August 20, 2026

CITY MANAGER'S MESSAGE

Supporting Veterans, One Person at a Time

One of the things I’m especially proud of in Lacey is the work being done at the Lacey Veterans Services Hub (LVSH). The LVSH is a place where Veterans and their families can connect with the services, resources, and people they need — all in one location.

Last week, Brian Waananen, LVSH Coordinator, provided the Council an update on the current services provided at the LVSH and a peek at the Strategic Plan he’s currently developing.

The LVSH connects Veterans with services ranging from housing and financial assistance to health care, legal services, employment and education resources, transportation, food assistance, and appointments with Veterans Service Officers. In 2025 alone, more than 3,300 clients visited the LVSH, and through June 2026, Veterans and their families have already received more than $164,000 in financial assistance through the Thurston County Veterans Assistance Fund.

Just as important as the people being served are the LVSH partnerships, which are a key component behind this work. The LVSH brings together organizations and agencies from across our region, creating a network of support that makes it easier for Veterans to find the help they need. The LVSH also has a growing team of volunteers who gave more than 3,200 hours of their time in 2025 alone.

I also want to recognize Brian for his tremendous work and dedication. Brian, a Veteran himself, has helped build the partnerships, programs, processes, and connections that make the LVSH such a valuable resource for our Veteran community. His commitment to serving all who’ve served our country is making a real difference.

The Lacey Veterans Services LVSH is a great example of “It’s the People.” It’s the people who serve, the people who volunteer, the people who build partnerships, and, most importantly, the Veterans and families who continue to strengthen our community. We are honored to support them.

— Rick Walk

Learn More

To find out more about the LVSH, you can watch Brian’s August 11 Council presentation, visit their webpage, or follow their Facebook page.

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

Thank You for Your Service, Councilmember Dunning

The City of Lacey extends its sincere appreciation to Councilmember Nicolas Dunning for his service to our community. During his time on the City Council, he brought his perspective, energy, and commitment to the work of local government and the Lacey community.

Serving on City Council is a significant commitment, requiring time, thoughtful consideration, and a willingness to listen to the diverse perspectives of our community. We are grateful for the time Councilmember Nic Dunning dedicated to serving his neighbors and contributing to the work of the City.

On behalf of the City Council and the Lacey community, thank you, Nic, for your service and dedication to Lacey. We wish you all the best in the next chapter ahead.

NEWS & UPDATES

Council Recognizes Overdose Awareness Day in Lacey

During the August 18 Council Meeting, the City proclaimed August 31, 2026, as Overdose Awareness Day to honor the lives lost to overdose, support those in recovery, and raise awareness about the impact of substance use disorders in our community.

This recognition is a reminder that overdoses can affect people from all walks of life, and these deaths are preventable.

The City invited Katie Strozyk, Thurston County Opioid and Overdose Response Manager, to accept the proclamation, and she shared:

"We are really fortunate in Thurston County, where within the last six years we've stood up a ton of infrastructure to help folks move across that continuum to make sure they don't lose their lives to fatal overdose... We know that when we build community, that saves lives."

We encourage anyone whose life has been impacted by a substance use disorder to call the Washington Recovery Helpline at 1-866-789-1511.

Read the full proclamation on our website.

Looking for "New-to-You" Tech Equipment? Check Out the City's Surplus Auction!

Looking for a great deal on tech equipment? The City’s online surplus auction is now open, featuring a variety of items available to the public!

This auction includes computers, laptops, monitors, and other equipment that are no longer in use but still have plenty of life left. It’s a great opportunity for community members, small businesses, and organizations to pick up useful items at a reduced cost.

Auction Closes Saturday, August 29 at 6 p.m.

You can view all items available for bidding online. Inventory is limited, so interested bidders are encouraged to check it out early and keep an eye on listings throughout the auction period.

Get an Inside Look at the Lacey Police Department: Apply for the Community Academy

The Lacey Police Department invites community members to join its six-week Lacey Police Community Academy course this fall for an inside look at police operations. Learn about hiring, criminal law, and community outreach, as well as firearms, less-lethal tools, traffic enforcement, SWAT, detectives, and evidence processing.

Classes take place on Wednesday evenings from 5:30–8:30 p.m. on Sept. 30, Oct. 7, 14, 21, 28, and Nov. 4. Please note: Participants must be able to attend all six sessions.

To apply, you must be 18 or older, live, work, or attend school in Lacey, have no felony convictions, pending criminal cases, or outstanding warrants, and sign course waivers.

Applications close Monday, Sept. 7, at midnight, and spots fill up fast, so don't wait!

APPLY NOW!

COMMUNITY EVENTS

Y2K Throwback at the Night Market!

Stroll through a vibrant marketplace filled with diverse food vendors, local artisans, and unique small businesses. Enjoy live entertainment, discover fun elements inspired by early-2000s culture and nostalgic throwbacks, and soak up a warm, welcoming atmosphere designed for guests of all ages.

Event Details:

Date: Friday, August 21
Time: 5 - 10 p.m.
Location: Lacey Depot Park (5700 Lacey Blvd SE)

Whether you’re grabbing dinner, searching for one-of-a-kind finds, or enjoying an evening with friends and family, the Lacey Night Market is the perfect place to connect with your community, support local businesses, and soak up a fun summer evening. We hope to see you there!

Before You Go: Parking Tips

Through a partnership with Saint Martin's University (SMU), you can use the field parking lot (next to the SMU baseball field) as an additional off-site parking option. Please do not park in private lots (ex: Lacey Downs Plaza). Parking in any privately owned lots puts your vehicle at risk of being towed.

Walls Looking Bare? Come to Creativity Corner!

Join us at the Lacey Museum throughout August for a fun and creative pennant-making event!

Our museum staff will guide visitors through the process of making a pennant flag. Whether you choose to honor your school colors, create an inspiring message, or dream up a unique design, we’ll show you how to put your flag together.

Visit us:

Thursdays and Fridays 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Saturdays 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

This activity is FREE and open to all ages.

Visit the Lacey Parks website for event details.

Take a Walk Down Memory Lane at the Lacey Historical Society Community Celebration

To celebrate America's 250th anniversary and Lacey's 60th, the Lacey Historical Society will host a Community Celebration to honor our local history and share stories.

View dozens of exhibits and programs, hear from former mayors at a Q&A session, meet local authors, and more!

Event Details:

Date: Tuesday, September 8
Time: 3 - 7 p.m.
Location: Lacey Community Center (6729 Pacific Ave. SE)

This is a free event open to the public. View more information at the Lacey Historical Society website.

PARTNER POSTS

Save Up to $4,000 on Heat Pumps Through Energize Thurston

Looking to make your home more energy-efficient while saving money? Energize Thurston is relaunching this month, offering Lacey residents access to exclusive discounts and financial incentives for qualifying heat pumps and heat pump water heaters.

Thurston County households that work with a program-certified installer can save more than $4,000 on qualified heat pump and heat pump water heater installations. A limited number of fully or partially subsidized installations will also be available to income-qualified households through the Energize Thurston Grant Program, which opens in October.

Energize Thurston is a partnership between the cities of Lacey, Tumwater, and Olympia, Thurston County, and South Puget Sound Habitat for Humanity.

Want to learn more? Join an online Energize Thurston educational workshop on Tuesday, August 25, at 6 p.m. Participants will meet the Energize Team and a network of certified installers, ask questions, and learn how to get started with a free home site assessment. An additional workshop series for the Energize Thurston Grant Program will be offered in fall 2026.

Can't attend? A recording will be available on demand at the end of August. Visit the Energize Thurston webpage to learn more, including eligibility and program details.

Shred It — Don't Toss It!

Are old bank statements, medical records, and credit cards taking over the junk drawer? Bring these and other documents with sensitive information to the community shred event!

Event Details:

Date: Saturday, August 22
Time: 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Location: LeMay Pacific Disposal (2904 Hogum Bay Rd NE)

This event is hosted by LeMay Mobile Shredding and Pacific Disposal. Cash donations are being collected to benefit Thurston County Kids Closet!

It's the perfect opportunity to clear out space, protect your identity, and support children in our community.

Learn more about accepted items on LeMay's Mobile Shredding website.

COUNCIL CORNER

August 18 Meeting Recap

The Lacey City Council took the following actions at the August 18, 2026, Council meeting:

Approved the following meeting minutes:
July 28, 2026, Worksession Minutes
August 3, 2026, Informational Dinner Minutes
August 3, 2026, Council Minutes
Approved the payment of claims, wages and transfers for July 27 - August 7, 2026.
Proclaimed August 31, 2026, as Overdose Awareness Day.
Reappointed Kevin Wyckoff to the Historical Commission.
Appointed TJ Tenari and John Dziedzic to the Historical Commission.
Appointed Angela Christiansen to the Library Board.
Appointed Barbara Mock to the Parks, Culture, and Recreation Board.
Appointed Councilmember Turner as alternate on Regional Housing Council.
Appointed Councilmember Turner to the LEOFF1 Disability Board.
Appointed Mayor Ryder to the Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater Visitor & Convention Bureau (VCB)