On the agenda: Lakewood August 18, 2026 (Tuesday) 6:00 P.M — Automated License Plate (Aug 18)

LAKEWOOD CITY COUNCIL
SPECIAL MEETING AGENDA
Tuesday, August 18, 2026
6:00 P.M.
City of Lakewood
Council Chambers
6000 Main Street SW
Lakewood, WA 98499

Residents can virtually attend City Council
meetings by watching them live on the city’s
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https://www.youtube.com/user/cityoflakewoodwa
Those who do not have access to YouTube can call
in to listen by telephone via Zoom: Dial +1(253) 2158782 and enter meeting ID: 868 7263 2373
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CALL TO ORDER
ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION
(2)

Update of Legislative Agenda and Policy Manual.
ADJOURNMENT

Persons requesting special accommodations or language interpreters should contact the
City Clerk, 253-983-7705, as soon as possible in advance of the Council meeting so that an
attempt to provide the special accommodations can be made.

http://www.cityoflakewood.us

TO:

Mayor and City Councilmembers

FROM:

Doug Russell, City Manager

DATE:

August 18, 2026

SUBJECT:

Updating the Legislative Agenda and Policy Manuals

ATTACHMENTS:

Draft 2027 Federal Agenda, 2026 Federal Policy Agenda, 2027 State
Legislative Session Preview, Draft 2027-28 State Agenda, Guidance
Document, 2026 State Policy Manual, and 2026 County Policy Manual

As we are preparing for the start of the upcoming biennium, this meeting is being scheduled to
review our legislative priorities, primarily at the Federal and State levels.
The Johnston Group has prepared a Draft Legislative Agenda in advance of the meeting to
facilitate the discussion on Federal priorities based on past areas of focus and upcoming
opportunities. Feedback from Council will be used to alter, amend or refine this agenda.
Gordon Thomas Honeywell has prepared a 2027 Session Preview, Draft 2027-28 State Legislative
Agenda, guidance document for creating a legislative agenda. Similarly, feedback from Council
will be used to alter, amend or refine this agenda.
Adopting a Legislative Agenda for the upcoming session will provide the direction for our efforts in
the upcoming legislative session and for discussions with our elected officials.

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DRAFT 2027 Federal Agenda
City of Lakewood
August 11, 2026
This draft document is presented in advance of the City’s legislative retreat to discuss an agenda for the
City’s 2027 federal priorities. It will be refined using Council and City Staff feedback and presented as a
final to Council for adoption at a future point.
City of Lakewood 2027 Federal Agenda for Discussion
1. Bring Federal Funding to the City of Lakewood for the Fort Steilacoom Community Center
Project
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Lobby for the $3,200,00 in funding for the Lakewood Fort Steilacoom Project currently
funded in the FY’27 House Transportation Appropriations bill for $500,000 by Rep.
Marilyn Strickland and requested for $3,200,000 by Senator Cantwell in the Senate
Transportation Appropriations bill.
Coordinate with delegation about the funding in any final budget bill.
Track the Notice of Funding Availability for the award in 2027 and coordinate with
delegation to swiftly obtain the funds and meet grant contracting requirements.
Begin to evaluate the next federal funding request with city staff.

2. Consider a BUILD construction grant for the City’s Downtown / Green Loop Project
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The City was awarded an $850,000 RAISE Planning grant in 2024 to evaluate the Green
Loop Project. That planning process is anticipated to be complete in late 2026 and the
City may choose to pursue a BUILD construction grant in 2027.
BUILD construction grants can be as much as $25 million and need comprehensive
coordination with the congressional delegation for success.
BUILD grants are likely to be due at the end of February / early March 2027.

3. Support federal funding for additional regional projects and federal programs
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I-5 Nisqually River Bridge Project
Defense Community Infrastructure Program
FEMA Pre-Disaster Mitigation Grant Program
Community Development Block Grant Program
HOME Investment Partnership Program

4. Support the Appropriations Language that would prevent grant funding from being controlled
by political appointees rather than agency professional staff

Mailing Address: 2400 NW 80th St., #191, Seattle, WA 98117

Phone: (206) 240-3133

Web:

johnstongr.com
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The Trump Administration has proposed far reaching changes to federal contracting for
all grantmaking agencies that would put political appointees in charge of grant awards
and ensure that grant recipients align with Administration policy priorities.
This effort has been blocked by the Courts and language was included in the short-term
funding package passed by Congress to block this proposed rule from taking effect until
December.
This proposed rule would significantly disadvantage cities like Lakewood from obtaining
federal funding.

5. Support federal funding opportunities without onerous restrictions and tax policy goals
benefitting the City of Lakewood
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Continue to support congressional earmarking authority for public entities.
Protect federal grant funding from discriminatory and restrictive requirements pushed
via Executive Orders that would make federal funding contingent upon recipients
eliminating any programs intended to promote diversity, equity and inclusion policies
and complying with Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials, among other policy
agenda goals.
Lobby for preserving and expanding the New Markets Tax Credit, the Opportunity Zones
Tax Credit, the Affordable Housing Tax Credit and the State and Local Sales Tax
Deduction. These policies, in addition to policies that would negatively value municipal
bonding authority, remain under debate in Congress and the City should advocate for
strong municipal authority and tax credits that facilitate economic development and
meet our region’s critical housing needs.

6. Obtain Additional Small and Medium Sized City Set Asides in Federal Grant Programs
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Continue to collaborate with other Washington cities in support of language in the
Federal Transportation Reauthorization bill which expires in 2026 and needs to be
reauthorized or extended.
Continue to coordinate with delegation – especially Rep. Strickland who serves on the
House Transportation Committee and Senator Cantwell who serves on the Senate
committee of jurisdiction - about the legislative effort to support this policy goal.

7. Delegation Meetings
A key part of our engagement moving forward will be to build on the relationships already in
place between the City of Lakewood and its Congressional Delegation. This may include
meetings in Washington, D.C. between the city and its delegation as well as other federal
agencies and offices. We will also meet locally with district-based congressional staff and
elected officials. It is possible that some of these meetings take place via videoconference as
well as in person.
The City of Lakewood has a deep interest in an array of other federal policy issue areas that are in
alignment with the City’s core values. The City may communicate at any time to the delegation about
any policies in these areas that are under legislative consideration, align with delegation priorities and
meet community concerns.

Mailing Address: 2400 NW 80th St., #191, Seattle, WA 98117

Phone: (206) 240-3133

Web:

johnstongr.com

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City of Lakewood, Washington

2026 Federal
Policy Agenda
Adopted October 20th, 2025

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Lakewood City Council Vision Statement:
“Lakewood is a thriving, urban, South Puget Sound City,
possessing the core values of family, community, education,
economic prosperity, and the equitable delivery of municipal
services. We will advance these values by recognizing our past,
taking action in the present, and pursuing a dynamic future.”

Lakewood City Council
Jason Whalen, Mayor
Mary Moss, Deputy Mayor
Ryan Pearson, Councilmember
Paul Bocchi, Councilmember
Patti Belle, Councilmember
Michael Brandstetter, Councilmember
Trestin Lauricella, Councilmember
Contact Information
JAKE JOHNSTON, JOHNSTON GROUP
[email protected]
(206) 240-3133

DOUG RUSSELL, CITY MANAGER
[email protected]
(253) 983-7703

MICHAEL VARGAS, ASST. TO THE CITY
MANAGER/POLICY ANALYST
[email protected]
(253) 983-7717

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Introduction

The City of Lakewood has established a productive and trusted relationship
with its congressional delegation over the past many years. The result is a
delegation that actively partners with the City in support of shared goals,
whether they be funding for critical infrastructure and economic
development, or offering legislative language to modify Department of
Defense policies or funding allocations from Department of Transportation
grant programs. The City thanks the congressional delegation for securing
improvements for the Lakewood community over the years.
2025 Accomplishments
The City continued its track record of partnering with its congressional
delegation in 2025.
Following the City’s successful support for a $1 million award to the LASA
Campus Project in 2023, the City was awarded a 2024 $1.1 million RAISE
Planning Grant for the “Green Street Loop” project in the Downtown Subarea.
This funding completes 30% project design for an updated motorized and nonmotorized transportation network in the downtown area, a critical first step in
implementing the City’s vision of a modern downtown core. This
transformative planning project was championed by Congresswoman Marilyn
Strickland, Senator Patty Murray, and Senator Maria Cantwell.
The City also continues to build support with its congressional delegation and
congressional committees to support policies that would streamline the
purchasing of private land for compliance with military safety buffer zones
with the Department of Defense and other policies that would positively
impact the issue of North Clear Zone encroachment.
Additionally, the City continues to lead on the issue of creating a medium sized
city set aside for federal discretionary grant programs funded through the
Department of Transportation. Earlier this year, Lakewood partnered with
Bothell and Shoreline to draft and send a letter to Congress cosigned by 36
Washington cities to request a medium sized city set aside in the next
Transportation Authorization bill.
2026 Policy Opportunities
The City has identified a number of infrastructure and housing needs to
prioritize in 2026 that would impact the community.
Congress and the Trump Administration are making budget cuts – and in
some cases outright eliminating – many of the federal programs of importance
to the City of Lakewood. Our efforts in 2026 will be to play defense and work
with our delegation to highlight the importance of programs and funding and
how it is being used in our community. These programs (e.g. CDBG funding,
the Affordable Housing Tax Credit and Veterans services) are of critical
importance to Lakewood.
Congress continues to make funding awards – colloquially known as earmarks
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– available to meritorious public projects. Lakewood will be bringing an
earmark request forward to the delegation, potentially regarding a major
capital facility project that will serve the community. The likely amount of the
request will be approximately $3.5M
In 2025, Congress began hearings on the reauthorization of the Transportation
bill, which is expected to be before congress in 2026. Lakewood’s biggest
priority in this bill is the expansion of the medium sized city set aside to all
federal infrastructure grant programs and will be working with Rep. Rick
Larsen (ranking member, House Transportation Committee), Senator Maria
Cantwell (Chair, Senate Commerce committee with jurisdiction over
transportation) and the state congressional delegation to move this agenda
forward. All of Lakewood’s congressional delegation (Senators Murray and
Cantwell, Congresswoman Strickland) support the City’s policy goals in this
regard.
Additionally, the City will partner with local, regional and state entities in
support of a multi-year plan to secure significant federal support for the
Nisqually Interstate 5 replacement project. The City also supports the
continuation and funding of the Bureau of Justice Assistance grant for
therapeutic courts, which the City has leveraged for its own community court.
Last, the City will continue efforts to change the Defense Community
Infrastructure Program (DCIP) project eligibility to prioritize transportation
projects, as several transportation projects around the City that improve
military preparedness would benefit from DCIP funding access.
Congressional Delegation Opportunities
Lakewood’s Congressional Delegation is extraordinarily well positioned to help
the City in terms of committee assignments and seniority.
Congresswoman Strickland serves on the Transportation Committee and the
Armed Services Committee with jurisdiction over JBLM and whose Ranking
Member, Congressman Adam Smith, is also from Washington State. Senator
Murray is the Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Committee.
Senator Cantwell is the Ranking Member of the Senate Commerce
Committee with jurisdiction over a majority of transportation policy.
From a statewide perspective, Washington State has two members on the
Appropriations Committee, three on the Transportation Committees and two
on the Armed Services Committee.
Strategy
Lakewood’s congressional delegation knows the Lakewood community’s
needs, as well as the City’s funding and policy priorities. The City’s legislative
effort in 2026 will be to continue to drive major policy changes within the
Department of Defense and the Department of Transportation and bring
federal funding to City needs. The City’s objective will be a sustained
partnership with the federal government to bring federal funding into the City
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to support economic, infrastructure, housing, and environmental priorities.
The 2026 scope of work builds on the City’s latest legislative efforts and
continues to build support in 2026 and for longer-term initiatives in the years
ahead. Additionally, the City will follow the work being done by partner
agencies and organizations and will levy support when and where
appropriate. Some of these organizations include the Association of
Washington Cities, the Association of Defense Communities, the Puget Sound
Regional Council and Pierce County, among others

Policy Priorities
1) Bringing federal funding to the City’s top infrastructure
priorities
Background: As Members of Congress restored earmarking authority in 2021,
the City has ample opportunity to position its priority projects for federal
support. In 2022, the City secured $2.5 million to complete the South Tacoma
Way project and has led the federal lobbying for funding for the LASA project
in Lakewood – a project that has secured $1 million in 2023.
Action: The City’s work in 2026 will be to use the established earmark rules
and regulations to revisit the City’s capital projects and position them for
federal support. The City will make a decision about which projects to put
forward from the transportation, economic development, watershed
infrastructure and community development areas. With four years of
earmarks to review and the successful positioning of the South Tacoma Way
Project and the LASA project for funding, the City of Lakewood can continue
to put needed projects forward for federal funding with a keen
understanding of which projects compete well for congressional
consideration. At this time, the City is likely to put forward a federal funding
request for a major capital facility project that will serve the community.
Additionally, the City will partner with local, regional and state entities in
support of a multi-year plan to secure significant federal support for the
Nisqually Interstate 5 replacement project.

2) Supporting the ongoing efforts in the North Clear Zone
Background: The South Sound Military and Community Partnership (SSMCP)
has been the driving leader in supporting the Air Force and Army funding the
acquisition of property in the JBLM North Clear Zone. The City has
successfully secured legislative language with its congressional delegation to
clarify the appropriate use of federal dollars. Despite multiple round of
increasingly clarifying language, the property acquisition process at the Army

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remains burdensome, unable to meet the specific property relocation needs
of the business in the McChord Field Clear Zone and too slow to meet market
conditions. The delegation is aligned with the city is support of changes to
this process and continues to champion improvements in partnership with
the City and SSMCP.
Action: The City will continue to lobby for funding and policy support for this
effort. The House and Senate Armed Services Committees are both watching
the work being done at the North Clear Zone at JBLM and engaged with the
City in terms of making changes to support the resolution of the North Clear
Zone.

3) Defense Community Infrastructure Program (DCIP)
Background: In 2018, Congress included the creation of the Defense
Community Infrastructure Program (DCIP) in the Defense Authorization bill
with an initial authorization of $100 million for the program. This program was
the result of a multiple-year effort led by the City of Lakewood and pushed by
former Congressman Denny Heck with the support of Congressman Derek
Kilmer and Congressman Adam Smith. This new federal initiative created a
new funding program for the Department of Defense to help cities construct
infrastructure that serves military installation.
Congress failed to fund the program in 2018 but we were able to get $50
million appropriated in 2019 to establish the program and support the first
round of grants. As 2020 unfolded, the Office of Local Defense Community
Cooperation (OLDCC, formerly known as the Office of Economic Assessment)
established the DCIP with an emphasis on projects that enhanced military
quality of life and de-emphasized infrastructure.
In 2021, Lakewood successfully lobbied for an increase in the amount of
funding available to $60 million and successfully re-prioritized infrastructure
in the grant award criteria. This is key to the City’s strategy of using the DCIP
to fund the infrastructure improvements needed to connect JBLM North with
the main base.
Thanks to the City’s steadfast efforts, in 2023 the DCIP funding grew to
its fully authorized amount of $100 million and has a dedicated title for
infrastructure-specific projects. The City successfully supported
Lakewood Water District’s DCIP funding request for addressing PFAS
contamination from JBLM migrating into the City’s aquifers.
Action: In 2026, the City will continue to support the fully authorized amount
of funding for DCIP, and re-prioritization of infrastructure/transportation
projects and look for specific projects within the City that might be strong fits
for this program.

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4) Defending Federal Programs and Funding that Support
the City of Lakewood
Background: Congress and President Trump have strongly supported
dramatic budget cuts and program revisions in their first year of control.
While the final outcome of these efforts are not yet known as the Federal
Budget has not been finalized at the time of this writing, we know that many
programs important to Lakewood are on the chopping block and in need of
strong municipal support.
Action: The City will inventory its federal funding through important programs
like the Community Development Block Grant program, the HOME program,
the Byrne Law Enforcement program and the Affordable Housing Tax Credits
and Opportunity Zone programs, among others. This inventory will be shared
with the delegation and the City will develop stories and impact data for the
value of these funds and how they are critical to the Lakewood community.

5) Protecting Federal Grant Funding from Discriminatory
and Restrictive Requirements
Background: In 2025, President Trump has issued a series of Executive
Orders that would make federal funding contingent upon recipients
eliminating any programs intended to promote diversity, equity and
inclusion policies, among other policy agenda goals. This has led to federal
departments issuing grant agreement amendments changing the terms of
previously awarded funds as well as any new grant program funding.
The legal authority of this is currently before the courts, most relevant to
Lakewood in the pending King County v. Turner litigation. Congress is also
developing additional guardrails to restore the authority of the legislative
branch over federal spending. Both of these efforts are ongoing and of direct
relevance to Lakewood.
Action: The City will carefully monitor both the lawsuits and the federal
appropriations language to inform the policies surrounding any future federal
funding for the City of Lakewood with the goal of not encumbering any federal
funding with extraneous policy goals that would harm the Lakewood
community.

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6) Medium Sized City Set Aside
Background: Most federal infrastructure spending has a rural set aside which
is critical for smaller communities to be able to access federal dollars. There is
no comparable medium sized city set aside. Instead, medium sized cities
compete against large cities like Seattle, Portland and Los Angeles for limited
resources. Medium sized cities need a defined pool to compete within so as
to make federal funds available in a way that simply aren’t in their current
status.
The RAISE program is the key federal funding program for local infrastructure
investments. Yet, all cities compete within the same funding pool, putting
smaller and medium sized cities at a competitive disadvantage for funding
even as the transit and commuter challenges are similar to those of larger
communities. There are efforts in Congress to create funding tiers so that
cities of similar size can compete for federal funds. The City has supported
efforts to designate a portion of federal transportation spending for cities
between 10,000 and 75,000 in population size. In 2021, the RAISE grant criteria
was changed so that half of all funding in the program went to cities below
200,000 in population size. While the City appreciates and supports this
action, its puts all but three cities in Washington State in the same
competitive pool and is not a true medium sized city set aside.
The issue applies beyond the RAISE program. With dozens of new and
augmented federal grant programs for cities funded in the Infrastructure and
Climate bills, ensuring these funds are accessible to medium sized cities is a
top priority.
As for proof as to why this set aside is needed, since the RAISE program,
formerly known as the BUILD or TIGER, was created in 2009 through 2021, not
a single award was made to a city in Washington State between 10,000 and
75,000 in population size.
In 2022, there were signs that this legislative effort is seeing results. Of the six
RAISE grant awards made in Washington State, two awards went to medium
sized cities (Lynnwood and Bothell). This progress is a result of the work done
by many Washington State cities and sets a good precedent for us to
continue to refine population tiers for grant funding. In 2023, the City of
Shoreline was awarded $20 million through the RAISE program.
In 2023, the City submitted an unsuccessful RAISE Planning Grant but had
excellent and insightful feedback from USDOT about our application. As a
result, the City resubmitted the grant in 2024 and was awarded $1.1 million.
Action: The City will continue to lobby for a portion of federal infrastructure
dollars be set aside for medium sized cities and expand the request beyond
the RAISE / BUILD program to all federal infrastructure grant programs. This
policy position is consistent with the work the City has been doing for years
and is supported broadly by similar sized cities throughout the state.
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7) Continuation of Earmark Authority
Action: Congress reinstated its earmarking authority in 2021 and the City
should continue to support the use of congressionally-directed spending in
2026 and beyond with full transparency and conflict of interest checks.

Community Economic Development Policies
8) Community Development Block Grants (CDGB) and the
Home Investment Partnership Program (HOME)
Background: The City of Lakewood uses Community Development Block
Grant (CDBG) and Home Investment Partnership Program (HOME) funding
to support local initiatives that benefit the City’s vulnerable population.
Funding in the CDBG program increased by 30% in 2018 after falling to a
decade low in 2016 and had been holding steady at that rate since then with
cuts anticipated in 2025 and 2026.
The CDBG program was used by Congress extensively as a distribution
mechanism for federal relief funding for the COVID pandemic. However,
those program increases in the CDBG budget are temporary and responsive
to the pandemic – not permanent increases in the program.
Action: The City will continue to support the CDBG and HOME program at
the federal level and lobby for increased funding that could be put to use in
Lakewood immediately.

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9) Support for Municipal Tax Policy
Background: Congress has adjusted various tax policies that have a direct
impact on the City of Lakewood, including the New Markets Tax Credit, The
Opportunity Zone Tax Credit, the Affordable Housing Tax Credit and the State
and Local Sales Tax Deduction. These policies, in addition to policies that
would negatively value municipal bonding authority, remain under debate in
Congress and the City should advocate for strong municipal authority and
tax credits that facilitate economic development and meet our region’s
critical housing needs
Action: The City will advocate for strong municipal authority and tax credits
that facilitate economic development and meet the region’s critical housing
needs

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What to Expect: 2027 Session Preview
The 2027 legislative session will mark the beginning of a new legislative biennium. The state
operates on a two-year cycle, with 2027 being the first year of the biennium. The session will begin
on January 11, 2027, and is a “long session” scheduled to last 105 consecutive calendar days.
Overview
Following the 2026 session, several legislators announced they will not seek re-election and will
conclude their positions in the Legislature when their term expires on December 31st of this year.
Additionally, all members in the House of Representatives and half of the members in the Senate
are up for election. Given these changes, it is expected that there will be over a dozen new
legislators next session.
It is likely that Democrats will continue to hold a majority in both the House of Representatives and
the State Senate. After the November elections, the Legislature will conduct a reorganization
process where leadership positions, committee chairs and ranking members, and committee
assignments are determined.
Budget Realities/Budget Development
The 2027 Legislature will develop the 2027-29 state biennial operating, capital, and transportation
budgets (July 1, 2027-June 30, 2029). It is expected to be challenging and may dominate
discussions throughout the legislative session.
As part of the development of the 2026 Supplemental Budgets, the Office of Financial Management
(OFM) issued its 2027–29 budget instructions with Budget Director K.D. Chapman-See warning
agencies to prepare for what is likely the most challenging budget in recent memory, including
significant shortfalls in both the operating and transportation budgets. The capital budget continues
to be the most stable budget of the three and continues to offer funding opportunities for community
needs. She cautioned that this year's revenue forecasts probably won't sustain current programs, let
alone expansions, and that a "business as usual" approach won't be enough.
To begin the budget development process, state agencies are directed to focus requests on
mandatory increases only, pause and avoid new programs, scrutinize spending added since
January 2019, and submit significant, ongoing reduction options, with budget requests due to OFM
by September 14, 2026. OFM attributes the squeeze to inflation (about 39% over the past decade),
14.2% population growth from 2015–2025, federal funding cuts, economic uncertainty, and costly
court decisions, and it warned agencies not to count on new millionaire's-tax revenue, which won't
arrive until 2029 and faces legal and ballot challenges.
The Governor will release his budget in mid-December, and the Legislature will begin its budget
deliberations throughout the legislative session.
2027 Legislature: Recommendations on Funding Requests
Below are some broad guidance/considerations for funding requests for the 2027 session.
Operating Budget: Funding is extremely limited. Requests within this budget must support
programmatic or operational needs (e.g., staffing, technology), with expenditures completed by June
30, 2029. Any request must be funded through a state agency.
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Capital Budget: This remains the most stable budget. Competitive 2027 requests should be in the
$1 million range and should have strong community buy-in/be compelling to the local legislative
delegation. Requests should serve as the last dollars for a project, and the project should be
delivered by the end of 2029. Note: transportation projects are not eligible under the capital budget.
Transportation Budget: Funding remains constrained; however, transportation leaders are
discussing how best to fund transportation projects moving forward. It is recommended that you
highlight current projects that have received funds to ensure they are not “unfunded” and outline
future needs, while setting realistic expectations that funding may not be available this session.
Emerging Policy Topics
The list below highlights concepts that we expect will be discussed during the 2027 session. This is
not an exhaustive list; if you are aware of a topic being discussed or of interest, please let us know.
We do expect this list to evolve and grow over the coming months.
Budget & Finance:
Local Government Fiscal Health: The Association of Washington Cities is prioritizing fiscal health
for the 2027 session. Short-term, the Association intends to advocate for the $200 million planned to
be allocated to the City and County Fiscal Health Account, to offset the impacts of eliminating sales
taxes on diapers, personal care products, over-the-counter drugs. The Association will advocate that
the funding be made permanent and increase over time, and will recommend appropriate distribution
formulas. If the millionaire’s tax is overturned in court then this issue will be moot; however if the
initiative being circulated for signature is approved, then the sales and use tax exemptions will go
into effect even if the millionaire’s tax is overturned.
In addition to advocating for the above short-term need, the Association is launching an effort to
support broader efforts to reform the city tax code to make it more sustainable in years to come. The
Legislature is not likely to advance a proposal to remove the 1% cap on property tax levy growth
unless public sentiment around property taxes shifts.
State-Shared Revenues: During challenging budget times, the state has a tendency to reduce
state-shared revenues. To see the amount of revenue the state shares with your city, use this link
from MRSC: https://mrsc.org/explore-topics/finance/state-federal-funds/shared-revenue-estimator.
Additionally, AWC is considering an effort to increase the amount of funding allocated to the
municipal criminal justice assistance account.
LEOFF 1 Health Care Costs: In 2026, the Legislature approved House Bill 2034, which transferred
$3.3 billion in surplus from the LEOFF 1 account and merged LEOFF 1 and LEOFF 2. This proposal
is being challenged in Court. However, if upheld, within the proposal the Legislature directed studies
on potential state assumption of local disability-board administration and retiree medical-care
liabilities. Legislators have continued to express interest in covering the costs of LEOFF 1 medical
costs, which cities are currently responsible for.
B&O Margins Tax/Corporate Income Tax: House Finance Committee Chair, Rep. April Berg, is
circulating a proposal to transition the state’s B&O tax to a margins tax or a corporate income tax.
While this proposal does not propose making changes to the local B&O tax code, a change in the
state code is likely to generate longer term pressure to make similar changes to the local B&O tax
code.
Public Safety
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Prepared by Gordon Thomas Honeywell Government Relations
Shelly Helder – (360) 209-3338; [email protected]
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Modifying HB 2015 Grant Timeline: Cities have expressed interest in being able to spend grant
funds that have yet to be awarded beyond June 30, 2028.
Automated License Plate Reader Trailer Bill: There is strong interest in revising the automated
license plate reader bill (SB 6002) adopted during the 2025 legislative session, particularly as it
relates to mobile ALPRs, criminal liability for officers, and the definition of sensitive areas.
Juvenile Interrogation: Some stakeholders have expressed interest in revisiting a prior state law
change to clarify that offers are allowed to interrogate juveniles (particularly witnesses and victims)
without an attorney present. The political viability of changing this law is unlikely in 2027.
Public Defense: Prior to the beginning of the 2026 legislative session, the Washington State
Supreme Court issued new caseload standards. The 2026 Legislature failed to take any significant
action to assist local governments in complying with these new standards. The 2027 Legislature is
likely to continue to discuss how best to fund the standards and to expand the workforce to meet this
need. It is unlikely the Legislature will consider legislation that modifies the standards.
Juvenile Criminal Justice: During the 2026 legislative session, the Legislature considered House
Bill 2389, which reduces the use and length of confinement for juvenile offenders by expanding
eligibility for community-based alternatives and creating additional opportunities for early release.
The bill is likely to be reconsidered in 2027 and is a point of debate in many of the Democrat-onDemocrat candidates' races occurring this interim.
Placement of Sexually Violent Predators (SVPs) in Community: Legislation is likely to be
considered in 2027 regarding the placement of SVPs in least restrictive alternative (LRA) housing. In
recent months, several placements have caused community concern over the lack of accountability
and transparency in placement.
Court Unification: The Legislature established a Court Unification Task Force to conduct a
comprehensive review of the current court structure and evaluate whether centralizing some or all
court administration would improve access, consistency, and cost efficiency for those navigating the
legal system. The Task Force must submit a preliminary report by June 30, 2026, a final report by
June 30, 2027. Legislation is likely to come forward in either the 2027 or 2028 sessions.
Kratom Regulations: Kratom policy remains under discussion, with several proposals introduced
last session (HB 2291, SB 6196, SB 6287) outlining possible approaches to licensing, testing,
packaging, taxation, and product restrictions. Local governments are also considering their own
responses, which may continue to shape the broader policy conversation. The determination for next
session is whether policymakers move toward a consistent statewide framework and, if so, what
form that framework would take.
Land Use/Permit Issues
Land Use: The Legislature will continue considering proposals aimed at increasing housing supply
through changes in how cities implement land use codes and permitting. There are several
proposals from 2026 likely to return: 1) Mandate to allow mobile dwelling units on all lots (House Bill
1443), 2) Efforts to streamline subdivision processes by changing the thresholds for short
subdivisions (House Bill 2702). Additionally, legislators and stakeholders have mentioned concepts
such as capping impact fees, further reducing permit timelines, and expanding urban growth areas.
Annexation: The Legislature is likely to consider legislation related to annexation – both the
extension of the annexation sales tax credit, and what development regulations should be in place in
potential annexation areas.
3

Prepared by Gordon Thomas Honeywell Government Relations
Shelly Helder – (360) 209-3338; [email protected]
17

House Bill 1220 Clean Up: House Bill 1220 (E2SHB 1220, Laws of 2021, ch. 254) updated the
Growth Management Act to require local governments to “plan for and accommodate” housing
affordable to all income levels, but recent Growth Management Hearings Board decisions have
created uncertainty about whether this is only a planning and land-capacity obligation or whether
cities must also fund, subsidize, or guarantee affordable housing production, particularly for very-low
and extremely-low-income households. This ambiguity is difficult for cities because local affordable
housing funding tools are limited and uneven. A clean-up bill could clarify that HB 1220 requires
honest planning, realistic capacity analysis, and identification of funding gaps without imposing an
unfunded mandate on cities to build or finance housing at every income level.
Pre-Approved Plans: Legislation is expected to put forward pre-approved plans for ADUs and other
housing types that would be allowed in all jurisdictions.
Housing/Homelessness
Affordable Housing Funding: There will continue to be a push for the Legislature to fund
affordable housing through the state’s Housing Trust Fund. Additionally, the Legislature will likely
continue considering new revenue sources for affordable housing; however, their political viability
remains uncertain. Some of the proposals we are likely to see again include:
•
•
•

Allowing local governments to impose a tax on short-term rentals (House Bill 2559),
Authorizing all jurisdictions to seek voter approval for an additional 0.25% real estate excise
tax, similar to authority currently available to San Juan County (House Bill 1480), and
Allowing local governments to waive local sales and use taxes on affordable housing
construction (House Bill 1717).

New Housing State Agency: In December 2025, Governor Ferguson signed Executive Order 2512, creating the Washington State Task Force on the establishment of a Department of Housing.
The Task Force must deliver a final report to the Governor and Legislature by November 15, 2026,
and is likely to recommend legislation authorizing the new state agency; however, given the state’s
fiscal challenges, it is unclear what this authorization will look like.
Requiring Funded Inclusionary Zoning: The Washington Legislature is anticipated to consider a
proposal similar to what Oregon adopted in 2026, requiring that cities offset the costs to developers
of complying with inclusionary zoning requirements. A specific bill proposal is not yet available.
Connecting Housing to Infrastructure Program (CHIP): There is interest in expanding the
Connecting Housing to Infrastructure Program (CHIP) to fund ADA improvements and sidewalks
associated with affordable housing development, and to ask for the amount of funding to the account
to be $125 million.
Encampments in Public Right of Way: House Bill 2489, sponsored by Rep. Mia Gregerson (DSeaTac), prohibits cities, code cities, and counties from enforcing ordinances that criminalize or
penalize life-sustaining activities in public spaces by people experiencing homelessness unless
adequate alternative shelter space is available. The bill was approved by the House Housing
Committee but did not advance further in the legislative process. Despite not passing, the proposal
generated significant attention and opposition. Each year this policy is introduced and debated, it
draws substantial interest from local governments, advocacy groups, and legislators due to its
potential impact on cities’ ability to manage public spaces and address encampments within the
public right-of-way.
Land Value Tax: Washington’s current property tax structure can make it less costly to hold vacant
or underused urban land than to invest in new buildings. One potential solution to this imbalance
Prepared by Gordon Thomas Honeywell Government Relations
Shelly Helder – (360) 209-3338; [email protected]
18

4

would be a land value tax which would shift more of the property tax burden onto land and less onto
buildings. Because Washington’s constitution restricts taxing land and buildings at different rates,
the proposed approach would instead exempt some building value from property taxes and raise the
overall rate enough to keep city revenue unchanged.
A recent report from the Center for Land Economics used the City of Spokane as a test subject and
the findings suggest this revenue-neutral shift could increase taxes on vacant lots and speculative
land holdings while leaving most single-family homeowners with little change or modest reductions,
with larger reductions in lower-income and more racially diverse neighborhoods. Apartment buildings
and other higher-value structures could also see tax reductions, potentially improving the economics
of new housing construction. City of Spokane elected officials, with collaboration from the Center for
Land Economics and Sightline Institute, began workshopping legislation last year with Rep. Nataha
Hill (D-Spokane). The Vibrant Cities Act would allow Washington cities to adopt this new model as a
tool to discourage land speculation, support homebuilding and local economic development, and
return more community-created land value to public use.
Transportation
Sustainable Transportation Revenue: Rising fuel efficiency and the growth of electric vehicles are
reducing gas tax revenues. Because the gas tax is the state’s primary transportation funding source,
this decline creates a structural gap between expected revenues and ongoing obligations. In
response, the Legislature has explored alternatives, including a Road Usage Charge (RUC).
However, the RUC has faced significant opposition and legitimate concerns about high collection
costs. Another approach that seems likely to gain more traction this session is a “higher user fee,” a
flat charge based on a vehicle’s manufacturer-rated fuel efficiency. From a city perspective, any new
funding model must preserve revenue sharing. As of July 1, 2026, the state’s gas tax is 56.5 cents
per gallon. Of that amount, cities receive 3.11 cents per gallon and a flat amount that is identified
each biennium and distributed on a per capita basis.
Transportation Benefit District Vehicle License Fee: The Legislature is likely to reconsider
Senate Bill 6262, which increased the maximum weight of vehicles subject to a transportation
benefit district fee from 6,000 pounds to 9,000 pounds. Cities that have imposed vehicle license fees
have supported this proposal.
E-Motos: In 2026, the Legislature directed the Department of Licensing to convene a workgroup of
stakeholders to submit an interim report with recommendations and draft legislation defining "emoto" to the Legislature and Governor by December 15, 2026, with a final report due by October 31,
2027. Pending the interim recommendations, legislation may be introduced in 2027 with a state
definition of E-Motos.
Route Jurisdiction Transfers: A one-size-fits-all statewide policy for road jurisdiction transfers is
unlikely to be successful and it appears that case-by-case solutions for major projects is more
necessary. Possible alternatives such as neutral dispute resolution, better front-end planning for
transferred assets, and targeted funding or maintenance support rather than broad legislative review
are actively being discussed. The key question for next session is whether a narrower, more flexible
framework could address local concerns while still helping a growing number of affected cities.
Sidewalk Utility: The Joint Transportation Committee released a study that Washington’s 24,200
miles of sidewalks include major gaps, and current grant funding is insufficient to address them,
especially given ADA retrofit costs and legal constraints. Several cities are interested in pursuing
authorization of a sidewalk utility; however, the legal pitfalls of such a proposal are likely to result in
the Legislature authorizing a pilot/test case, rather than broad authorization.
5

Prepared by Gordon Thomas Honeywell Government Relations
Shelly Helder – (360) 209-3338; [email protected]
19

Infrastructure
Public Works Assistance Account: The Legislature has a history of removing funding from the
Public Works Assistance Account – a grant and loan program for infrastructure projects. AWC and
others will advocate that the program continue to be funded.
Nutrient Regulations: Department of Ecology is considering wastewater treatment plant regulations
that will prompt significant investment in wastewater plants located in the Puget Sound. To comply,
jurisdictions will need to secure significant state and federal funds, or they will need to significantly
increase utility rates.
Culvert Funding: The State and Tribal governments have been participating in a mediation on how
best to proceed forward in meeting the state’s legal mandate to make all state-owned culverts fish
passable. As details of that mediation become known, it’s likely the Legislature will consider
proposals to fund or advance the mediation. This may have an impact on how local culverts are
prioritized/funded.
Water, Natural Resources, Environment
Water Proposals: On May 6, 2026, Governor Bob Ferguson and the Washington State Department
of Ecology announced the launch of Washington’s Water Future, a statewide initiative aimed at
strengthening long-term water supply resiliency. Ecology will convene a series of regional
roundtables with stakeholders to identify challenges and solutions. Feedback from these discussions
will inform water supply policy recommendations that Ecology will submit to the Governor ahead of
the 2027 legislative session.
Plastic Bag/Product Stewardship: There are several bills from 2026 related to environmental
stewardship that are likely to return in 2027. Regarding plastics, House Bill 2233, which would have
expanded the restrictions on the use of plastic carryout bags and House Bill 2271, which would have
established new thresholds for post-consumer recycled content for plastic products. Neither bill
made it out of the House of origin though and both are expected to return in 2027. Product
stewardship for textiles (House Bill 1420) and bottles (House Bill 1607) also both failed after their
second year of being considered.
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for Hazardous Waste: Earlier in 2026, the House
Environment and Energy Committee heard a presentation on household hazardous waste,
highlighting that there is a limited number of collection sites in the state, and outlined interest in the
state adopting extended product stewardship for these substances. King County indicated that they
are working with stakeholders on legislation for 2027. Vermont recently enacted EPR for household
hazardous waste.
General Government
Public Records: Several jurisdictions have raised the issue of public records. The 2027 Legislature
is more likely to consider additional exemptions to the PRA to protect the privacy and safety of
individuals than it is to consider reforms to reduce costs to cities. Some proposals would be ensuring
that body camera footage that is being posted to YouTube is not released to protect victims, and
ensuring that current law related to bot requests applies to requests being automatically generated
by artificial intelligence.
Liability: State and local liability costs will continue to be discussed in 2027. The Legislature
allocated $50,000 to the Office of the Administrative Hearings for the purpose of exploring,
reviewing, and considering options to improve existing systems and processes related to
6

Prepared by Gordon Thomas Honeywell Government Relations
Shelly Helder – (360) 209-3338; [email protected]
20

adjudicating claims for tortious conduct against the state or its political subdivisions. A report from
this committee is due November 1, 2026 to inform proposals in 2027.
Tourism Promotion Area Fee Extension: Tourism Promotion Areas are authorized to impose a
fee of up to $5 per hotel/motel room to fund destination marketing organizations. The authority to
impose $3 of that $5 fee is set to sunset on July 1, 2027. The Legislature will consider legislation
making the authority to the full $5 per room fee permanent.
Data Center Legislation: Several cities have adopted moratoria on data centers. The Legislature is
likely to consider a statewide policy on data centers, and may discuss whether to honor local
moratoria. Legislative efforts are likely to build on HB 2515 from last session, which did not include a
preemption clause.
Collective Bargaining/AI: House Bill 1622 would have required public employers to bargain over
the decision to adopt artificial intelligence tools. This issue is being discussed as part of collective
bargaining agreements; it’s unclear whether this is resolved through those discussions or whether it
returns as a bill in 2027.

7

Prepared by Gordon Thomas Honeywell Government Relations
Shelly Helder – (360) 209-3338; [email protected]
21

2027-28 City of Lakewood State Legislative Agenda
Community Partnership Program at Western State Hospital
- Request continuation of $640,000 to operate the program only or also
pursue legislation to make it statutory?
- Coordination with City of Medical Lake

Capital Budget Request: 28th Legislative District
Options to Consider:
- H- Barn
- Camp Murray Waterfront Access

Capital Budget Request: 29th Legislative District
No ideas to date

Transportation Budget Request
Option to Consider
- Bridgeport Road Multimodal Improvements
- I-5 Nisqually River Delta (along with SSMCP)

Policy Request
Options to Consider
- Public Defense funding
- Less Restrictive Alternative Placements

Douglas Russell, City of Lakewood City Manager | 253-983-7703 | [email protected]
Michael Vargas, Asst. to the City Manager/Policy Analyst | 253-983-7717 | [email protected]
Shelly Helder, Gordon Thomas Honeywell Government Relations | 360-209-3338 | [email protected]
22

City of Lakewood
Preparing for the 2027 Legislative Session

23

1

AGENDA
PRIOR SUCCESSES
2027 SESSION PREVIEW
LEGISLATIVE AGENDA GUIDANCE
DRAFT LEGISLATIVE AGENDA
NEXT STEPS
24

2

PRIOR Successes
2026: $200,000 for H-Barn Silos Preservation
2025: $360,000 for Improvements at Edgewater
Park and $640,000 for Community Partnership
Program (increase from historic levels)
2023: $309,000 for FSP Improvements, $500,000 for
LASA Affordable Housing Project and $621,000 for
Community Partnership Program
2021: $258,000 for Wards Lake Park Improvements,
$258,000 for American Lake Park Improvements,
$515,000 for LASA Client Services Center, $621,000
for Community Partnership Program
25

3

2027 SESSION PREVIEW
105 DAY SESSION, 1ST
YEAR OF BIENNIUM

DEMOCRAT
MAJORITIES

COMMITTEE
CHANGES

LEADERSHIP
CHANGES

26

4

MAJOR THEMES
CONSTRAINED
BUDGETS

TAX POLICY

“JOBS PACKAGE”

AFFORDABILTIY

27

5

Guidelines
Focused (3-4 Priorities)

Include a Capital Budget request
Limited Transportation and Operating Budget Funds
Politically Feasible Policy Requests
City-centric Issues
28

6

DRAFT LEGISLATIVE
AGENDA
Community Partnership Program at Western State Hospital

Capital Budget Request: 28th Legislative District
- H Barn
- Camp Murray Waterfront Access
Capital Budget Request: 29th Legislative District
Transportation Budget Request
- Bridgeport Road Multimodal Improvements
- I-5 Nisqually River Delta (with SSMCP)
Policy Request
- Public Defense Funding
- Less Restrictive Alternative (LRA) Legislation

29

7

Next steps
Council Discussion of Legislative Priorities

Early engagement with stakeholders & legislators
Adopt Legislative Agenda
November Election
Brief State Legislators on City Priorities
30

8

Questions?

Shelly Helder

State Lobbyist
360-209-3338
[email protected]

31

9

Legislative
District 28

32

10

LD 28 & 29
Dividing
line

33

11

Developing a Successful Legislative Agenda
-

A legislative agenda should be a biennial agenda. The Legislature operates on a
two-year cycle, ideally a legislative agenda will match that cycle.

-

A legislative agenda must be focused. Legislators only have so much bandwidth.
Pick 2-3 issues that you want the delegation to take seriously. It’s okay to take
positions/express support or concerns on multiple pieces of legislation, but
legislative requests to the delegation should be very focused. Sometimes this
distinction can be accomplished with two different documents like a legislative
agenda and policy manual.

-

If possible, legislative priorities should convey a story/theme. What is the 5second one-line story? And how does each legislative agenda item fit within the
organization’s mission and/or strategic plan?

-

It’s important that legislative agenda items have full support of the Council and are
generally supported by the broader community. Don’t air dirty laundry in Olympia.

-

Have all local solutions been exhausted? It is important to try to solve issues at the
local level before asking the state for a solution. Investigate your local authority to
solve an issue, explore all possible grant opportunities, and identify partnerships or
local matching funds for all potential priorities.

-

Consider the political context. The 2027 Legislature will have many new faces,
caucuses will undergo leadership elections, legislative committees will shift, and it is
likely Democrats will continue to hold majorities in both chambers.

-

Policy Requests:
o Be specific about the problem and ideally, the preferred solution. Presenting
a preferred solution to a challenge will help legislators advance the issue. It is
important to be flexible with the solution, often policy issues can be
addressed in many ways and flexibility increases chances of success.
o Be realistic. This does not mean a request cannot be ambitious. Realistic
requests will consider the opposition to a proposed solution and will have
counter arguments. Ideally, there will be early outreach to proponents and
opponents.

-

Funding Requests:
o Make funding requests during odd-numbered years.
o Is there a benefit/nexus to the state? It is not necessary, but it helps. For
example, does it create jobs? Or advance another state policy goal like
increase housing, environment cleanup, or support behavioral health?

34

o The state prefers to be a partner, or even “last in” in funding projects, not
the sole funder. Have other funding sources been pursued? Is there a local
contribution, including taking on debt from bonds or loans, to make a high
priority project happen?
o Capital Funding Requests:
▪ $800k - $1.5 million is most competitive
▪ Project needs to be visible and have community support. Legislators
do not want to fund a project that their constituents will oppose or
don’t know about.
▪ Projects need to be ready to proceed, meaning funding will be
expended within the next 12 months.
▪ If, as often happens, the capital grant is less than the requested
amount, how can a usable product be created from fewer resources?
o Transportation Funding Requests
▪ Is there a nexus to the state? Is it a state highway or did the state
previously own the road?
▪ Are there safety concerns. The project becomes more imminent if it
is in a dangerous condition.
▪ Will completing the transportation project open an area to economic
development?
▪ Large transportation funding requests must have regional support.
▪ Has the cost of inflation been factored into the request?
Transportation funding requests have become incredibly competitive and
often take years to accomplish. They are most viable during development of a
transportation revenue package which is delivered over many biennia.
o Operating Funding Requests
▪ One-time operating funds from the state could support startup costs
for a new program, conduct a pilot program, complete a study for
which other grant funds are not available, etc.
▪ Must identify the state agency that would administer the funds; they
cannot be directly distributed to an organization or local government.
▪ In the current fiscal climate, operating budget requests will face
higher scrutiny and be challenging to secure.

35

City of Lakewood

2026 State
Legislative Policy
Manual
Adopted on October 20th, 2025
36

Lakewood City Council Vision Statement:
“Lakewood is a thriving, urban, South Puget Sound City,
possessing the core values of family, community, education,
economic prosperity, and the equitable delivery of municipal
services. We will advance these values by recognizing our past,
taking action in the present, and pursuing a dynamic future.”

Lakewood City Council
Jason Whalen, Mayor
Mary Moss, Deputy Mayor
Ryan Pearson, Councilmember
Paul Bocchi, Councilmember
Patti Belle, Councilmember
Michael Brandstetter, Councilmember
Trestin Lauricella, Councilmember
Contact Information
DOUG RUSSELL, CITY MANAGER
[email protected]
(253) 983-7703

SHELLY HELDER, GTH-GOV STATE
LOBBYIST [email protected]
(360) 209-3338

MICHAEL VARGAS, ASST. TO THE CITY
MANAGER/POLICY ANALYST
[email protected]
(253) 983-7717

37

CITY OF LAKEWOOD

State POLICY MANUAL

ADOPTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL ON October 20th, 2025

INDIGENOUS PEOPLE AND LANDS ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Every community owes its existence and vitality to generations from around
the world who contributed their hopes, dreams, and energy to making the
history which led to this moment. The City would like to recognize that we are
on the lands of the Nisqually People, and acknowledge the history of
dispossession that allowed for the growth of our community. We offer respect
to the Nisqually People and their Elders, past, present, and emerging. We
recognize our responsibility to value all people, and are committed to equitably
serving all people in our diverse community.

A STATEMENT ON EQUITY BY THE LAKEWOOD CITY
COUNCIL
The Lakewood City Council acknowledges that equity is essential to a healthy
community.
We are committed to identifying and eliminating systemic racism. We intend to lead
by example in the advancement of equity and the deliberate practice of inclusion.
The City Council commits to the following practices:

•
•
•
•
•
•

Instilling equity as a priority of policy and the delivery of services.
Enacting initiatives that support and celebrate the diversity of the community.
Ensuring equity in municipal planning.
Identifying and dismantling preconceived prejudices.
Increasing sensitivity to social norms and cultural expectations.
Pursuing justice and equity for all residents.

We recognize the critical role that city leaders have in removing barriers to
opportunity. We recognize that systemic inequality has endured, but commit that it
shall not persist. The City Council will not tolerate intolerance. It is unconscionable that
some members of our community fall victim to acts of hate. Acts of hate based upon
race, creed, ancestry, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or
socioeconomic status are unwelcome in Lakewood, Washington. The Lakewood
Police Department shall be vigilant in its investigation and prosecution of crimes of
hate. These intentional practices will inform our decision-making on policing, zoning,
capital investment and all other matters of the City Council. Our objective is to create
a more diverse, equitable and inclusive Lakewood community for all residents and we
invite all Lakewood organizations and residents to join us in this effort.

2
38

CITY OF LAKEWOOD

State POLICY MANUAL

ADOPTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL ON October 20th, 2025

Contents
INDIGENOUS PEOPLE AND LANDS ACKNOWLEDGEMENT..................................................................................2
A STATEMENT ON EQUITY BY THE LAKEWOOD CITY COUNCIL .........................................................................2
HOUSING/ HOMELESSNESS SERVICES ................................................................................................................................5
South Sound Housing Affordability Partners .................................................................................................................... 5
Quality Affordable Housing ........................................................................................................................................................ 5
Support for Homelessness Services ....................................................................................................................................... 5
Utility Connections in Support of Middle Housing Types........................................................................................... 5
COMMUNITY& ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT .................................................................................................................... 6
Economic Development Tools...................................................................................................................................................6
Tax Increment Financing (TIF) ..................................................................................................................................................6
Annexation .........................................................................................................................................................................................6
Transit Oriented Development.................................................................................................................................................7
Local Authority for Land Use and Planning.......................................................................................................................7
Need for Unique Restrictions in Air Corridors...................................................................................................................7
PARKS, RECREATION, & COMMUNITY SERVICES ......................................................................................................... 8
Edgewater Park Improvement Project ............................................................................................................................... 8
Historic Fort Steilacoom.............................................................................................................................................................. 8
H Barn Renovation at Fort Steilacoom Park......................................................................................................................9
South Puget Sound Wildlife Area ...........................................................................................................................................9
Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) Funding ....................................................................................................9
Camp Murray Boat Launch Improvements ..................................................................................................................... 10
TRANSPORTATION & INFRASTRUCTURE ..........................................................................................................................10
Clover Creek Flood Plain ............................................................................................................................................................ 10
City Right of Way ............................................................................................................................................................................ 11
I-5 South Sound Corridor Improvements........................................................................................................................... 11
Infrastructure Funding ...............................................................................................................................................................13
Limiting Additional Freight on Point Defiance Bypass (Lakeview Rail Line).................................................. 13
Future Commercial Airfields - JBLM.................................................................................................................................... 13
Stormwater & Culvert Funding............................................................................................................................................... 13
Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Stations ............................................................................................................................. 13
FINANCES ..............................................................................................................................................................................................14
Insurance Costs .............................................................................................................................................................................. 14
State-Shared Revenues ............................................................................................................................................................... 14
General Fund Revenue ............................................................................................................................................................... 14
City Financial Liability for Indigent Defense .................................................................................................................... 14
Unfunded Mandates & Other State Budget Impacts ................................................................................................. 15
PUBLIC SAFETY.................................................................................................................................................................................. 15
Public Safety .................................................................................................................................................................................... 15
Blake Response ............................................................................................................................................................................. 16
Hiring and Retention.................................................................................................................................................................... 16
Vehicular Pursuits ......................................................................................................................................................................... 16
Juvenile Crime ................................................................................................................................................................................ 17
Geographic Equity in Discharge from State Facilities ................................................................................................ 18
Protecting Residents of Adult Family Homes ................................................................................................................ 18
Body Worn Cameras .................................................................................................................................................................... 18

3
39

CITY OF LAKEWOOD

State POLICY MANUAL

ADOPTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL ON October 21st, 2024

Binding Interest Arbitration Reform ................................................................................................................................... 18
Authority to Appoint Municipal Court Judges................................................................................................................ 19
Traffic Enforcement Cameras ................................................................................................................................................. 19
Basic Law Enforcement Academy (BLEA) ........................................................................................................................ 19
Jail and Court Costs ...................................................................................................................................................................... 19
State Hospital Reentry Program ............................................................................................................................................ 20
Enhanced Services Facilities ................................................................................................................................................... 20
Acute and Long-Term Care Facilities.................................................................................................................................. 20
Civil Asset Forfeiture.................................................................................................................................................................... 20
Consolidate Traffic-Based Financial Obligations ........................................................................................................... 20
Washington State Association of Sheriffs and Police Chief’s (WASPC) – 2025 Legislative Agenda.21
GENERAL GOVERNMENT ............................................................................................................................................................ 21
Public Records & Open Meetings.......................................................................................................................................... 21
MILITARY AFFAIRS .......................................................................................................................................................................... 22
Defense Community Compatibility Account – North Clear Zone Funding ................................................... 22
Statewide Coordination for Federal Military Affairs .................................................................................................... 22
South Sound Military & Communities Partnership (SSMCP) & Joint Base Lewis- McChord ................. 22

4
40

CITY OF LAKEWOOD

State POLICY MANUAL

ADOPTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL ON October 20th, 2025

HOUSING/ HOMELESSNESS SERVICES
South Sound Housing Affordability Partners
The City is a founding member of the South Sound Affordable Housing Partners
(SSHA3P), which is a regional effort by member municipalities to address
affordable housing with a coordinated approach. The City supports SSHA3P’s
2026 state legislative priorities, including fully funding the Workforce Housing
Accelerator Program, reducing the cost to construct affordable housing,
expansion of eligibility criteria for homeowners to access the Senior and
Disabled Household Property Tax Exemption Program, financial investments
in rental assistance and eviction prevention, and significant capital budget
investments in programs that fund the creation and preservation of affordable
housing .
Quality Affordable Housing
The City supports legislation that incentivizes developers to build affordable
housing, such as the multifamily housing tax exemption, and funding allocated
for public and nonprofit affordable housing, including the Housing Trust Fund.
Support for Homelessness Services
Every year since incorporation, the City has allocated 1% of its general fund to
support low-income and vulnerable residents by partnering with and funding
community-based organizations to provide access to: housing, food, youth
programs, behavioral health services, and other human services. The City
requests the state’s ongoing partnership in supporting programs and services
that help prevent temporary and recurrent homelessness as well as meet
housing growth targets that include specific numbers of emergency housing
units and housing units affordable to those at 80% and below Pierce County
area median income (AMI.)
Utility Connections in Support of Middle Housing Types
The City supports middle housing types (duplexes, triplexes, accessory
dwelling units, etc.) to augment Lakewood’s affordable housing stock. Middle
housing types are a viable, equitable, and increasingly popular affordable
housing option. However, utility and side sewer connections to accommodate
middle housing types on current lots can be prohibitively expensive, especially
for lower-income households.
Recently passed state laws (HB 1337 and HB 1110) require cities to allow middle
housing on historically single family lots, but the zoning is not the barrier. For
these units to be viable, they must connect to utilities that the City does not
own. The City supports legislation to address costly connection fees to foster
middle housing development.

5
41

CITY OF LAKEWOOD

State POLICY MANUAL

ADOPTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL ON October 20th, 2025

COMMUNITY& ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Economic Development Tools
The City supports robust and sustainable funding for the Economic
Development Strategic Reserve Fund, Community Economic Revitalization
Board, Public Works Assistance Account, Public Facility Districts, and other
programs that assist local governments in neighborhood residential and
commercial area rehabilitation. The City also supports legislation that
provides optional economic development tools for cities, such as the multifamily housing tax incentive, lodging tax, the Main Street Act (a series of small
tax incentives for neighborhood business districts), creative districts,
complete streets grant program, community facility financing, shared state
revenue for construction of convention and special event centers, additional
shared state revenue for urban renewal and other public facility
improvements, and innovative approaches to property tax assessment that
reduces the current incentive to allow property to remain blighted.
Unit Lot Subdivisions
Senate Bill 5559, streamlined the subdivision process for residential developments
within urban growth areas by establishing procedures for “unit lot subdivisions.”
However, the bill did not clarify how such lots would be tracked over time through
assessor-treasurer records or recorded documents, and did not clarify how addressing
for such lots would be handled. The City supports clarifying legislation regarding how
“child lots” will be tracked over time as well as how they will be addressed when
separated from the parent lot.
Tax Increment Financing (TIF)
The City appreciates the Legislature’s authorization of tax increment financing
as an economic development tool (HB 1189,2021). This law allows cities, towns,
counties, and port districts in Washington to use Tax Increment Financing (TIF)
as a tool for funding infrastructure projects that support economic
development. The City supports legislation that makes necessary refinements
to the statute to enable the long term success of this vital economic
development tool.
Annexation
The City believes that annexation laws should encourage the logical
development and expansion of the City to provide for a healthy and growing
local economy and efficient provision of urban services. The City supports
legislation that would modify state annexation laws to reduce the
administrative process and the overall cost of annexation, both of which would
help encourage and incentivize the annexation of existing unincorporated
islands.
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Transit Oriented Development
The City supports legislation that provides continued authority and expanded tools to
local governments to best plan for transit-oriented development. The City adopted the
2021 Lakewood Station District Subarea Plan to prompt development near the
Lakewood Sound Transit Station and took into consideration displacement risks and
other unique factors such as proximity to a major military installation. The City has
conducted updates to its land use zoning, anticipating future transit service currently
planned by transit agencies. The City opposes state mandates on TOD that do not
address displacement and other local characteristics. House Bill 1491 promoted transitoriented development and affordable housing by requiring cities to allow multifamily
housing in station areas near major transit stops and adopt minimum floor area ratios
(FAR) for residential and mixed-use development.
Local Authority for Land Use and Planning
The City supports preserving the authority of local governments regarding
local taxation, as well as land use planning, zoning and regulation consistent
with the GMA (RCW 36.70A) and SEPA (RCW 43.21C.) and opposes preemption
of local authority by the state legislature. The City supports state level efforts to
bolster military installations’ sustainability and operational readiness and
address land use compatibility issues, so long as local jurisdictional control
over land use and infrastructure planning is not eroded.
Need for Unique Restrictions in Air Corridors
The City believes that unique restrictions on land use density is necessary for land
proximate to military installations. Such restrictions must be recognized within
buildable lands reports, growth targets, and comprehensive planning. The North Clear
Zone, Air Corridor 1 and Air Corridor 2 zones in Lakewood’s case are zones that reflect
the FAA and DoD guidance regarding safe densities and types of uses. Cities should
not be forced to choose between GMA compliance and guidance from Army
Compatible Use Buffer (ACUB) and Air Installation Compatible Use Zones (AICUZ)
reports.

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PARKS, RECREATION, & COMMUNITY SERVICES
H Barn Renovation at Fort Steilacoom Park
The City has made major investments at Fort Steilacoom Park. As a continuation
of these efforts and in coordination with Partners for Parks and other non-profit
and community organizations, the City is planning to restore the historic H Barn.
Because of its historic features, architecture, and location near other park
amenities, the City determined that the H-Barn was to be the most useful and
functional barn to restore in Fort Steilacoom Park. With its open floor plan, it
will be optimal for multi-functional events, educational programs, community
gatherings, farmer’s markets, and public and private special events benefiting
the local and regional community.
The H-Barn silos are important to preserve because they are powerful symbols
of Lakewood’s agricultural heritage and rural identity, predating incorporation.
The two H-Barn silos require a seismic retrofit, upgrades to current building
codes, and reroofing. The City requests $200,000 to complete this phase of the
H-Barn remodel project in 2026.
South Puget Sound Wildlife Area
The South Puget Sound Wildlife Area is a 100-acre open space area located in
Lakewood. The site includes hiking and bike trails, picnic area with views of
prairie habitat, native plant garden with information on indigenous plants, as
well as an active fish hatchery and turtle ponds. This area is owned by the
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife but maintained by local
volunteers. Over 2,000 volunteer hours and $100,000 has been donated
towards site improvements, by local service clubs and residents. The area is
increasingly being used for outdoor education by NW Youth Corps, Pierce
College, the Clover Park School district and others. The City requests that the
state legislature ensure WDFW has appropriate funding for state funded
maintenance at this site along with support for implementation of master plan
capital site improvements.
Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) Funding
The City supports programs administered by the Washington State Recreation
and Conservation Office (RCO) and opposes diversion from RCO programs.
Specifically, the City supports ongoing funding for the Washington Wildlife and
Recreation Program (WWRP), Aquatic Land Enhancement Account (ALEA), and
the Boating Facilities Program (BFG)) grant programs.
Camp Murray Boat Launch Improvements
The City and Camp Murray have explored options to make improvements at the
Camp Murray Boat Launch for the benefit of the public. The boat launch
provides public access to American Lake and is currently managed by the
Washington State Department of Fish & Wildlife (WDFW). The City could invest
in infrastructure development to increase accessibility to American Lake. The
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City and Camp Murray have agreed to complete a Master Plan for the area,
which would identify the options for improvements and allow Camp Murray
input into the process. Site improvements include, a pedestrian walkway, to
include ADA accessibility and lighting, parking lot improvements, and boat
launch ramp improvements, such as moorage dock(s). The City is funding the
Master Plan with $100K in ARPA funds, to begin in 2026, and will be seeking
future funding from the state for improvements

TRANSPORTATION & INFRASTRUCTURE
City Right of Way
There have been several proposals in the last few years that would limit city
authority over right of way and utility franchise agreements. The City opposes
legislation that preempts and erodes local control over city right of way.
I-5 South Sound Corridor Improvements
The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) has indicated a
preference to take a holistic approach to transportation improvements along
the I-5 corridor. The City supports this position and WSDOT’s efforts to ensure
that future investments in the I-5 south sound corridor resolve, rather than shift
traffic congestion points. Such issues include I-5 JBLM corridor improvements
from the 2015 Connecting Washington package, the I-5 Tacoma/Pierce County
High-Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) Lanes Program from the 2022 Move Ahead WA
package, and the Main Gate Interchange project.
Infrastructure Funding
Local agencies, including the City of Lakewood, lack resources for infrastructure
funding. As a result, city roads remain in disrepair or general fund dollars are
taken from other important services to repair roads; or a combination thereof.
The City requests expansion of state funding to assist with maintenance and
preservation of local infrastructure. The City continues to support the state’s
ongoing and increased investment in infrastructure funding programs.
Future Commercial Airfields - JBLM
The City opposes the use of Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) as a commercial
airfield and as well as the identification of any location for a new commercial
airfield, that would impede the operations of JBLM. In regards to considering
JBLM as a potential site, there is strong opposition from the Lakewood
congressional delegation, significant concerns raised by the military, high
congestion issues, no transit service, and was rated “unlikely” by WSDOT and
“unable to accommodate commercial air service” by the Puget Sound Regional
Council. House Bill 1791 rebranded the Commercial Aviation Coordinating
Commission (CACC) to be the Commercial Aviation Work Group and calls for
annual reports on siting progress rather than identification of a single location
by date certain.

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Stormwater & Culvert Funding
Cities have significant stormwater and culvert funding needs. The City of
Lakewood requests secure, ongoing and sufficient funding for city culvert repair
and replacement. The City supports funding for current and new grant
programs for local stormwater and culvert projects.
Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Stations
The City supports both Federal and State legislation for strategically
implementing electric vehicle charging stations. The City requests that as local
governments are required to implement 2024 E2SHB 1181, that regional and
state public entities, such as Pierce Transit, Sound Transit, WSDOT and relevant
utility companies, lead the implementation effort through both funding and
administration.

FINANCES
Funding for Implementation of Parking Standards
In 2025 the Legislature passed Senate Bill 5184 establishing statewide parking
minimums for residential and commercial developments. However, there was no
funding provided to local governments to update their code to comply with the
mandate.
Neither 5184 nor other recent legislation mandating specific on-street and ADU parking
minimums or maximums provided funding for compliance. Without additional funding,
cities may need to delay other planning projects or reallocate scarce local resources to
meet state compliance deadlines. The City requests a formulaic grant program to
remedy this unfunded mandate.

Insurance Costs
Recent legislation and subsequent court decisions have increased the legal
liability of public entities, resulting in higher rates for liability coverage. The
City’s liability rates increased by 37% from 2022 to 2023 and by another 41.2%
from 2023 to 2024. The City joins AWC in requesting that the Legislature protect
against liability expansion and new policies that would drive additional claims
and litigation increasing costs, especially in the area of law enforcement and
public safety, and human resources.
State-Shared Revenues
Cities rely on state-shared revenues to provide critical funding for essential
public services. The City request continued appropriation of committed state
shared funds, such as Liquor Excise Taxes and Profits, City-County Assistance
Account, Municipal Criminal Justice Account, Annexation Sales Tax Credit, and
public health funding. These funds are used to support city activities, including
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police, infrastructure development, public defenders, municipal court, etc. In
total, state-shared revenues constitute a significant portion of the City’s
operating revenue at around 6% each biennium.
General Fund Revenue
The City supports legislation that will increase, expand, or favorably restructure
its revenue-raising ability because of 1) the continued growth in demand for
services that exceed revenue growth and inflation, and 2) the intimate
knowledge of individual community needs.
Public Defense Funding
Indigent defense is a constitutional right and a state obligation. The state has
passed the responsibility to provide indigent defense to counties and cities but
has not provided adequate funding.
The City requests the State fulfill its responsibility to provide the constitutional
right to an attorney rather than exacerbating this unfunded mandate to local
governments. One proposed bill that does so is HB 1592, which shifts financial
responsibility for indigent defense to the state. Under the proposal, the state
will cover 50 percent of indigent defense costs over a 5-year average and
assume responsibility for costs exceeding a 5-year average. The City requests
passage of this bill or other legislation that achieves a similar outcome.
Additionally, the City is concerned that the new caseload standards will further
stress the already under resourced public defender workforce. To address this,
we urge the state to implement structural measures such as targeted student
loan forgiveness programs, tuition reimbursement for law graduates entering
public defense, funded fellowships, and competitive retention incentives.
These strategies will expand recruitment pipelines, improve retention, and
stabilize the delivery of constitutionally required defense services.
Unfunded Mandates & Other State Budget Impacts
Mandates from the State government are rarely accompanied with adequate
new revenues or taxing authority, but instead force the City to reduce funding
levels for other services. The City opposes efforts by the State Legislature to
balance budgets by shifting responsibilities to cities.

PUBLIC SAFETY
Public Safety
The City supports a commonsense and meaningful approach to public safety
policies that protect lives and property and foster trust in government.
During previous sessions, progress was made in this area but there is still
more work to be done. In collaboration with other Pierce County
municipalities, the City requests the Legislature:
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1) Provide tools to address auto theft and property crime, including increased
state funding to grant programs to support regional enforcement and
prosecution efforts;
2) Continue ongoing state funding for therapeutic courts to satisfy the
new state drug possession law;
3) Supply stable state funding for co-responder programs, such as the City’s
Behavioral Health Contact Team; and
4) Amend state law to allow for a parent or guardian to provide consent for a
juvenile to be interviewed by law enforcement to include consent to search
property to resolve unsolved crimes and prevent future incidents.
5) Create programs to improve law enforcement retention, such as state
supported law enforcement officer wellness and injury prevention programs.
Community Partnership Program at Western State Hospital
The City proudly operates the successful community partnership program
(CPP), which provides a safer environment for patients, staff and the
surrounding community at Western State Hospital. Funding for this program is
not included in DSHS’ maintenance budget and must be requested each year.
We are grateful the $640,000 requested was included in the 2025-27
operating budget. Moving forward, we request this program be codified so
funding can be part of the DSHS maintenance budget.

Blake Response

The City is grateful the state has provided funding to help offset city costs
created by the Blake Decision on how possession of controlled substances is
handled by the criminal justice system. City costs include processing criminal
conviction vacations and repaying legal financial obligations as well as support
for ongoing costs for diversion programs and municipal court impacts. The City
requests long-term state investment in alternative response teams, treatment
facilities for adults and juveniles, treatment in jails, and to provide support to
social workers, treatment providers and system navigators to help direct people
to treatment.
Hiring and Retention
Public safety agencies nationwide are experiencing officers leaving the
profession at an unprecedented rate, either through early retirement or leaving
the field. The City supports state policies including funding to local law
enforcement agencies that promote recruitment and retention of law
enforcement officers and expedite opportunities for newly hired officers to
receive training.

Vehicular Pursuits

The City thanks the legislature for making progress on clarifying the ability for
law enforcement to conduct vehicular pursuits for the benefit of public safety.
Since the probable cause threshold was established in 2021, there have been
several occasions where the high standard prevented pursuit of a vehicle,
jeopardizing public safety. The City will continue to support safety measures
and training for officers who engage in vehicular pursuits.
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Juvenile Crime

Compared to the 5-year average (2020-2024), through August 2025, juvenile
robberies have decreased by 20%, motor vehicle theft decreased by 44% and
assaults decreased by 14%.

The City requests a change to state law to allow for a parent or guardian to
provide consent for a juvenile to be interviewed by law enforcement, to
include consent to search property to resolve unsolved crimes and prevent
future incidents.
Additionally, the City joins AWC in requesting expansion of juvenile behavioral
health treatment capacity and state correctional capacity.
Youth education is also a critical component to ensuring criminal behavior is
addressed at a young age to prevent the uptick in youth crime experienced by
the Lakewood community. The City supports educational efforts to teach
youth about the consequences of criminal behavior. Youth education that
prevents criminal activity upstream should also include intervention of at-risk
youth and their families by connections to social services at an early age, such
as Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department’s Family Support Partnership.
The City supports any state funding that would support youth education about
social services, such as the County’s Family Support Partnership.
By both educating at-risk youth and their families about social services, and
about the consequences of criminal activity early on, the City hopes that youth
criminal activity will be curtailed.

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Geographic Equity in Discharge from State Facilities

The City appreciates the State’s recent efforts to move toward a more
community-based behavioral health system. This transition presents an
opportunity to not only provide more accessible services to those who need it
most, but also for the facilities to be more geographically disbursed. Based on
the findings from the Commerce report, the State should invest in long term
care facilities in underserved regions of the state.
The City requests the following changes be made to state law:
1) Per the findings from the April 2023 Commerce Report, the state needs to
procure additional services and supports in Olympic, North Central, Great
Rivers, Greater Columbia, and King regions. The report also shows that adult
family homes in Pierce County are serving a large percentage of Long-Term
Civil Commitment (LTCC) patients. Incentivize providers, particularly adult
family homes, to provide services in underserved areas.
2) Institute fair share policies for discharge planning from state hospitals for
individuals that have a history of one or more violent acts (extend SB 5163
(2021) policies, that only apply to the Special Commitment Center, to state
hospitals).

Protecting Residents of Adult Family Homes

Adult Family Homes (AFHs) serve adults with functional limitations who need
personal and special care. The City requests legislation that protects these
vulnerable members of our community by preventing Level 2 and 3 registered
sex offenders, sexually violent predators and “felony flips” from residing in AFHs.
The City supports amending the definition of “resident” in RCW 70.128.010 to
exclude individuals convicted of sexually violent crimes and crimes that require
registration as a sex offender.

Body Worn Cameras

In the 2023-25 budget the state legislature allocated $1.6 million for the body
camera grant program administered by the WA Association of Sheriffs and
Police Chiefs (WASPC). This program was not funded in the 2025-27 budget
but the City supports ongoing funding for this program to assist municipalities
with the purchase, maintenance or replacement of Body Worn Cameras
(BWC), ongoing costs related to record management, and hiring of personnel
to operate the BWC program.

Binding Interest Arbitration Reform

The City recognizes the importance of having a tool to help resolve potentially
devastating strikes by essential service personnel, such as police and
firefighters. However, existing binding interest arbitration statutes are out-ofdate and inflexible, resulting in many unintended consequences – the City finds
this particularly true in regard to disciplinary processes. The City requests that

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the state reform existing binding interest arbitration language to limit
unintended repercussions.
Authority to Appoint Municipal Court Judges
The City supports cities’ authority to appoint a municipal court judge and to
maintain municipal courts. The City supports further technical and financial
assistance for the administration of municipal courts.
Traffic Enforcement Cameras & License Plate Readers
The state legislature has authorized local government to use traffic enforcement
cameras in limited situations, including red light enforcement at certain
intersections and speed control in certain zones. Traffic enforcement cameras
have proven to be successful at reducing instances of speeding and violations of
traffic signals. The City supports the use of traffic enforcement cameras. The City
also supports legislation allowing images from traffic enforcement cameras to
be used by law enforcement in criminal cases when there is probable cause.
The City appreciates the expanded authority to utilize traffic safety cameras as
outlined in the recent passage of HB 2384. However, the City remains
concerned with the restrictions on the ability to use traffic camera revenue on
general government services. This limitation creates administrative burdens
and inefficiencies. Cities need flexibility in how to oversee and manage city
programs.
The City also maintains that License Plate Readers (LPRs) are effective tools in a
similar vein of traffic enforcement cameras. Both tools should be treated
similarly in terms of Public Records Act (PRA) regulations and authorized use
cases, such as for criminal cases with probable cause.
Basic Law Enforcement Academy (BLEA)
The City supports ongoing funding of the Basic Law Enforcement Academy
which is the sole training program for police departments statewide. With an
increasing number of law enforcement officers retiring, it is imperative this
program receive adequate funding to provide ample training openings for new
hires in a timely manner. The City supports adequate and ongoing funding for
the recently established regional Criminal Justice Training Commission
campuses which will help address the backlog of training slots at the Academy
and ease of access to more agencies. The City also supports the discretion of
CJTC to hold academy seats based on number of anticipated officer hires, as
currently, academy seats are not held until a potential hire name has been
provided, which can further delay the hiring process.
Jail and Court Costs
The City supports legislative proposals that reduce jail and court costs, and
maintain its flexibility in providing jail and court services. The City supports
maintaining the flexibility to select the most appropriate manner in which to
provide jail and court services. The City will monitor all legislation that impacts
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the City’s ability to contract with government agencies.
Enhanced Services Facilities
Enhanced Services Facilities (ESFs) serve adults with mental and chemical
disorders or other impairments that require supervision and daily care. The City
supports legislation that would prohibit Adult Family Home businesses (AFHs)
from converting to ESFs, as well as legislation that would prohibit the locating
of ESFs in residential neighborhoods.
Acute and Long-Term Care Facilities
The City supports the implementation of the Trueblood Settlement Agreement
and state funding for the construction and ongoing operation of acute and
long-term care facilities equitably dispersed in communities throughout the
state.
Civil Asset Forfeiture
Civil asset forfeiture allows law enforcement agencies to take possession of
property when the property itself is illegal, was used to facilitate a crime, is
proceeds from a crime, or was purchased with proceeds traceable to criminal
activity. The City views civil asset forfeiture as a valuable tool, and will closely
monitor legislation and oppose provisions that add restrictions on law
enforcement’s use of civil asset forfeiture.

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GENERAL GOVERNMENT
Public Records & Open Meetings

The City respects the right of the public to have access to legitimate public
records and documents. The City believes its ability to recover the costs of
searching for, gathering and reviewing requested documents is also in the
public’s interest. The City supports reasonable reforms to the Public Records
Act. The City opposes requiring the recording of executive sessions or other
restrictions on legitimate uses of executive sessions.
Clean Buildings Standard Compliance
The City has two buildings that must comply with the state standards, City Hall
(Tier 1 - over 50k SF) and the Police Station (Tier 2 – 20-50K SF).
The City appreciates that the Legislature modified the Clean Buildings Act to
allow for alternative compliance pathways. The City will be engaging in the
implementation of that legislation to request discretion on whether the
improvements will add value to the building or result in greater cost savings
over time.
The City requests additional ongoing state funding, either through a grant
program or a direct appropriation, to support compliance with the Clean
Buildings Standards. Funding is needed for Phase 2 and 3 of City Hall as well as
all upgrades to the Police Station. Secondly, the City requests extending the
timeline for compliance to improve access to capital resources.

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MILITARY AFFAIRS
South Sound Military & Communities Partnership (SSMCP) & Joint Base LewisMcChord
The City of Lakewood is a strong partner with Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM)
and a founding member of the South Sound Military & Communities
Partnership (SSMCP), a nationally recognized organization that gives unique
voice to a range of issues affecting Pierce and Thurston Counties and their
cities as well as JBLM, the largest military installation in Washington State.
JBLM is a regional employment hub and a major statewide economic driver.
The City supports the ongoing efforts of SSMCP and supports policy and
financial decisions that assist JBLM’s operational readiness and sustainability.
The City also believes in strong policy and financial commitments from the
State in support of statewide military affairs while preserving local
governments’ and regional coordinating organizations’ flexibility and authority
to m a i n t a i n c o m m u n i c a t i o n s a n d r e l a t i o n s h i p s w i t h area
installations.
The City supports SSMCP’s 2026 Legislative Priorities:
1) Provide Statewide Leadership for Washington’s Military Communities: A
September 2024 legislatively mandated report confirmed that
Washington’s defense sector contributes $30.9 billion—roughly 4% of
GSP—and supports more than 254,000 jobs, making it larger than several
of the state’s key industries. Yet unlike other leading military states,
Washington lacks coordinated leadership to fully leverage this economic
engine. We urge the State to provide that leadership to address common
challenges known to all military communities. The work could include but
would not be limited to expanding housing and childcare capacity,
improving military spouse employment opportunities, aligning
transportation and infrastructure planning, ensuring land-use
compatibility, strengthening partnerships with higher education and
research institutions, and improving access to federal funding. Without
action, Washington risks falling further behind its peers. With strong state
leadership, it can enhance mission readiness, expand economic
opportunity, and capture the full statewide benefits of the defense
economy.
2) I-5 Nisqually River Delta: SSMCP continues to collaborate with the Nisqually
Indian Tribe and regional partners on vital improvements along I-5 to
address erosion and flood risks, enhance infrastructure resilience, restore
critical habitat, and improve mobility. Funding to date has supported
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defining the project scope, which includes adding one HOV lane in each
direction on I-5 between Marvin Road and Mounts Road and constructing a
shared-use path from Marvin Road to Center Drive. This work has involved
public meetings, coordination with public agencies, preparation of
Environmental Assessment and Endangered Species Act documentation,
preliminary design, and evaluation of easement requirements. To continue
progressing this work, $33.7M must be available in the 2027-29 biennium,
from a future biennium. If this funding is not advanced, there will be a lack
of continuity from the team conducting the preliminary work who have
intimate knowledge of the project, costs will continue to rise, and there may
be a need to update NEPA/SEPA documentation.
3) Defense Community Compatibility Account (DCCA): SSMCP appreciates
the State’s investment of $11.1 million in the Defense Community
Compatibility Account (DCCA) in the 2025-27 capital budget. The DCCA is a
grant program that funds infrastructure and community projects to
support compatibility between military installations and surrounding
communities. By enabling access to federal funding, this initiative helps
strengthen military-community partnerships, bolster local economies, and
return valuable resources to Washington State. SSMCP supports the State’s
ongoing commitment to this program in each biennial capital budget.
4) Military Family Quality of Life: Military families in the South Sound continue
to face challenges with access to housing, childcare, and spouse
employment. While SSMCP is working regionally to address these barriers,
we urge the State to take action by: 1) providing incentives that encourage
solutions, 2) increasing public investment in these critical areas, 3) reducing
administrative burdens that drive up costs, and 4) strengthening
coordination across military installations and communities.

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Policy Manual
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56

Lakewood City Council Vision Statement:
“Lakewood is a thriving, urban, South Puget Sound City,
possessing the core values of family, community, education,
economic prosperity, and the equitable delivery of municipal
services. We will advance these values by recognizing our past,
taking action in the present, and pursuing a dynamic future.”

Lakewood City Council
Jason Whalen, Mayor
Mary Moss, Deputy Mayor
Ryan Pearson, Councilmember
Paul Bocchi, Councilmember
Patti Belle, Councilmember
Michael Brandstetter, Councilmember
Trestin Lauricella, Councilmember
Contact Information
DOUG RUSSELL, CITY MANAGER
[email protected]
(253) 983-7703

MICHAEL VARGAS, ASST. TO THE CITY
MANAGER/POLICY ANALYST
[email protected]
(253) 983-7717

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INDIGENOUS PEOPLE AND LANDS
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Every community owes its existence and vitality to generations from around
the world who contributed their hopes, dreams, and energy to making the
history which led to this moment. The City would like to recognize that we are
on the lands of the Nisqually People, and acknowledge the history of
dispossession that allowed for the growth of our community. We offer respect
to the Nisqually People and their Elders, past, present, and emerging. We
recognize our responsibility to value all people, and are committed to
equitably serving all people in our diverse community.

A STATEMENT ON EQUITY BY THE LAKEWOOD CITY
COUNCIL
The Lakewood City Council acknowledges that equity is essential to a healthy
community.
We are committed to identifying and eliminating systemic racism. We intend to lead
by example in the advancement of equity and the deliberate practice of inclusion.
The City Council commits to the following practices:
• Instilling equity as a priority of policy and the delivery of services.
• Enacting initiatives that support and celebrate the diversity of the community.
• Ensuring equity in municipal planning.
• Identifying and dismantling preconceived prejudices.
• Increasing sensitivity to social norms and cultural expectations.
• Pursuing justice and equity for all residents.
We recognize the critical role that city leaders have in removing barriers to
opportunity. We recognize that systemic inequality has endured, but commit that it
shall not persist. The City Council will not tolerate intolerance. It is unconscionable
that some members of our community fall victim to acts of hate. Acts of hate based
upon race, creed, ancestry, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or
socioeconomic status are unwelcome in Lakewood, Washington. The Lakewood
Police Department shall be vigilant in its investigation and prosecution of crimes of
hate. These intentional practices will inform our decision-making on policing, zoning,
capital investment and all other matters of the City Council. Our objective is to create
a more diverse, equitable and inclusive Lakewood community for all residents and
we invite all Lakewood organizations and residents to join us in this effort.

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Contents

INDIGENOUS PEOPLE AND LANDS ACKNOWLEDGEMENT ............................................................... 2
A STATEMENT ON EQUITY BY THE LAKEWOOD CITY COUNCIL ...................................................... 2
COMMUNITY & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ................................................................................................. 5
Regional Planning.................................................................................................................................................... 5
Regional Planning – Puget Sound Regional Council ......................................................................... 5
South Sound Housing Affordability Partners .......................................................................................... 5
Utility Connections in Support of Middle Housing Types................................................................ 6
Annexations ................................................................................................................................................................. 6

Arrowhead/Partridge Glenn.............................................................................................................................. 6
Joint Base Lewis McChord.................................................................................................................................. 6
Lakewood Population Allocations.................................................................................................................. 7
Lakewood Libraries ................................................................................................................................................. 8
COMMUNITY HEALTH & RESILENCE................................................................................................................... 9
Chronically Homeless Shelter ........................................................................................................................... 9
Discretionary Spending of Public Health Resources.......................................................................... 9
Opioid Settlement Funds .................................................................................................................................... 9
PUBLIC SAFETY .............................................................................................................................................................. 10
Public Safety .............................................................................................................................................................. 10
Geographic Equity in Discharge from State Facilities ..................................................................... 10
Juvenile Crime.......................................................................................................................................................... 11
Protecting Residents of Adult Family Home Businesses .............................................................. 12
State Hospital Reentry Program ................................................................................................................... 12
Enhanced Services Facilities............................................................................................................................ 13
Video Arraignment ................................................................................................................................................ 13
Pierce County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office........................................................................................ 13
TRANSPORTATION & INFRASTRUCTURE ....................................................................................................... 13
Clover Creek Flood Plain .................................................................................................................................... 13
Flood Control Zone District .............................................................................................................................. 14
Pierce County Transportation Coordinating Committee .............................................................. 14
Pierce County Sewer Utility.............................................................................................................................. 14
Future Commercial Airfields - JBLM........................................................................................................... 15
Parks & Recreation........................................................................................................................................................ 15
Camp Murray Boat Launch .............................................................................................................................. 15
Chambers Creek Canyon................................................................................................................................... 15
Seeley Lake Conservancy Park ....................................................................................................................... 15
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ENVIRONMENT ............................................................................................................................................................... 16
Regional Climate Change Efforts ................................................................................................................. 16
MILITARY AFFAIRS ........................................................................................................................................................ 16
North Clear Zone..................................................................................................................................................... 16
Statewide Coordination for Federal Military Affairs .......................................................................... 17
GENERAL GOVERNMENT......................................................................................................................................... 17
Innovative Service Solutions ............................................................................................................................ 17
Clean Buildings Standard Compliance ..................................................................................................... 17

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COMMUNITY & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Regional Planning

The City supports the continued partnership between Pierce County and other
municipalities within the county concerning regional planning and
transportation issues. Lakewood is a proud member jurisdiction of the Pierce
County Regional Council (PCRC), which was created to ensure local planning
between Pierce County municipalities is accomplished in a coordinated,
efficient, and consistent manner. The primary responsibility of the PCRC is to
ensure that the Growth Management Act requirements are coordinated within
the region.

Regional Planning – Puget Sound Regional Council

The City supports a more geographically and demographically equitable sharing
of federal transportation dollars by the governing Regional Transportation
Planning Organization (RTPO) and Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) the Puget Sound Regional Council (PSRC). Medium and small cities need
infrastructure dollars as well as large cities and regional centers.
The City also supports the limitation of PSRC’s authority and scope to that
identified in Chapter RCW 47.80 and 23 USC § 134. In its Interlocal Agreement,
the mission of PSRC is identified,
“to preserve and enhance the quality of life in the central Puget Sound
area. In so doing, it shall prepare, adopt, and maintain goals, policy, and
standards for regional transportation and regional growth management
in the central Puget Sound area, in accordance with federal and state law
and based on local comprehensive plans of jurisdictions within the
region.” (emphasis added.)
However, PSRC’s expanded reach now includes adoption of Multi-County
Planning Policies (MPPs) regarding more than transportation planning; a
Regional Growth Strategy (RGS) including Population and Job Growth Shares; and
implementation activities, through VISION 2050 . The City opposes any incursion
by PSRC into non-transportation-related issues

South Sound Housing Affordability Partners

The City is a founding member of the South Sound Affordable Housing Partners
(SSHA3P), a Pierce County-wide intergovernmental collaboration working
together to create and preserve affordable, attainable, and accessible housing
throughout our communities. The City supports SSHA3P’s 2026 state legislative
priorities on affordable housing, to include: fully funding the workforce
accelerator program; capital budget funding requests to further the creation and
preservation of affordable housing; and reducing the cost to construct affordable
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housing through legislative action changes to reduce prevailing wage
calculations and to provide sales and use tax relief.
Utility Connections in Support of Middle Housing Types
The City supports middle housing types (duplexes, triplexes, accessory dwelling
units, etc.) to augment Lakewood’s existing affordable housing stock. Middle
housing types are a viable, equitable, and increasingly popular affordable
housing option.
However, utility and side sewer connections to accommodate middle housing
types on current lots can be prohibitively expensive, especially for lower-income
households. For these units to be affordable to those at 80% or below AMI, it will
require connection to utilities that the City does not own nor have authority
over.
The City supports a dialogue with the County and other utility partners on how
to address fee schedules and side sewer connections for Lakewood customers
seeking to add one or more ADUs. The City supports solutions such as reducing
and/or waiving connection fees and capacity charges for these customers, as
well as allowing new ADUs to connect to existing side sewer lines or a reduction
in connection standards due to ADUs reduced impacts on the sewer system.
The City also supports the coordinated use of WA Commerce Connecting
Housing to Infrastructure Program (CHIP) grant funding by multiple local
governments to bring infrastructure to affordable housing sites.

Annexations

Annexations should encourage the logical development and expansion of the
City to provide for a healthy and growing local economy and efficient provision
of urban services.

Arrowhead/Partridge Glenn

Annexation of this “urban island” has been attempted three times; twice by the
Town of Steilacoom in 1995 and 1996, and once by Lakewood in 1997. All three
annexation attempts failed at the ballot by an increasingly larger margin. The
Town of Steilacoom, West Pierce Fire and Rescue, and Pierce County are not
opposed to Lakewood annexing this area. The City would support and take the
lead on the annexation of this area if, and only if, Pierce County addresses this
area’s aging infrastructure prior to annexation, to include sewers and sidewalks.

Joint Base Lewis McChord

Lakewood’s Urban Growth Area (UGA) includes the urban area of Joint Base
Lewis-McChord (JBLM). Over the past two decades, JBLM has significantly
developed this area. The City would consider annexing this area in the future,
contingent on Department of Defense support and County approval, to include
revising the existing agreement between the City and the County. The City
would consider an incremental

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approach to annexing this area that would start with the annexation of American
Lake Veteran’s Administration Medical Center and American Lake Veterans Golf
Course.

Lakewood Population Allocations

Lakewood has incorporated the 2044 growth targets and housing unit
allocations into its land use planning. However, unique situations and existing
spatial constraints can affect the ability of individual jurisdictions to meet these
targets, and they should be recognized in state law and countywide policies. In
Lakewood, the population and employment base are directly tied to and subject
to unpredictable change because of the level of service members and
contractors stationed or working at Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM). In
addition, there are several existing unique spatial and environmental constraints
in Lakewood, including: JBLM’s Air Corridor zones that prohibit urban residential
development; several lakes and associated lands that can only be developed at
lower densities; large tracts of public lands (including parks, Western State
Hospital properties and the South Puget Sound Urban Wildlife Area); preincorporation and pre-GMA existing developments, and inadequate
infrastructure that predates incorporation. Lakewood is seeking support from
Pierce County for the following: State and regional policy (i.e., in the GMA,
Multicounty Planning Policies, Countywide Planning Policies, individual
Comprehensive Plans, and other appropriate documents) that allow individual
jurisdictions the ability to adjust population and employment targets based on
situations or issues outside their ability to govern, such as military installation
station changes.

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Lakewood Libraries

Since 2010, the City of Lakewood and Pierce County Library System (PCLS)
have partnered to address the need for new libraries, as outlined in the PCLS
Master Facility Plan and the City’s Comprehensive Plan. The City became
involved due to its role in the 2010 plan and saw opportunities to boost
economic growth and enhance services in downtown and Tillicum. In 2017, the
City and PCLS signed an MOU to explore new library sites. No suitable
downtown properties were found, and PCLS began a community engagement
process)
This all stopped with the arrival of the pandemic in March 2020. In late 2021, the
City and PCLS re-engaged the process of addressing library facilities in
Lakewood. The outcome was the formation of the Library Advisory Committee
(LAC) in April 2022, which is tasked with the objective of providing
recommendations to the PCLS Board of Trustees and Lakewood City Council
about library facilities in Lakewood. In June 2022, the PCLS closed the main
library due to significant building issues and in October 2022 announced a
location for an interim library. The interim library located at Alpharetta St. and
Gravelly Lake Drive opened in September 2024. Demolition of the main library
site is completed. The City supports the continued partnership with PCLS to
address the urgent need of permanent and safe library spaces in Lakewood.
The City supports the PCLS Board of Trustees’ work in studying the feasibility of
building a new permanent library facility at the old downtown site.
Interim Public Park: The City supports entering into an Interlocal Agreement
with PCLS to create and maintain an interim public park at the old downtown
library site. The interim public park would feature clean, usable, and safe green

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space and sports amenities, with a focus on youth and senior activities and
programming. The City recognizes the PCLS Board of Trustees process of siting
and constructing a new main Lakewood library may take years, and supports
the use of the vacant old site for an interim public park in the meantime.

COMMUNITY HEALTH & RESILENCE
Discretionary Spending of Public Health Resources

The City supports the use of sales and use tax and other funds at the countywide level for addressing important public health issues, including more
discretionary funding to specifically address public health issues in Lakewood.

Opioid Settlement Funds
The City of Lakewood is represented on the Pierce County Opioid Abatement
Council (PCOAC), whose role is to ensure that expenditures made are aligned
with addressing the impact of the opioid epidemic. The City of Lakewood
supports its own full discretion in spending the City’s allocated settlement funds
to address the opioid epidemic in the Lakewood community, as the PCOAC has
no authority to direct expenditures of member jurisdictions.

Public Safety

PUBLIC SAFETY

The City supports a commonsense and meaningful approach to public safety
policies that protect lives and property and do not erode trust in government.
During the 2023 state legislature session, progress was made in this area but
there is still more work to be done. In collaboration with other Pierce County
municipalities, the City requests the Pierce County Council, Pierce County
Executive, Pierce County Prosecuting Attorney, and Pierce County Sheriff, to
support the City’s following requests of the State Legislature:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)

Provide tools to address auto theft and property crime, including
increased state funding to grant programs to support regional
enforcement and prosecution efforts;
Commit ongoing state funding for therapeutic courts to satisfy the new
state drug possession law; and
Supply stable state funding for co-responder programs, such as the
City’s Behavioral Health Contact Team.
Amend state law to allow for a parent or guardian to provide consent for
a juvenile to be interviewed by law enforcement to include consent to
search property to resolve unsolved crimes and prevent future incidents.
Create programs to improve law enforcement retention, such as state
supported law enforcement officer wellness and injury prevention
programs

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Geographic Equity in Discharge from State Facilities

The City appreciates the State’s recent efforts to move toward a more
community-based behavioral health system. This transition presents an
opportunity to not only provide more accessible services to those who need it
most, but also for the facilities to be more geographically disbursed. Based on
the findings from the Residential Facilities report, the County should join the City
in requesting that the state invest in long term care facilities in all underserved
regions of the state, which may include Pierce County. Secondly, building upon
the work of the Sex Offender Policy Board, the County should join the City in
requesting that the state should clarify that fair share principles apply to sexually
violent predators released from state hospitals and secure community transition
facilities. The City requests the County support additional changes so DSHS will
have to:
1) Per the findings from the April 2023 Commerce Report, the state needs to
procure additional services and supports in Olympic, North Central, Great
Rivers, Greater Columbia, and King regions. The report also shows that
adult family homes in Pierce County are serving a large percentage of
Long-Term Civil Commitment (LTCC) patients. Incentivize providers,
particularly adult family homes, to provide services in underserved areas.
2) Institute fair share policies for discharge planning from state hospitals for
individuals that have a history of one or more violent acts (extend SB 5163
(2021) policies, that only apply to the Special Commitment Center, to state
hospitals).
The City will continue to monitor the Western State Hospital Task Force’s
evaluation of Pierce County resources.

Juvenile Crime
Compared to the 5-year average (2020-2024), through August 2025, juvenile
robberies have decreased by 20%, motor vehicle theft decreased by 44% and
assaults decreased by 14%.

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The City requests the County to support amending state law to allow for a parent
or guardian to provide consent for a juvenile to be interviewed by law
enforcement to include consent to search property to resolve unsolved crimes
and prevent future incidents.
Youth education is also critical component to ensuring criminal behavior is
addressed at a young age to prevent the uptick in youth crime experienced by
the Lakewood community. The City supports educational efforts to teach youth
about the consequences of criminal behavior. Youth education that prevents
criminal activity upstream should also include intervention of at-risk youth and
their families by connections to social services at an early age, such as TacomaPierce County Health Department’s Family Support Partnership.
After contact with the criminal justice system, the City supports the youth
continuing education about social service opportunities and criminal
consequences through the programs administered at the County-owned
juvenile court Remann Hall. The youth justice philosophy deployed at Remann
Hall emphasizes keeping offending youth connected to family, community, and
education/economic opportunities, yet the City recognizes that often times a
family setting that lacks proper social support and opportunities may be the
source of negative influence that drives youth criminal behavior.
By both educating at-risk youth and their families about social services, and
about the consequences of criminal activity early on, the City hopes that youth
criminal activity will be curtailed.
The City supports the County’s modernization of the Remann Hall facility and
supports Lakewood representation on the Juvenile Justice Task Force that will
provide recommendations on facility design, programs, and services.

Protecting Residents of Adult Family Home Businesses

The City requests that the County advocate for legislation at the state level to
address growing community and public safety concerns related to Adult Family
Home businesses (AFHs). AFHs serve adults with functional limitations who need
personal and special care. The City supports legislation that protects these
vulnerable members of our community by preventing Level 2 and 3 registered
sex offenders, sexually violent predators and “felony flips” from residing in Adult
Family homes. The City suggests amending the definition of “resident” in RCW
70.128.010 to exclude individuals convicted of sexually violent crimes and crimes
that require registration as a sex offender.

State Hospital Reentry Program

The City supports language that would expand the reentry community safety
program. The current program is designed for individuals being released from a
correctional facility. The City supports expanding the program to apply to
patients who are civilly committed after prosecution for a violent offense or who
are civilly committed based on criminal insanity.
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Enhanced Services Facilities

Enhanced Service Facilities (ESFs) serve adults with mental and chemical
disorders or other impairments that require supervision and daily care. The City
requests that the County advocate for legislation that would prohibit Adult
Family Home businesses (AFHs) from converting to ESFs, as well as legislation
that would prohibit the citing of ESFs in residential neighborhoods.

Pierce County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office

The City relies on the Pierce County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office for effective
adjudication of significant offenders. The City supports consistent, transparent
and timely felony charging and filing from the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. The
City also supports regular communication regarding the Lakewood cases
reviewed by the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.

TRANSPORTATION & INFRASTRUCTURE
I-5 Nisqually River Delta Project

The City of Lakewood supports Pierce County and countywide advocacy for the I-5
Marvin Rd to Mounts Rd Planning and Environmental Linkage, which will deliver
vital transportation system improvements needed to address erosion and flood
risks, enhance infrastructure resilience, restore critical habitat, and improve
mobility. State funding has advanced the project to the NEPA phase, where a
preferred alternative will be identified. For the project to progress, $33.7M is
needed in the 2027-29 biennium.

Pierce County Sewer Utility

Historically, Pierce County has not proactively planned for, or built, sewer system
expansions in its service area. Rather, private development has been required to
extend sewer main systems, with the opportunity to seek at least partial
reimbursement via latecomer agreements for oversizing lines to anticipate
future development. This policy has led to older, urban sections of the county not
having sewer access, and has encouraged leap-frog development, inconsistent
with the Growth Management Act.
The City urges Pierce County to proactively plan for and build sewer system
expansions in passed-over areas of the county’s urban areas, including
Arrowhead/Partridge Glenn, and update the Unified Sewer Plan policies and
planed actions accordingly.
The Pierce County Sewer Utility should amend its capital facility planning policies
and practices to “do business as a business,” meaning that it should be willing
and able to construct sewer extensions into incorporated areas. This is consistent
with new housing densification laws mandating the zoning and regulation for middle
housing, ADUs, and affordable housing in urban areas.
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Future Commercial Airfields - JBLM

The City opposes the use of JBLM as a commercial airfield as well as the identification
of any location that would impede the operations of JBLM. There is strong opposition
from the Lakewood congressional delegation, significant concerns raised by the
military, identification of such a site as having high congestion issues, no transit service,
and rated “unlikely” by WSDOT and “unable to accommodate commercial air service”
by PSRC.
Lakewood supports the work of the Commercial Aviation Work Group to evaluate the
long-range commercial aviation and transportation needs of the state, including
alternatives for additional aviation capacity which includes expanding use of existing
airports and multi-modal opportunities, only so long as the use of JBLM as a
commercial airfield is not considered.

Parks & Recreation
Camp Murray Boat Launch

The City and Camp Murray have explored options to make improvements at the Camp
Murray Boat Launch for the benefit of the public. The boat launch provides public access
to American Lake and is currently managed by the Washington State Department of
Fish & Wildlife (WDFW). The City could invest in infrastructure development to increase
accessibility to American Lake. The City and Camp Murray have agreed to complete a
Master Plan for the area, which would identify the options for improvements and allow
Camp Murray input into the process. Site improvements include, a pedestrian walkway,
to include ADA accessibility and lighting, parking lot improvements, and boat launch
ramp improvements, such as moorage dock(s). The City is funding the Master Plan with
$100K in ARPA funds, and will be seeking future funding from the state for future capital
improvements.

Chambers Creek Canyon

The City has partnered with Pierce County and University Place to work together on the
Chambers Creek Trail Project. The majority of the land is owned by Pierce County with
sections of the trail and trail heads located in University Place and Lakewood. The final
phase includes a span bridge crossing the creek and connecting the trail and our
communities. The City is supportive of continuing its partnership with the County and
University Place to improve and expand the Chambers Creek canyon trail for residents
to safely enjoy. The City also supports the conservation of the canyon’s natural state, in
alignment with the City’s shoreline management program. The City supports
increasing salmon activity through addressing the dam, either through removal or
partial removal, after the County completes prioritized long-term capital improvement
projects in the area.

Seeley Lake Conservancy Park

Seeley Lake Conservancy Park contains 48 acres of urban forest land in the heart of
Lakewood. The park includes woods, wetlands, natural areas, lake, and a 1.3
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mile perimeter loop trail. The lake is a stormwater collection site with fluctuating water
levels which flood portions of the trail during the winter rainy season.
In December 2019, the City of Lakewood and Pierce County entered into an agreement
to improve the site with the goal of "increasing habitat, recreation, and safety". The City
is supportive of continuing its partnership with the County to enhance this area,
expand its use appropriately based on its environmental importance, and make the
site more accessible for all park users.

ENVIRONMENT
Regional Climate Change Efforts

The City supports and participates in the Pierce County Alliance for Sustainable Climate Action
(ASCA) as well as recent increases in regional climate change efforts and grant
opportunities for climate change mitigation and electric vehicle charging station
development efforts..
The City proactively adopted energy efficiency and climate change policies and action
plans in 2021 and 2022. Since then the City has begun the implementation of a “Natural
Environment and Climate Change” (NECC) program integrating urban forestry ang HB
1181 compliance action. Lakewood supports countywide and regional partnerships and
funding for climate change prevention and mitigation planning and actions.

MILITARY AFFAIRS
North Clear Zone

The City requests Pierce County’s continued partnership in vacating the Joint Base
Lewis McChord (JBLM) North Clear Zone (NCZ), the federally-designated, 3,000-by3,000-foot safety corridor adjacent to the end of the runway with the highest statistical
possibility of aircraft accidents. The NCZ lies partly within the City of Lakewood, and
currently includes multiple commercial and industrial businesses that are
incompatible with JBLM operations and violate its Air Installation Compatibility Use
Zones (AICUZ) safety standards.
Lakewood and Pierce County have signed an agreement signifying a commitment to
execute a long-range plan that will restore this area to an uninhabited state. The City
asks that this agreement continue to be a priority for the County in its local actions and
state-level advocacy efforts. The City is appreciative of the County allocating resources
for vacating private property located in the NCZ, and further supports additional
County resources for continuing this effort.

Statewide Coordination for Federal Military Affairs

Washington is the 6th in the nation for the number of active-duty military and has five
major military installations yet there is no statewide coordination of federal military
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affairs. The City acknowledges the County’s leadership in the South Sound Military &
Communities Partnership (SSMCP) and requests the County join in supporting the
creation of a high level position with direct advisory authority to the Governor and
Legislature regarding federal military installation affairs.

GENERAL GOVERNMENT
Innovative Service Solutions

The City supports innovative service solutions and technological advancements that
would provide mutual benefits for Pierce County and Lakewood. To improve the
delivery of municipal services, the City supports contracting with the County for
selective services and advocates for expanding the County’s video arraignment
capabilities to the DuPont, Steilacoom, and Lakewood Municipal Court, and the
continued development of the online building/permit platforms. The City is
appreciative of innovative service collaborations with Pierce County such as the PALS+
permitting system and traffic signal contracting. The City also supports continued
collaboration with Pierce Transit, to ensure transportation solutions planned in the
community, such as bus rapid transit, are consistent with the City’s comprehensive
plan.
Regional Response to Homelessness
The City of Lakewood supports regional responses to homelessness in Pierce County.
The City hosts Western State Hospital and many adult family homes; it has also zoned
property and updated regulations to plan for STEP housing. The County and other
cities should locate homeless shelters, human service organizations, and related
physical and mental health services within their borders so such resources are
equitably distributed.

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