equity.
Ryan and his family moved to Lacey in 2018 and have quickly fallen in love with the city’s parks, trails, and community spaces. He holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology and political science from Western Washington University and a paralegal certification from South Puget Sound Community College. Ryan's family enjoys exploring all that Lacey has to offer.
When he’s not working or attending council meetings, Ryan can often be found gaming at Gabi’s Olympic Cards and Comics, lifting weights, camping, or savoring a good cup of coffee.
For more information on the Lacey City Council, visit the City Council webpage.
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Check Out the Latest in Lacey!
In this edition:
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Ahoy, Adventure!
A brand-new playground is setting sail at William A. Bush Park. Last fall, families, kids, and community members helped pick the design, and the tugboat play structure came out on top!
The new play area will replace the current playground built in 1995 and offer many new ways to play, including rubber surfacing, two slides, climbing features, a disc swing, a spinner, a rope climb, and more.
The name SS Gateway, displayed on the structure, honors the Gateway Rotary Club for its leadership, volunteer support, and generous $110,000 donation. We also thank the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office for providing grant funding that helped make this new playground possible.
Construction is tentatively planned to begin in early February and finish in early April. We cannot wait to see kids climbing aboard and making memories in this new play space!
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Apply Now: 2026 Neighborhood Matching Grants
Do you have a neighborhood project that could use a boost? The 2026 Lacey Neighborhood Matching Grant Program is now accepting applications!
Whether you want to improve safety, plant trees, add community art, host a neighborhood event, or enhance a shared space, you could receive up to $2,500 to make it happen. Both HOAs and informal neighborhoods within Lacey city limits are eligible to apply.
The program encourages projects that foster community pride, increase neighbor involvement, and leave a lasting impact. Your project could be anything from improving lighting or creating rain gardens to organizing a block party or setting up a little free library, so long as it benefits your neighborhood and follows City guidelines.
Applications are open through Tuesday, March 31. Don’t miss your chance to bring your neighborhood vision to life!
Learn more and apply on the HOA webpage.
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Roses Are Red, Lacey Needs YOU!
We're looking for our 2026-28 Poet Laureate! Applications are open now through Friday, February 6.
The Poet Laureate is a local poet who volunteers as an ambassador for poetry, literature, and the arts. They share their work through public readings, community programs, and creative projects — helping bring more voices, stories, and creativity to Lacey.
“Lacey’s Poet Laureate Program shows our commitment to creativity, inclusion, and connecting with the community,” said Mayor Andy Ryder. “We’re excited to welcome a poet who loves engaging people of all ages and backgrounds.”
Who Can Apply
The Poet Laureate serves a two-year term and works with City staff to plan and lead poetry events. Applicants should:
· Be at least 18 years old
· Have lived in Lacey for at least a year and continue living here during their term
· Have published or performed poetry
· Be passionate about community, education, and making the arts accessible to everyone
Visit the Poet Laureate Program webpage to learn more and apply online.
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The Lacey Museum Officially Opens Its Doors!
Today marks the first day the Lacey Museum welcomes visitors, and we are excited to open the doors to a new space dedicated to sharing Lacey’s stories. Stop by to explore brand-new exhibits, take a guided tour, and enjoy free monthly crafts for all ages.
The museum is a place to learn, connect, and spend time with local history. Admission is free, so stop in and take a look!
Visit the Lacey Museum
4160 6th Ave SE, Suite 101
Lacey, WA
360-438-0209
Hours
Thursday and Friday: 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Saturday: 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Come celebrate opening week with us. We can't wait to welcome you inside!
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Reminder: City Facilities Closed for Martin Luther King Jr. Day
City Hall, Public Works Administrative Building, and the Lacey Veterans Services Hub will be closed on Monday, January 19, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a time to reflect on service, equality, and community. We encourage everyone to honor Dr. King’s legacy by supporting one another and finding meaningful ways to serve our community.
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Save the Date: Career Transition Workshop for Veterans and Military Families
Are you a Veteran, transitioning Service Member, or a military family member preparing for your next chapter? Join the Lacey Veterans Services Hub and Hire Heroes USA for a Career Transition Workshop!
The free workshop offers hands-on support to help you move forward with confidence, including:
- Career Planning – Clarify your next steps
- Resume Writing – Strengthen how you present yourself
- Interview Preparation – Practice telling your story with confidence
Event Details
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Date: Tuesday, February 10
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Time: 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
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Location: Lacey Veterans Services Hub (4232 6th Ave SE, Suite 101)
For questions, contact Dave Martinez from Hire Heroes USA. Register here.
Whether you’re transitioning from service or supporting a military household, this workshop is designed to help you take the next step in your career!
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City Council Meeting
Tuesday, January 20 at 6 p.m.
Historical Commission Meeting
Wednesday, January 21 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 learn more and apply for any of our current openings, visit our recruitment 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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