September 10, 2026

 

CITY MANAGER'S MESSAGE

Remembering September 11



September 11 is a day we pause to remember the many lives lost and the families, friends, and communities forever changed by the tragic events of that day in 2001. The memories of that day remain vivid for many of us — even 25 years later.


It is also a day to recognize the courage and selflessness of the people — the first responders — who ran toward danger while others ran away. More than 400 first responders lost their lives on September 11, including firefighters, law enforcement officers, and emergency medical personnel.

We’re very fortunate to see that spirit of service every day in our community through the men and women of the Lacey Police Department and Lacey Fire District 3. These professionals respond when people are experiencing some of their most difficult and frightening moments, often without knowing what they will encounter when they arrive.


The City deeply values our partnership with Lacey Fire District 3. Our communities are stronger because of the close working relationship between our organizations and the trust we have built over the years. Whether we’re responding to an emergency, preparing for a major event, planning for disasters, or working together on issues that affect our community's safety and well-being, our shared commitment to service makes a difference.


September 11 reminds us that public safety is more than a service we provide — it is a commitment to our neighbors. It is people willing to step forward, help others, and serve something larger than themselves.


As we remember those who lost their lives 25 years ago, let us also take a moment to thank the first responders who continue that tradition of service today. To the firefighters, police officers, emergency medical personnel, dispatchers, and others who answer the call: thank you for what you do for our community and for the sacrifices you and your families make on our behalf.


We remember. We honor. We appreciate.


—  Rick Walk

NEWS & UPDATES

Provide Input on Lacey's Street Merchant Rules: Take a Short survey by Monday, September 21!


The City is reviewing its regulations for street merchants, including food trucks, pop-up vendors, kiosks, carts, and other small businesses that operate outside traditional buildings.

 

We want to hear from business owners, customers, property owners, residents, and community members. Your feedback will help the City better understand how street merchants operate today, identify opportunities and concerns, and consider potential updates to the Lacey Municipal Code.

 

The Survey is open now through Monday, September 21.


Thank you for helping shape the future of street merchants in Lacey.

Your Voice Matters! Apply to Serve on the Lacey City Council


Want to help shape the future of Lacey? The City is accepting applications for the vacant Lacey City Council Position #3.


To be eligible for appointment, applicants must:


  • Live within Lacey city limits for at least one year before appointment.
  • Be a registered City of Lacey voter when submitting their application.


The appointed Councilmember will also commit personal time to prepare for and attend City Council meetings, complete Council assignments, and participate in community activities as needed.


How to Apply

Interested individuals can apply online through Friday, September 18.


The City Council plans to conduct in-person interviews between October 7 and October 29 in the Lacey City Hall Council Chambers. The City will announce interview dates and times once they are scheduled. Interviews will be open to the public.


For more information, contact the City Manager’s Office at (360) 491-3214.


About the Lacey City Council

The Lacey City Council is the community’s legislative body. The Council adopts ordinances and policies, approves the City budget, and establishes City goals and priorities. All Council positions are nonpartisan and serve the community at large.


To learn more, visit the City Council webpage.

Plan Your Fall with Parks, Culture & Recreation


Ready to fill your calendar with fun, learning, and recreation? Fall registration for Lacey Parks, Culture 
& Recreation opens
Wednesday, September 16 at 9 a.m.


Want to plan ahead? Browse options now, build your wish list, and be ready when registration opens!


Financial Assistance Available

Need help covering program costs this season? Applications for our Financial Assistance Program are now open! Qualified applicants can receive up to $100 this fall toward any of our offerings for anyone in your household. Apply today at LaceyParks.org/FA.


Mark your calendar and get ready for a great fall in Lacey!

Wondering What's Happening in Lacey? Take a Listen!


  • Come celebrate the grand opening of Lacey’s newest and largest park, Greg Cuoio Park! You won't want to miss the fun, activities, and free ice cream! 
    
  • Mark your calendar for the family favorite: Children's Day! There's still time to sign up to host an activity booth, too! 
    
  • Join us at the Emergency Preparedness Expo to build confidence and skills for real-life emergencies. You can even take home free emergency kits!
 

COMMUNITY EVENTS

Help Us Celebrate Lacey's Newest Park!


Come explore Lacey’s newest park and commemorate the Grand Opening of Greg Cuoio Park! The celebration begins at 5:30 p.m., with the official ribbon-cutting ceremony at 6 p.m.!


Enjoy a Park Explorer Scavenger Hunt, cool stickers and giveaways, free ice cream from Sweetlee’s Ice Cream, disc golf demonstrations, a themed photo opportunity, and live DJ music.


Event Details:

  • Date: Thursday, September 24
  • Time: 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
  • Location: Cuoio Park | 2711 Carpenter Road NE


Parking is limited, so visitors are encouraged to use the free, ADA-accessible shuttle service provided by Intercity Transit. Shuttles will pick up and drop off at Cabela’s, 1600 Gateway Blvd NE, beginning at 5:30 p.m. The last shuttle will leave the park at 7:30 p.m. Families should bring appropriate car seats or booster seats for children.


For more details, visit the Cuoio Park Grand Opening website.

Give Blood to Help Save Lives!


You can make a lifesaving difference by donating at the upcoming Bloodworks NW Community Blood Drive, hosted by the City's Wellness Committee.


When you donate blood, your gift starts saving lives almost immediately. Within hours, donations get tested and processed so they’re ready for patients who need them most. In most cases, your donation is available to local hospitals within 24 hours.


Blood donations are critical for trauma care, surgeries, organ transplants, and more. By giving blood, you directly help people in our community and support the local blood supply that serves 95% of Pacific Northwest hospitals through Bloodworks.


Event Details:



Whether you are a first-time donor or a regular, the process is quick, safe, and rewarding. Mark your calendar to join us in supporting this vital cause.

Calling all Vendors: Be Part of Children's Day!


Local businesses and community organizations help make Lacey Children’s Day extra special. From fun activities to giveaways and interactive booths — vendors are a big part of creating a day full of excitement for families.


Event Details:

  • Date: Saturday, October 3
  • Time: 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
  • Location: Huntamer Park


If your business or organization would like to join in, now’s your chance! Hosting an activity booth is a great way to connect with the community and be part of one of Lacey’s most loved family events. And to make it more fun, consider an activity with this year's theme in mind - Mythical Creatures! Apply now- the deadline to submit applications is September 18!

PARTNER POSTS

Sesame Street Safari Comes to Lacey


Families are invited to a free screening of PBS’ new “Sesame Street and the Great Elephant Adventure” at the Lacey Timberland Library. Join Elmo, Abby, and friends on their first-ever safari to Kenya to learn about elephants, wildlife, ecology, and conservation.


Enjoy a portion of the special, family-friendly activities, books, and giveaways. The event is free and open to the public. The full special premieres October 14 on PBS, PBS KIDS, PBS.org, YouTube, and the PBS app.

Lacey Event Details

  • Date: Tuesday, September 15
  • Time: 4 – 5 p.m.
  • Location: Lacey Timberland Library | 500 College St SE


For additional Timberland Regional Library screening event locations and dates, visit TRL's website.

Tools for Your Next Career Chapter


Are you a veteran preparing for your next career opportunity? Hire Heroes USA is hosting a Career Transition Workshop designed to provide practical tools and guidance for your next step.


Participants will learn from seasoned professionals and gain support in three key areas:


  • Career Planning: Clarify what’s next and identify your career goals.
  • Resume Writing: Strengthen how you present your skills and experience on paper.
  • Interview Preparation: Practice telling your story with confidence.

Event Details:

  • Date: Tuesday, October 13
  • Time: 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
  • Location: Lacey Veterans Services Hub 
    (4232 6th Ave SE, Suite 101)


Have questions? Contact Dave Martinez at dmartinez@hireheroesusa.org.

UPCOMING PUBLIC MEETINGS

City Council Meeting

Tuesday, September 15, at 6 p.m.


Historical Commission

Wednesday, September 16, at 6 p.m.


Lodging Tax Advisory Committee

Thursday, September 17, at 1 p.m.


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

JOB OPENINGS

City of Lacey employees at work.

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 webpage.

To subscribe to our other newsletters, visit our Email Notifications webpage!

City of Lacey

420 College Street SE

Lacey, WA 98503


Call: 360-491-3214

Visit: CityofLacey.org

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