December 24, 2025

CITY MANAGER'S MESSAGE

Thank You, Lacey: Reflecting on 2025 and Looking Forward to 2026

As 2025 comes to a close, I want to take a moment to thank you — our community — for your continued support, engagement, and trust in the City of Lacey.

This past year brought its share of accomplishments and a few challenges, but one thing remained constant: it’s the people who make Lacey a great place to live, work, and play. From community members who show up to share their voices or volunteer their time, to local businesses and partners who invest in our city every day — your commitment to Lacey makes a real difference.

I’m also grateful for the City employees who serve this community with dedication and care. Their work is strengthened by the relationships they build with community members and by our shared goal of creating a city where people feel connected, supported, and proud to call Lacey home.

As we reflect on the year behind us and look ahead to the excitement of the new year, I’m reminded that progress isn’t just measured by the number of projects completed or plans adopted — it’s measured by the people we serve and the sense of community we create together.

On behalf of the City, thank you for being a big part of Lacey’s story. I wish you and yours a joyful holiday season and a happy, healthy New Year.

Here’s to a successful year ahead!

— Rick Walk

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

Honoring Commander Joe Upton’s Years of Service

In today’s world, where long careers with a single organization are increasingly rare, dedicating more than three decades to one profession — and one community — speaks volumes. This month, we celebrate the retirement of Commander Joe Upton, a dedicated member of the Lacey Police Department for more than 33 years. From the moment Joe joined the department in 1992 as a patrol officer, he exemplified professionalism, leadership, and a genuine commitment to our community.

Over the years, Joe wore many hats — and he wore them well. As a detective, he investigated more than 1,550 felony cases and provided fraud and forgery training for local banks and credit unions. When he became a Sergeant in 2003, he launched Lacey’s first Business Academy, bringing local business owners and the Department together in new and meaningful ways. As the Department’s first Administrative Sergeant, Joe oversaw major updates to the evidence room and developed procedures that are still in use today.

In 2006, Joe was promoted to Commander. In this role, Joe helped create a new Department Policy Manual and played a central role in maintaining accreditation through the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs (WASPC). He also served as vice chair of the WASPC Accreditation Committee since 2018. Throughout his career, Joe remained focused on transparency, accountability, and building strong connections with our community — always approaching his work with enthusiasm and integrity.

On behalf of the City, I extend my heartfelt thanks to Commander Joe Upton. His decades of service have left a lasting impact on the Police Department, our community, and the many people he mentored and supported along the way. We wish him all the best in retirement — it’s people like Joe who make Lacey such a special place.

— Rick Walk

NEWS & UPDATES

Reminder: Upcoming Holiday Closures

City Hall, Public Works Administrative Building, and the Lacey Veterans Services Hub will be closed:

• Thursday, December 25
• Thursday, January 1

We wish you a joyful holiday surrounded by the people and traditions that mean the most to you, and a new year filled with good health and plenty of bright moments.

LaceyWeekly Returns January 8, 2026

We will take a short holiday break next week and return with our first 2026 LaceyWeekly newsletter on January 8.

Thank you for subscribing and being involved in your community. We look forward to sharing more with you in the new year!

Holiday Tree Roundup Returns Saturday, January 3

The City partners with BSA Troops 222 and 9207 to offer curbside pickup of live, natural Christmas trees for residents within the city limits. Please remove all ornaments, lights, tinsel, and stands, and place your tree at the curb by 8 a.m. on Saturday, January 3. There’s no need to sign up. Scouts drive all city streets and pick up trees curbside.

Donations are welcome and help support this community service. Visit Troop 222's website to make a contribution.

Note: Artificial trees cannot be collected. Apartment residents should check with their property manager for drop-off locations.

If you live outside the city limits, you can recycle your tree for free at the Thurston County Waste and Recovery Center through January 18. Learn more and check if your address qualifies on our website.

Spread Holiday Cheer: Stuff the Sleigh for Local Families!

Lacey’s Compassionate Community partnership with North Thurston Public Schools and the Lacey South Sound Chamber is back for its 9th Annual Compassionate Community Project, and we’re inviting the whole community to join us in supporting the North Thurston Public Schools’ Family and Youth Resource Center.

Our goal is simple: Stuff the Sleigh with essential items that help children, teens, and families in our community stay comfortable and cared for. Your donations make a real difference!

We’re collecting new, unwrapped items, including:

• Shoes and Clothing (children and teens)
• Socks and underwear
• Soap
• Full-sized shampoo and conditioner
• Toothpaste and toothbrushes
• Deodorant
• Toilet paper and paper towels

Drop your items in Santa’s Sleigh, located at City Hall in front of the Council Chambers, now through Wednesday, December 31.

Thank you for helping spread warmth, dignity, and compassion this season. Your generosity supports local students and families and strengthens the community we’re proud to call home!

COMMUNITY EVENTS

The Greatest Breakup Letter in U.S. History, The Declaration of Independence

Step back to 1775 and hear the words that sparked the American Revolution. This engaging presentation explores the key moments, ideas, and voices that led to a document that forever changed the course of American history. Rather than a list of dates and facts, the program brings history to life through powerful storytelling that reveals how these words shaped a new nation and continue to influence our lives today.

Event Details:

• Date: Thursday, January 8
• Time: 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
• Location: Lacey City Hall, Council Chambers
• Want to attend virtually? Register here!

About the Speaker

Art Dolan is a retired science teacher from Spokane who moved to Olympia in 2005. While researching his family history 12 years ago, Art and his wife, Laurie Dolan, discovered their Revolutionary War great grandfathers both fought at Lexington and Concord and may have been neighbors. That discovery sparked a lasting passion for the American Revolution.

UPCOMING PUBLIC MEETINGS

City Council Informational Dinner Meeting

Tuesday, January 6 at 4:30 p.m.

City Council Meeting

Tuesday, January 6 at 6 p.m.

Parks, Culture and Recreation Board Meeting

Wednesday, January 7 at 5:30 p.m.

LEOFF 1 Disability Board

Thursday, January 8 at 12:15 p.m.

Rescheduled: Human Services Commission

Thursday, January 8 at 5:30 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:

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



• Police Officer - Entry Level

• Police Officer - Lateral

• Senior Electrical Maintenance Technician - Signals

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.

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