city of lakewood

City of Lakewood6000 Main Street SWLakewood, WA 98499www.cityoflakewood.us

L A K E W O DL A K E W O DL A K E W O DL A K E W O DL A K E W O DL A K E W O DL A K E W O DL A K E W O DL A K E W O Dconnections2011 Year End Report

The property is being redeveloped by Habitat for Humanity in partnership with the City.

These dilapidated structures (Woodlawn Cottages) were demolished and will be the new site for Habitat for Humanity homes in Tillicum.

Tacoma partnered with Habitat for Humanity to construct similar homes to those that will be built in Tillicum.

As a part of the City’s ongoing efforts to revitalize the Tillicum Neighborhood, 30 new homes will be built in the next three years replacing dilapidated buildings and vacant lots in order to provide home ownership opportunities for low-income families.

In November and December 2011, 13 derelict houses and accessory structures that posed safety and health issues were razed, making room for eight new townhouses and seven detached single family homes. The groundbreaking featured the actual demolition of buildings by City Officials, as one entire dilapidated structure was razed during the ceremony. City Manager Andrew Neiditz said the groundbreaking was “symbolic of the economic transformation that the Tillicum neighborhood is experiencing.” The new housing is a part of the Tillicum Neighborhood Plan that was adopted by the Lakewood City Council in June 2010. The plan includes a new $18 million sewer extension project which was completed in October 2011. These new sewers will improve overall water quality and public health, protect property values threatened by failing systems, and allow for new residential and commercial development. The 30 new homes will all be connected to the new sewers.

This new housing is being paid for through both private and public funding. The nonprofit Tacoma/Pierce County Habitat for Humanity is partnering with the City of Lakewood, which has contributed $1.16 million made available through Federal Housing and Urban Development funding. In addition, hundreds of volunteers will contribute their time and future home owners will contribute 500 hours of “sweat equity” to their new homes.

“The response by Lakewood city officials and local community and civic organizations has been tremendous,” said Maureen Fife, Executive Director of the Tacoma/Pierce County Habitat for Humanity. “We selected Tillicum for this revitalization project because the neighborhood has endured economic challenges for years and the City is 100% committed to turning it around.”

Habitat for Humanity has previously built three homes in Lakewood. With the addition of these 30 new homes, Habitat for Humanity and the City are expanding their partnership to eliminate blight and create much needed homeownership opportunities for Tillicum area residents.

Lakewood Teams Up with Pierce County Habitat for Humanity

2011 year end reportL A K E W O O D

from the mayor & the city manager... 2

Lakewood has continued to steadily move forward despite difficult economic times. Over the last several years, the City made significant progress in advancing infrastructure, military partnerships, human services and communication with its citizens, while maintaining a fiscally conservative approach to managing its finances.

In regards to infrastructure, Public Works completed the $18 million sewer extension to Tillicum and Woodbrook, allowing property owners to maximize the use of their property and paving the way for increased commercial development (see City Manager’s Budget Message for details on revenues and expenditures). As part of the City’s plan to reinvigorate Tillicum, the City partnered with Habitat for Humanity and broke ground on a project to demolish dilapidated buildings and replace them with 30 new homes.

Lakewood continues to improve its roads. The City primed Highway 99 at Ponders for commercial growth by realigning the street and enhancing landscaping. The City obtained $6 million in grants for future road improvements on Bridgeport Way and South Tacoma Way. Over the last few years, Public Works increased its Operations and Maintenance staffing to maintain roads in-house without relying on Pierce County. Lakewood’s efforts to improve transportation has not been limited to roads. The City received $4 million in grants to build a pedestrian bridge over the railroad tracks to the Lakewood Sounder Station. The project is scheduled to break ground in 2012.

The City had a banner year in improving its community outreach and communications. The Community Safety

Resource Team (CSRT) received the prestigious Association of Washington Cities award for Municipal Excellence in Public Safety. CSRT held a planning meeting with the leaders of all six neighborhood associations on how the City and leaders can work together to improve neighborhoods. As a result of that meeting, an All-City Community Meeting will be set in late Spring. Earlier in 2011, the City hosted Lakewood 101, where City leaders explained to citizens their core departmental functions in order to promote a better understanding of City government.

Lakewood is the host community to Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) and is a leader in the newly formed South Sound Military & Communities Partnership – a multi-jurisdictional alliance designed to foster effective communication and mutual support between military and civilian communities (www.jblm-growth.com). Coordination efforts have leveraged over $74.5 million since 2009, including funding for projects to improve traffic on I-5 and Clover Park School District facilities.

Lakewood continues to be a leader in delivering human services. The City is a proud five-time winner of the celebrated “100 Best Communities Serving Young People” award bestowed by America’s Promise. Lakewood is one of only 22 communities nationwide that has received the award five times in a row. Participation in Lakewood Community Collaboration was increased 36.8%, helping it advance its goal of linking community and business groups to foster a community where children, families and neighborhoods can thrive. In honor of our fallen police comrades, the Police Department’s 2nd Annual Fallen Officer Food Drive collected 42, 211 pounds of food and over $40,000 in cash donations. This generous outpouring demonstrates this community’s commitment to never forget the officer’s sacrifice.

On the technology front, the City launched a progressive new website that is considered the best in its class. The website has the added feature of allowing citizens to sign up to receive email information automatically on an array of topics. The City has also expanded the use of Facebook and Twitter; and is now videotaping Council meetings and making them available to the public.

With an engaged citizenry, leaders and staff, Lakewood continues to move forward with its best days still ahead.

Mayor Douglas Richardson has served on the City Council since 1995. Andrew Neiditz has served as City Manager since 2005.

Newly elected Councilmembers Marie Barth and Paul Bocchi were voted into office in November 2011.

Mayor Douglas Richardson (right) with City Manager Andrew Neiditz

Colonel Michael A. Getchell, Commander of the 4th Stryker Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division presenting photo to Deputy Mayor Don Anderson.

2011 year end reportL A K E W O O D

Lakewood by the numbers... 3

Estimated population 58,163 (2010 Census)

14.7% of residents born outside U.S. and 19.1% speak a language other than English (per Census 3 year American Community Survey 2008-2010)

24,069 owner occupied residences and 12,888 renter occupied residences (2010 Census)

19 square miles in area

3,160 licensed businesses

432 “lane miles” of streets (181 “centerline” miles)

56 miles of sidewalks

1,222 street trees

88 miles of storm drainage pipe, 6,000 catch basins and 270 culverts

82 traffic signals and 3,484 street lights

Parks acres managed by the City of Lakewood:

• 1996(pre-incorporation)–36

• 2011–400

In 2011 Lakewood Municipal Court:

• Used892interpreterstocommunicatein 15+ languages

• Savedover$250,000injailcostsbycontracting with Wapato and Fife Jails as an alternative to Pierce County Jail

• Workcrewprovided9,184hours of labor

• Transported1,356defendantsfromPierce County Jail for in-custody hearings

Parks, Recreation and Community Services tracked over 12,300 volunteer hours

Police responded to 37,171 calls for service and issued 12,533 traffic infractions

Lakes High School students at the 2011 Youth Council Celebration.

Apna Bhangra Crew with the India Association of Western Washington (IAWW) at the 2011 Lakewood International Festival

Hundreds of Lakewood citizens attended the annual Christmas Tree Lighting Festival on December 2, 2011.

2011 year end reportL A K E W O O D

2011 major accomplishments... 4

Christmas Tree Lighting Festival attendees work on holiday crafts supplied by Lowe’s.

Pictured from left to right: Councilmember Mike Brandstetter, Deputy Mayor Don Anderson, Councilmember Jason Whalen, former Councilmember Claudia Thomas, Jordan LaPier of America’s Promise, Mayor Douglas Richardson, Clover Park School District Superintendent Debbie LeBeau, Councilmember Mary Moss and former Councilmember Walter Neary.

Classic cars on display at the SummerFEST car show.

Community Outreach Lakewood named 100 Best Communities for Young

People for the fifth consecutive time. Tyee Park Healthy Start After-School Program -

received grant from Tacoma Pierce County Health Department to provide free after school program for 45 second and third graders.

Economic Development Department held a military contracting workshop attended by 232 businesses.

Public Safety and Criminal Justice Lakewood Municipal Court reinstated internal electronic home

monitoring mid-2010, which resulted in a savings of $259,004 in jail costs for 2011.

Contract for Municipal Court Services with University Place was a success and was extended by UP.

Lakewood Police participated in “Operation Bulldog,” an interagency campaign against auto thefts and daytime burglaries. The campaign resulted in the recovery of over 3,000 items of stolen property and 16 arrest warrants.

Lakewood Police Special Operations initiated an investigation that led to infiltration of a narcotics network traced to a border crossing in Mexico. With the assistance of the DEA and other agencies, the several month invesigation netted several arrests and the seizure of over 50 pounds of narcotics and $400,000 in illicit cash and property.

CSRT was awarded theAssociation of Washington Cities’ Municipal Excellence Award in Public Safety. CSRT spearheaded an inter-departmental graffiti abatement program and enacted a new graffiti

ordinance to streamline graffiti removal efforts.

Administration Facilitated $366,000 in human services funding for 32 agencies,

serving over 20,000 residents Introduced expanded communication and service to citizens

through launch of a new and improved website. Introduced an email notification subscription service where citizens can sign up to be automatically sent information as it’s updated.

Achieved successful 2010 fiscal audit from Washington State Auditor.

Parks and Recreation Ft. Steilacoom Dog Park was named “Best Dog

Park” by South Sound Magazine. 22% increase in picnic shelter and special event

reservations. Summerfest drew over 13,000 visitors. Partners for Parks donated $100,000 and Town

of Steilacoom donated $5,000 towards the new restroom near playground at Fort Steilacoom Park.

2011 year end reportL A K E W O O D

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Property after completed abatement by the City. A lien will be placed against property to recover the City’s costs for clean-up.

Property before abatement action by the City

Development Street improvements to Bridgeport

Way (Steilacoom Blvd to 83rd St). Sewer and storm water improvements

to Grant Avenue and Road. 40 storm water drywell replacements. Public Works secured over $16.3M in

grant funds in 2011. Lakewood led effort through the

South Sound Military & Communities Partnership, to obtain $5.7M for Madigan Access Transportation Improvements.

13 Abatement cases were resolved by City. 16 other abatement cases were completed by owners/banks.

Completed hotel feasibility study that showed market for more hotels.

December 2011 marked the end of two long-standing councilmembers’ tenures on Lakewood City Council. Dr. Claudia Thomas and Walter Neary both chose to not run again for their council positions, drawing to a close a rich and productive chapter of Lakewood City Council history.

Dr. Thomas took office in October 1995, serving in the positions of Mayor and Deputy Mayor during her 16 years of service. Councilmember Thomas was the first black female mayor in Washington State history. Dr. Thomas represented the City on many boards and committees including the Human Services Collaboration, Lakewood’s Promise Executive Board, Sound Transit, Pierce Transit, Clover Park School District, Tacoma-Pierce County Commission on Children Youth and Their Families, Regional Transportation Authority Technical Committee, Pierce County Joint Determining Authority, Association of Washington Cities Large Cities Committee, Lakewold Gardens Board of Directors, Lake Steilacoom Association, numerous task forces and other ad hoc committees.

Mr. Neary took office in January 2004. Councilmember Neary represented the City of Lakewood on numerous boards and committees including the Greater Tacoma Convention Center Public Facilities Board, Lakewood Historical Society, Lakewood Chamber of Commerce, numerous task forces and ad hoc committees.

In their collective 24 years of service. Councilmembers Thomas and Neary demonstrated exemplary leadership in improving the quality of life for the citizens of Lakewood. They have left an enduring legacy that will support Lakewood’s continued development as a first-class city.

Farewell videos produced by Pierce College Computer Clubhouse are available at http://vimeo.com/33324134, http://vimeo.com/34450086 and http://vimeo.com/33434362.

Walter and Cindy Neary at farewell event for Mr. Neary’s eight years of service on the Lakewood City Council.

Dr. Claudia Thomas and Mayor Doug Richardson at farewell event for Dr. Thomas, celebrating her 16 years of service on the Lakewood City Council.

Lakewood says goodbye to two long-standing Councilmembers

2011 year end reportL A K E W O O D

development in Lakewood... 6

2011 Major Capitol Project Estimated Completion Estimated Cost

Bridgeport Way (Steilacoom - Blvd to 83rd St) Jul-2011 $1,200,000 St Improvement

Bridgeport Way (75th St – N City Limits) Sep-2012 $1,600,000 St Improvement

Woodbrook-146th St Sewer/storm & Apr-2012 $2,000,000 Road Improvements

Grant Ave Sewer/storm & Jul-2011 $649,000 Road Improvements

Steilacoom Blvd Storm Water Outfalls Oct-2011 $150,000

2011 Storm Water Drywell Replacement project Nov-2011 $557,000

Snapshot of Development 2008 2009 2010 2011

New construction $104M $61M $39M $53M valuation (in millions)

Building permits applied for 1686 1425 1538 1576

*Building permits issued 1355 1471 2446 1219

Abatement cases resolved 13 9 26 15

Permit counter walk-in clients 10040 7603 6233 6149

Business license 3886 4085 4400 3788 renewal applications

Wall construction on Steilacoom Blvd. SW

Traffic signal installed on Steilacoom Blvd. SW

Sewer installation on 146th St. in Woodbrook

*includes building permits issued based on applications submitted prior to 2011

2011 year end reportL A K E W O O D

public safety & criminal justice... 7

2009 2010 2011

Traffic infractions 6622 7313 12533

Civil infractions 356 277 336

Parking infractions 586 380 232

Criminal cases 3257 3666 5849

Photo infractions 20626 12091 12263

Muni court hearings 16832 15221 21184

Photo infraction hearings 1689 1065 684

Jury trials 22 23 19

Muni court revenues $1,058,615 $979,171 $1,184,138

Photo infraction revenues $1,290,415 $821,361 $783,162

MuniCiPAL COuRt t hREE YEAR t REnDS

Monthly Calls for Service Report COMPARiSOn t OtALS 2010-2011

incident type 2010 2011

Alarms 1094 960

Auto Recovery 196 201

Auto Theft 387 402

Burglary 645 747

Citizen Contacts/ 302 334 Problem Solving

Crimes Against Persons 1207 1342

Domestic and Family Incidents 2277 2516

Fraud and Forgery 366 400

Information Gathering 3033 3930

In-Progress Incidents 144 273

Juvenile Problems 716 654

Miscellaneous 9379 10450

Miscellaneous Crime 1770 2007

Narcotics 432 556

Non-Criminal Incidents 4006 4322

Robbery 147 136

Sexual Assault and 195 258 Related Crime

Suspicious Circumstances 2114 2447

Theft 1244 1460

Traffic Accidents 1748 1799

Traffic Other 1472 1555

Traffic Stops 12716 23,869

Trouble Unknown 1463 2287

Vandalism 377 357

Vehicle Prowling 483 507

Warrant Arrest 589 756

Weapon Incidents 351 357

Total Incl. Traffic 48853 64882 Accidents & Stops

Total NOT incl. Traffic 34389 37171 Accidents & Stops

LAKEWOOD tO tAL CRiME 1999-2011 (RAt E PER 1000)

2011 year end reportL A K E W O O D

city manager’s budget message... 8

Lakewood has a $38.2 million general fund budget that is part of a $67.2 million total budget. Lakewood achieved significant infrastructure and public service accomplishments in 2011 despite taxing its citizens less than many other cities and having a declining tax base.

Taking sales and property taxes together, Lakewood ranks 53rd out of the 60 comparable cities west of the mountains in per capita tax collections. In fact, Lakewood is the lowest in per capita tax collections for cities its size (Lakewood’s population is 58,840, and no city between 35,000 and 85,000 has a lower per capita tax collection). In addition, Lakewood’s general fund budget is 1½ to 3 times lower per capita than other cities in the area. This is due in part because the City has a relatively low sales and property tax base and because it has a conservative taxing policy. For example, Lakewood does not charge a B&O tax like other cities; does not seek the statutory maximum tax allowed for electric and natural gas utilities; and did not raise miscellaneous fees for parks, the senior center, business licenses or building permits in 2011.

Lakewood and other cities face unique funding challenges based on how tax revenues are shared with other government entities. Although Lakewood is responsible for guiding the economic and community development for its citizens, it receives only 12% of the sales tax revenue generated within Lakewood. The State is the primary beneficiary, taking 70% of all sales tax generated. The “dollar bill” charts on the next page underscore the fact

City of Lakewood General Fund Budget by Department

Department 2010 2011 2012

City Council 104,840 113,130 $113,140

Municipal Court 1,468,300 1,344,430 $1,336,050

Executive 494,470 489,100 $497,450

Finance & I.S. 2,220,900 2,377,400 $2,362,570

Legal 1,552,910 1,495,670 $1,466,640

Community Development 2,053,060 1,899,380 $1,950,880

Human Resources 662,480 542,540 $534,940

Parks/Recreation and 2,093,300 2,080,730 $2,060,420 Community Services

Fleet Maintenance 78,740 80,360 $81,530

Economic Development 287,500 349,520 $352,840

Public Safety 19,567,050 20,432,590 $20,455,250

Facilities 877,740 827,660 $993,560

Non-Departmental 5,644,040 6,142,620 $6,513,609

Grand Total 37,105,330 38,175,130 $38,718,879

that the majority of a citizen’s property and sales taxes do not go to Lakewood. In fact, the City receives only 9 cents for every $1 of property tax assessed. For example, a $280,000 home in Lakewood would have been assessed about $3,770 in property taxes. Out of that amount, Lakewood would have received $325. That is the same as the County receives; about half of what the state receives ($636); slightly over one third of what the Fire Department receives ($915); and only a fraction of what the School District receives ($1,341). Moreover, revenues the City has historically received from the state are anticipated to be cut in the current legislative session due to the depressed economy.

In an ideal budget environment, revenues would fully fund basic municipal services such as streets, police and parks. Lakewood has continued to provide a high level of service in 2011 despite being forced to reduce its workforce because of declining revenues. This demonstrates that Lakewood’s staff has learned to operate more efficiently through conservative fiscal policies.

Lakewood has mitigated its funding challenges in part by aggressively pursuing State and Federal grants. For example, Public Works alone received over $16.3 million in grants in 2011. While Lakewood will continue to strategically pursue grant funding of all types, grant awards are unpredictable and cannot be the basis for projecting future revenues.

General Fund Revenue Sources

Category 2010 2011 2012

Sales Tax $9,673,170 $9,672,200 $9,627,800

Property Tax $5,974,501 $6,122,000 $6,201,000

Utility Tax/Franchise $6,842,549 $8,333,880 $8,582,000

Gambling Tax $3,113,767 $3,071,000 $2,965,000

Misc Tax $1,219,684 $1,197,500 $1,195,000

Licenses/Fees $387,280 $378,000 $378,500

Permits $1,396,332 $1,295,430 $1,401,380

Penalties and Fines $27,265 $29,000 $29,500

Court Fines/Fees $2,106,375 $2,140,460 $2,162,060

Fees for Service $727,795 $312,410 $312,460

Grants/Contracts $906,401 $1,559,300 $1,460,300

Other $4,730,211 $4,063,950 $4,403,879

Grand Total $37,105,330 $38,175,130 $38,718,879

2011 year end reportL A K E W O O D

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In short, Lakewood’s fiscally conservative approach over the years has helped it weather a protracted recession much better than many cities: Lakewood has a budget reserve of 10%

set aside for unforeseen contingencies. Lakewood’s debt capacity is a small

fraction of what the City can legally borrow by State law. RCW 35.42 allows cities to take on debt that is 2.5% of the assessed total of taxable properties in the City. Lakewood’s debt stands at .08% of that amount and primarily consists of $2.5 million owed for the completion of the Police Station and another $827,000 owed for the construction of 59th Street SW as part of City Hall’s contribution toward improving traffic flow through Towne Center. Many other cities have not been as frugal.

Other debts such as Public Works Trust Funds used to construct sewers have an attached revenue stream that covers their costs. For example, the Tillicum – Woodbrook Sewer extension projects completed this year were funded by a 4.75% surcharge on sewer bills that will pay for sewer construction costs within 20 years. In conjunction with the implementation of the surcharge, a compensating reduction in the City’s yearly surface water management charges was also implemented. This means that the resulting net financial impact on the sewer rate payer was almost zero. In addition, the City is receiving a 6% franchise fee on sewer accounts in exchange for allowing the County to operate the sewer system in lieu of comparable cities’ utility taxes. Including surcharge and franchise fees, Lakewood’s sewer charge is one of the lowest among its neighboring cities.

The City’s 2011-12 Budget can be reviewed in more detail at www.cityoflakewood.us. As challenging economic times persist for cities and their citizens, Lakewood has continued to deliver services at a high level with a balanced budget and low taxes. In early 2012, the City had to adjust its budget 3% to reflect lower revenues due to difficult economic conditions. Looking ahead, Lakewood will continue to take a proactive approach in managing its budget in this dynamic environment.

Property Tax Distribution in Lakewood

Sales Tax Distribution in Lakewood

2011 year end reportL A K E W O O D

Lakewood history Museum’s exhibit “City of Lakewood: t he Long Road to incorporation”to open on February 25th.

The Lakewood History Museum's next major exhibit entitled, "City of Lakewood: The Long Road to Incorporation" will debut on Sat, February 25, 2012 with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 1:00 pm. Lakewood’s First Mayor Bill Harrison and others who played a prominent role in incorporation will be honored, and refreshments will be served. The museum is located at 6211 Mt Tacoma Dr SW, in the Lakewood Colonial Center across from Columbia Bank. The exhibit can be viewed during regular museum hours, Wed-Sat, 12 noon-4 pm. Tours can be arranged by calling 253-682-3480.

organization... 10

Marketing to the Federal Government Effective Strategies for BusinessFebruary 28, 2012 9:00 – 11:30am,

Lakewood City hall Council Chambers

Learn how to find federal government opportunities, research the competition and effectively market to buyers and prime contractors. Hear from an experi-enced marketer on how to make the most of government tradeshows and networking events.

This event is free but registration is required. To register go to www.washingtonptac.org, click on “Events.” Questions? Contact Tiffany Scroggs at 360.754.6320 or tscroggs@thurstonedc.com.

This workshop is made possible through a partnership between Thurston Economic Development Council, South Sound Military & Communities Partnership, and the City of Lakewood.

CERt (Community Emergency Response team)Spring training Session March 13 – 31, 2012.

West Pierce Fire & Rescue invites citizens who live or work in the Lakewood area to attend our next session of CERT classes March 13 – 31, 2012. This free series of six classes is for citizens in our community to prepare for and respond to disasters, and will teach people in neighborhoods how to help each other in the first few minutes or hours following a disaster. For more information or to enroll please contact Pierce Fire & Rescue at (253) 983-4580 or cert@westpierce.org.

First Lakewood City Council. Standing from left to right: Douglas Richardson (Councilmember), Sherri Thomas (Councilmember), José Palmas (Councilmember, and Bill Harrison (Mayor). Sitting from left to right: Colleen Henry (Councilmember), Claudia Thomas (Deputy Mayor) and Ann Kirk-Davis (Councilmember). Photo by Edward G. Kane.

2011 year end reportL A K E W O O D

new programs... 11

Legal and City Clerk Internship Program Continues to Develop in 2011The Legal and City Clerk Department offers an internship

opportunity for those college and graduate level students who wish to earn college credit in exchange for providing assistance to the City of Lakewood. The City regularly partners with students in the Pierce College Criminal Justice Program as well as the Tacoma Community College Paralegal Program to provide field training for students to gain valuable work experience while still providing a teaching environment. Over the last year, the City has hosted two Pierce College students who worked with criminal support staff to learn office skills against the backdrop of the criminal justice system. The City also hosted three paralegal interns enrolled in the Tacoma Community College paralegal program. The paralegal interns assisted on a variety of legal projects including conducting legal research, assisting with complex public disclosure requests and organizing voluminous civil files. The paralegal intern receives exposure to criminal law, administrative law, civil litigation and public disclosure law.

In addition to working with undergraduate students, the Legal Department supervised three third year law school students from Seattle University who were Rule 9 eligible. Rule

9 eligibility denotes a law student who has completed at least the first two years of law school and who otherwise qualifies to engage in the limited practice of law. These interns typically work at a higher level than students in other programs. The students perform legal research and also represent the City in criminal hearings up to and including jury trials.

The Department served as the site of one unique intern- ship opportunity through the graduate center of the University of Puget Sound. This intern was assigned exclusively to the attorney and paralegal associated with the CSRT. This internship focused on the legislative aspects of local City government.

Finally, the City mentored two Rule 6 candidates. Rule 6 candidates must hold a BA degree, be employed at least 30 hours a week in the legal arena and be mentored by an attorney in good standing with a minimum of 10 years of experience. The Rule 6 Law Clerk Program, administered through the Washington State Bar Association, is a four year, year round program. Upon completion of the program, the clerk is eligible to sit for the bar exam. This year, one clerk successfully finished the program while another clerk began.

Lakewood teams up with Pierce College’s Computer Clubhouse

Lakewood’s Promise seeks to serve as a catalyst to encourage collaboration among Lakewood’s businesses, organizations and agencies and to serve as a clearing house for community youth programs and events. A success story showing how the program works to promote marketable skills and effective education opportunities for youth is Pierce College’s partnership with the City to videotape City Council meetings.

For a fraction of the cost for a private firm to provide this service, Pierce College’s Computer Clubhouse, under the direction of instructor Kurt Sample, began videotaping City Council meetings (which were not previously taped) last year. Not only do videotaped meetings pro-vide citizens to access the meetings electronically through the City website and a Vimeo link, it provides the students implementing the program real-world experience in their Computer Clubhouse Curriculum.

The City and Pierce College plan to continue this successful venture as part of Lakewood’s Promise

in the future. To learn more about Lakewood’s Promise visit: http://lakewoodspromise.us/.

To access Lakewood City Council recorded meetings visit: http://vimeo.com/channels/205285.

For a fraction of the cost for a private firm to provide this service, Pierce College’s Computer Clubhouse, under the direction of instructor Kurt Sample, began videotaping City Council meetings (which were not previously taped) last year. Not only do videotaped meetings pro-vide citizens to access the meetings electronically through the City website and a Vimeo link, it provides the students implementing the program real-world experience in their Computer

The City and Pierce College plan Computer Clubhouse kids learning and having fun!

Service We provide prompt, courteous, and effective service, emphasizing problem solving and creativity.

Teamwork We communicate and work cooperatively with others, recognizing and appreciating the contributions of all.

Integrity We are honest, accountable and honor our commitments.

Respect We embrace differences and treat each other with dignity.

CIT

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LAKEWO

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1 9 9 6

City of Lakewood Guiding Principles

ECRWSSPOSTAL CUSTOMER6000 Main Street SW

Lakewood WA 98499

12city council priorities...

2011 year end reportL A K E W O O D

Waughop Lake re-opened in October 28, 2011 after being closed in August, 2011 for high levels of toxic algae.

City council priorities… Develop vision for the City Center

Foster redevelopment of the Pacific Highway corridor, Woodbrook and Tillicum

Maintain and enhance public safety initiatives

Develop a vision for parks and public spaces to improve quality of life and attract residents

Sustain regional leadership and coordination role with military partners

Pursue annexation of selected areas within the City’s Urban Growth Area (UGA)

Continue cooperative partnership with educational institutions in Lakewood

Emerging Challenges….Key policy issues the City Council will address in 2012:

Pacific Highway, Woodbrook and Town Center – assess options for economic development.

Transportation Benefit District – how can the City continue to fund street maintenance as existing funding sources continue to decline?

Union Avenue development options – the Council will determine right-of-way width and other basic design features to address constraints of existing roads in Tillicum.

Amtrak – monitor ongoing Environmental Assessment (EA) discussions (the WSDOT EA is not likely to be released until Summer 2012).

Fort Steilacoom Golf Course – assess feasibility of transition from Pierce County.