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Happy New Year, Lacey!
A new year brings new opportunities, and we’re grateful to begin it alongside such an engaged and caring, community. Lacey’s strength has always been its people — neighbors helping neighbors and working together toward shared goals. As we move into the year ahead, we look forward to continuing that partnership and building a positive future together.
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Welcome, New Lacey City Councilmembers!
On Tuesday evening, we welcomed two new Lacey City Councilmembers as they officially took the oath of office. Please join me in congratulating Councilmember Maren Turner and Councilmember Ryan Siu as they begin their service to our community.
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Councilmember Turner is a proud Lacey resident and policy leader whose career has focused on equity, serving seniors and vulnerable populations, and addressing complex community challenges. She currently leads Washington’s Home & Community Programs, overseeing Medicaid waiver programs that support elders and people with disabilities — experience that brings valuable insight into navigating government systems and achieving results. Her community involvement includes creating AARP’s first Diversity Council, serving with the Thurston County NAACP, volunteering with Meals on Wheels, and supporting local arts. Maren brings a strong commitment to housing affordability, balanced growth, support for working families and seniors, and community-focused public safety.
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Councilmember Siu brings a thoughtful, solutions-oriented approach grounded in collaboration and balance. He is committed to advocating for environmentally responsible strategies related to housing, economic development, and transportation infrastructure. Housing affordability is a key priority for Ryan, including expanding middle- and low-income housing options for families, seniors, and vulnerable community members. He is also a strong supporter of Lacey’s small businesses and mixed-use zoning that creates walkable, vibrant districts. Ryan supports current road improvements while advancing long-term transportation solutions, such as public transit, bike lanes, and pedestrian-friendly design.
Both Councilmembers share a deep commitment to collaboration and community engagement. I look forward to working with them as they help guide Lacey’s future and serve our community members with care, integrity, and vision.
Once again, congratulations, and thank you for your willingness to serve our community!
— Rick Walk
To learn more, visit the City Council webpage.
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Adopted 2026 Budget Now Available
The City’s 2026 Adopted Budget is now available online.
The budget reflects the City’s commitment to responsible stewardship, essential services, and investing in the priorities that matter most to our community.
We encourage community members to visit the budget webpage to review the budget and learn more about how City resources will be used in the year ahead. You can also find information about the budget process, sales tax, property tax, and more.
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Council Recognizes Korean American Day in Lacey
At the January 6 Council Meeting, the City recognized January 13, 2026, as Korean American Day and invited the community to honor the history, contributions, and resilience of Korean Americans in Lacey and across the nation.
Korean American Day commemorates the arrival of the first Korean immigrants to the United States in 1903 and honors the generations who have contributed to the cultural, civic, and economic fabric of our state. Today, more than 102,000 Korean Americans call Washington home.
Korean Americans have been part of the American story for more than a century. From early immigrants seeking opportunity to generations of families who followed, Korean Americans have helped strengthen communities through service, entrepreneurship, education, the arts, and civic engagement. Many have also served with honor in the U.S. Armed Forces, defending the freedoms that shape our country.
This recognition is also a moment to acknowledge the challenges Korean Americans have faced, including discrimination and anti-Asian hate, and to reaffirm the City’s commitment to inclusion, equity, and belonging. Korean American Day encourages reflection, learning, and connection, while celebrating the cultural and economic contributions Korean Americans continue to make in Lacey.
The City invited Chami Joe Ro, Washington State Korean American Day Celebration Foundation Board Member, to accept the proclamation. She shared her gratitude to Lacey for recognizing Korean American Day and for its continued support of cultural recognition and inclusion. Chami also invited the community to take part in the 19th Annual Washington State Korean American Day Celebration on January 13, 2026, at the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Seattle.
We encourage community members, businesses, and community organizations to take time to recognize Korean American Day by celebrating Korean American culture, honoring its history, and supporting efforts that foster understanding and community belonging.
Read the full proclamation here.
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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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Perform, Create, and Connect at the Lacey Cultural Celebration
Do you perform, cook, create, or connect people to community resources? We are now accepting applications for performers, food vendors, craft vendors, and resource booths for the Lacey Cultural Celebration. This annual event brings the community together for a full day of music, dance, hands-on activities, and cultural experiences from around the world. If you have something to share, we’d love to see you there!
Event Details
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Date: Saturday, March 7
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Time: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
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Location: Saint Martin’s University
Learn more and apply on the Lacey Cultural Celebration 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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Help Us Pick the Flicks for This Summer's Movie Lineup!
Summer fun is already on our minds and we want your input. Each summer, families and neighbors gather in Lacey’s parks for free outdoor movies under the stars. Movies in the Park is a longtime tradition that brings the community together for relaxed evenings, blankets on the grass, and a shared movie experience.
Take a quick survey and tell us which movies you’d love to watch. You can choose more than one option, so be sure to vote for all your favorites. Your feedback helps make sure this year’s lineup is one the whole community will enjoy!
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Take our Stormwater Survey!
The City's Stormwater Team is currently updating
our Comprehensive Plan. A key part of this plan is protecting our local rivers, lakes, and streams from pollution.
We value your perspective! To help us prioritize future projects, please let us know what matters most to you about stormwater management in our community by taking our brief survey. Your input is essential.
Thank you for partnering with us to care for our community's water and natural spaces.
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It's Storytime!
Have plans on Saturday? Come to Touch-a-Truck Family Storytime!
Join the City and the Lacey Timberland Library for a fun story, meet the City’s Public Works crew, and get an up-close look at one of their impressive vehicles. It’s a perfect morning for curious kids and big imaginations.
Event Details
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Date: Saturday, January 10
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Time: 11 a.m. - Noon
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Location: Lacey Timberland Library, 500 College St SE
Learn more on the Library's website.
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January 6 Meeting Recap
The Lacey City Council took the following actions at the January 6, 2026, Council meeting:
- Ceremonially administered oaths of office to recently elected Councilmembers Ryder, Miller, Turner, and Siu
- Elected Andy Ryder Mayor and Malcolm Miller Deputy Mayor for 2026-2027
- Approved the following meeting minutes:
- December 9, 2025, Worksession
- December 16, 2025, Council
- Approved payment of claims, wages, and transfers of December 3-26, 2025
- Approved the City’s 2026 federal legislative priorities
- Approved the Police Department’s 2025 Retained Property Report
For more details on the City Council's actions, visit the City Council's webpage.
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City Council Worksession
Tuesday, January 13 at 6 p.m.
Planning Commission Meeting
Wednesday, January 14 at 6 p.m.
Lacey Library Board
Thursday, January 15 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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