April 2, 2026

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

Leading with Heart: Lacey Police Department Celebrates Annual Award Winners

Last week, the Lacey Police Department (LPD) came together for one of the most meaningful traditions of the year — their annual awards ceremony. This event is an important opportunity to pause, reflect, and recognize the outstanding service, commitment, and professionalism our LPD staff demonstrate every day.

This year’s honorees represent the very best of public service. Please join me in congratulating the following award recipients:

• Detective Dumont – Employee of the Year
• Jon Cox – Volunteer Chief’s Award
• Bob & Laura Currie – Gerald Abernathy Lacey Resource Officer of the Year Award
• Officer Anthony – Exceptional Service for Patrol
• Sgt. Landwehrle – Exceptional Service for Investigations
• Officer Gutierrez – Commissioned Staff Chief’s Award
• Becki Mullen – Civilian Staff Chief’s Award
• Officer Anthony – Inspirational Partner
• Officer Gerkman – Life Saving Award
• Retired Officer Aalbers – Life Saving Award

Commendations:

Sgt. Landwehrle, Sgt. Knight, Officer Gerkman, Officer Stribling, Detective Moore, Detective Heang, Detective Dumont, Detective Favela, Officer Rosas, and Digital Forensic Analyst Morganne Hutchinson

These individuals — and the entire LPD team — embody dedication, integrity, and a deep commitment to public safety. Their efforts make a tangible difference in the lives of our residents and help ensure Lacey remains a safe, welcoming community for all.

I'd also like to give a special thank‑you to Chief Almada and Deputy Chief Hollis for their exemplary leadership and steadfast commitment to the LPD. Their focus on building a culture grounded in trust, compassion, and accountability continues to strengthen both the department and our community.

Congratulations to all the award recipients and thank you for your continued service to our community. Moments like this remind us that in Lacey, "it’s the people" who set us apart.

 — Rick Walk

NEWS & UPDATES

Explore the New LaceyLife!

The latest edition of LaceyLife is here, and it’s kicking off a brand-new quarterly format, designed to keep you informed, inspired, and connected all year long.

This refreshed version of the City’s community newsletter brings together seasonal highlights, upcoming events, recreation opportunities, and important City updates all in one place. With a new look and expanded format, it’s easier than ever to stay in the know about what’s happening in Lacey.

Inside the April edition, you’ll find information on spring and summer programs, community events, environmental initiatives, and ways to get involved. Whether you’re looking for activities, resources, or just want to see what’s new around town, LaceyLife has something for everyone.

If you live within the Lacey city limits or the Urban Growth Area, keep an eye on your mailbox—our new quarterly LaceyLife newsletter is on its way to you!

Check Out Lacey’s New Economic Development Strategic Plan

The City’s Five-Year Economic Development Strategic Plan is now available!

This new plan provides a clear, action-oriented roadmap to guide the City’s economic development work over the next five years. It outlines a long-term vision for Lacey’s economy while identifying priority projects and programs to support local businesses, attract investment, and create opportunity.

Developed in partnership with ECOnorthwest, the strategy is grounded in data, community input, and collaboration with key stakeholders, partner organizations, and an advisory group. This process helped create a shared vision and a coordinated approach to economic development across the community.

The plan is designed to help City staff, elected leaders, and partners align their efforts, focus resources where they will have the greatest impact, and measure progress over time. It also reflects the City’s broader goals of building a strong, resilient economy and maintaining Lacey as a place where people choose to live, work, and invest.

Economic development is a collaborative effort, and this strategy ensures that work is coordinated rather than duplicated, maximizing results for the community.

Read the full Economic Development Strategic Plan here.

City Recognized for Commitment to Local Business Community

We’re honored to share that the City received the “Think Chamber First” Award from the Lacey South Sound Chamber!

This recognition reflects our commitment to supporting local businesses and strengthening our community. Doing business with Chamber members helps keep dollars in Lacey while supporting the small businesses that play such an important role in community events, civic engagement, and local initiatives.

We’re grateful to be among such an inspiring group of nominees and want to thank them all for the work they do every day to make our community stronger.

Most of all, thank you to our community for your continued support. By choosing local, we’re building stronger partnerships, creating new opportunities, and helping Lacey businesses thrive.

There's Still Time: Lacey Spring Fun Fair Vendors Wanted

Lacey’s signature spring celebration is right around the corner, and there’s still time to get involved. Lacey Spring Fun Fair returns May 16 & 17, bringing the community together for a full weekend of fun, entertainment, and connection.

Vendor applications are still open for commercial businesses and artisan makers (please note: food vendor applications have closed). This is a great opportunity to showcase your products, connect with local families, and be part of a high-energy community event.

Local businesses and nonprofits are also encouraged to participate in Kids World by hosting interactive, hands-on activities for children. In addition, the S.T.E.A.M. Fair is seeking participants to help highlight science, technology, engineering, art, and math through engaging experiences.

Space is limited and fills quickly, so we encourage interested vendors to apply soon. Visit the Lacey Spring Fun Fair webpage for details and application information!

COMMUNITY EVENTS

Night Market Kicks Off Friday (4/3) Night!

Get ready, Lacey, one of your favorite community events is back! The 2026 Lacey Night Market season kicks off TOMORROW, Friday, April 3, from 5 - 9 p.m. at the Lacey Depot Park.

This lively, family-friendly event brings together everything that makes our community shine. Stroll through a vibrant mix of local vendors and artisans, grab a bite from delicious food trucks, and enjoy live music and themed entertainment throughout the evening. Whether you come to shop, eat, or just soak in the atmosphere, there’s something for everyone.

The Night Market runs every other Friday with exciting, themed nights all season long, making it the perfect way to kick off your weekends and connect with the community. Curious what’s coming up? View all themes and event dates here!

Kickoff Event Details:

• Date: Friday, April 3
• Time: 5 - 9 p.m.
• Location: Lacey Depot Park | 5555 Pacific Ave. SE

Admission is free and open to all ages, so bring your friends, family, and even furry companions to experience the energy, culture, and creativity that make Lacey special.

Want to be part of the action? Local businesses, artists, and food vendors can apply to participate and showcase what they have to offer. Learn more and apply today.

Grab Free Native Plants This Saturday

Celebrate Arbor Day at this year’s Native Plant Giveaway! Stop by Huntamer Park, explore a beautiful selection of native plants, and take a few home to grow in your own space. Learn planting and care tips, ask questions, and connect with local gardeners and botanists who can help you get started or level up your garden.

Native plants are a great fit for our region. They support local wildlife, use less water, and thrive in our climate.

Available plants include:

• Baldhip, Woods, and Pearfruit rose
• Osoberry
• Red flowering currant
• Golden currant
• Salmonberry
• Oregon grape
• Thimbleberry
• Twinberry
• Vine maple
• Mallow ninebark
• Mock orange

Event Details:

• Date: Saturday, April 4
• Time: 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
• Location: Huntamer Park | 618 Woodland Sq. Lp. SE

One plant per person and available while supplies last. Plan to arrive early for the best selection!

Help Shape Lacey’s Stormwater Future

Help shape the future of stormwater in Lacey. Join the City’s Stormwater team for an open house to learn about proposed updates to the Stormwater Strategic Plan and how they will impact the community. Drop in anytime to explore displays, ask questions, and share your thoughts.

Stormwater planning helps reduce flooding, protect local lakes and streams, and support a healthy environment as Lacey continues to grow. Your input plays an important role in guiding these efforts.

Event Details:

• Date: Monday, April 6
• Time: 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
• Location: Lacey City Hall, Council Chambers
• Cost: Free

Visit the Stormwater Strategic Plan story map for more information.

Saving the Nisqually Delta

Just eight miles northeast of Olympia, the Nisqually Delta remains one of the region’s last largely untouched estuaries. In this presentation, author Janine Gates will share the history of the delta and the community efforts that helped protect it from industrial development.

Gates will draw on her book, Saving the Nisqually Delta, to highlight the community activism that preserved this vital habitat and key moments in Washington State’s environmental history. She will also discuss the ongoing challenges the delta faces from urban growth and industrial pressures.

Event Details:

• Date: Thursday, April 9
• Time: 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
• Location: Lacey City Hall, Council Chambers
• Want to attend virtually? Register here!

Janine Gates is an Olympia-based freelance journalist and photographer, and the author of Saving the Nisqually Delta. She has lived in the area for more than 40 years and has written hundreds of articles for her community news site, Little Hollywood. Gates has also worked with the South Puget Environmental Education Clearinghouse (SPEECH) and the Olympia Historical Society and Bigelow House Museum. Her work focuses on documenting local history and personal stories that give context to the region’s natural and cultural heritage.

Kids Fishing Day: Reel in the Fun!

Bring the whole family to Longs Pond for a day of fishing, learning, and outdoor adventure! This hands-on event is designed for kids ages 4–14. Participants will get to cast a line, pick up fishing tips from experienced volunteers, and enjoy time in nature. Each registered child receives a rod and reel to take home!

Event Details:

• Date: Saturday, April 11
• Session Times: 8 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m.
• Location: Longs Pond, Woodland Creek Community Park
• Cost: $7 per participant
• Ages: 4–14

Visit the Kids Fishing Day webpage for more information and to register.

Check out Thurston County's 2nd Annual Homebuying Expo on Saturday, April 18!

Learn about resources to help make your dream of homeownership come true. You'll find resource tables throughout the expo, and a Pathways to Homeownership Workshop will be offered from 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Event Details:

• Date: Saturday, April 18
• Doors Open: 10 a.m.
• Time: 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
• Location: Olympia Center | 222 Columbia St NW, Olympia, WA 98501
• Cost: This event is free and open to the public. 

 Learn more on the event website.

PARTNER POSTS

Overnight I-5 Closures Near DuPont for Bridge Demolition

If you travel on I-5 near DuPont, plan for significant overnight delays Friday and Saturday, April 3–4. Washington State Department of Transportation crews will close lanes and fully shut down the highway for bridge demolition work.

I-5 (both directions): Friday, April 3 and Saturday, April 4

Lane closures begin at 8 p.m., with full closures from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. Traffic will be detoured through Exit 119 at Steilacoom-DuPont Road, with law enforcement directing vehicles through the interchange. Expect stop-and-go traffic, delays of 30 minutes or more, and congestion near the work zone. Consider postponing non-essential trips, and make sure your vehicle has a full tank or charge before heading out.

The work will remove the aging Steilacoom-DuPont Road overpass, a key step in a larger corridor improvement project that will add new HOV lanes in both directions!

Check current traffic conditions on the WSDOT app or the statewide travel map before you go.

UPCOMING PUBLIC MEETINGS

City Council Informational Dinner Meeting

Tuesday, April 7 at 4:30 p.m.

City Council Meeting

Tuesday, April 7 at 6 p.m.

Planning Commission Meeting

Wednesday, April 8 at 6 p.m.

LEOFF 1 Disability Board

Thursday, April 9 at 12:15 p.m.

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

JOB OPENINGS

Now Hiring

The City is recruiting for the following positions:

• Bus Driver

• Full-Time Temporary Laborers - Streets, Signs & Markings, and Stormwater Maintenance

• Full-Time Temporary Maintenance Aide - Parks



• Journey Level Maintenance Technician - Parks (Right-of-Ways)

• Licensed Veterinary Technician

• Part-Time Parks Maintenance Aide - RAC & Rainier Vista



• Police Officer - Entry Level

• Police Officer - Lateral

• Recreation Aide I/II/III - Playground Pals & Summer Day Camp

• Recreation Aide III - Special Events



• Recreation Aide III - Special Events Technician

• Recreation Aide III - Summer Teen Programs

• Recreation Programs Site Coordinator (Playground Pals, Summer Lunch Program, Summer Day Camp)



• Temporary Parks Maintenance Aide - Weekends

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.

Subscribe to our other newsletters — visit our Email Notifications webpage!