LaceyLife – February 2023
Help Improve LaceyLife: Take a short survey
Please share your thoughts and ideas on our LaceyLife newsletter by taking a short survey. We appreciate your input!
Join us for the Lacey Cultural Celebration!
Explore the world at the Lacey Cultural Celebration presented by TwinStar Credit Union. The FREE, family- friendly event honoring the diverse cultures of the world takes place Saturday, March 4, 10 a.m.– 6 p.m. at Saint Martin’s University’s Worthington Center and Pavilion.
Throughout the day, attendees can experience the sights, sounds, smells, and traditions of various cultures. You can watch live dance performances, listen to music, see amazing attire, take in a cooking demonstration, and more. You can also shop with vendors selling a variety of merchandise, purchase delicious foods from around the world, visit with members of cultural clubs and organizations, and kids can play fun and educational interactive games.
Lacey Police Department Joins National Initiative to Advance Women in Policing
The Lacey Police Department (LPD) recently joined the 30×30 Pledge, an effort to get more women into policing to improve equity, public safety, trust in law enforcement, and community outcomes. The Pledge includes a series of low- and no-cost actions policing agencies can take to improve representation and experiences of women in law enforcement. The actions address recruitment, assessment, hiring, retention, promotion, and agency culture.
Over the past three years, the LPD has increased its number of police officers who are women from 10% to 20%. However, women make up only 12% of police officers and 3% of police leadership in the United States. This under-representation has significant public- safety implications. Research suggests that police officers who are women:
- Use less force, including less-excessive force.
- Are named in fewer complaints and lawsuits.
- Are perceived by communities as being more honest and compassionate.
- Have better outcomes for crime victims, especially in sexual assault cases.
The ultimate outcome of the 30×30 Initiative is to reach a goal of 30% of women in police recruit classes by 2030, and to ensure policing agencies are more representative of the jurisdiction the agency serves. LPD is also dedicated to continuing to increase racial and ethnic diversity within the City’s police force.
Neighborhood Grant Program Accepting 2023 Applications
The City is accepting 2023 Lacey Neighborhood Grant Program (LNGP) applications now through March 31. The matching-grant program awards up to $2,500 for projects that foster community pride, beautify the city, and expand community-member involvement.
New This Year
The LNGP is now available to both formal HOAs and informal neighborhoods located in the city limits. Neighborhoods may submit applications in these categories:
- Safe Neighborhoods & Emergency Response
- Environmental Sustainability & Resiliency
- Neighborhood Beautification
- Board Education & Organization Development
- Compassion
- Neighborhood Art & Monument Structures
- National Night Out Community Events
In 2022, Lacey Neighborhood Associations accomplished some great work, helping make Lacey an even better place to live! Some completed projects include adding a community garden, removing invasive weeds, improving common areas, securing community mailboxes and lighting.
PARKSPLORATION: Homann Park
Did you know we have access to one of the State’s best municipal park systems right here in Lacey? With just under 1,200 acres of park land and open spaces, Lacey’s Park System includes miles of ADA-accessible trails, hiking trails, several community buildings, and a premier regional athletic complex. Best of all, our parks are free and open to everyone!
In 1973, the Homann Foundation donated land to the City of Lacey for the development of Homann Park. This neighborhood park offers a variety of active-recreation options, including outdoor basketball (half-court size), a Little-League-size ball field, a small soccer field, and a playground.
Park users also have access to restrooms, a drinking fountain, barbecue grill, picnic tables, and benches.
Regional Partners Secure Supportive-Housing Asset with State Funds
The City of Lacey, Washington State Department of Commerce, and Thurston County partnered with the Low Income Housing Institute (LIHI) to purchase, convert, and operate the hotel located at 8200 Quinault Dr NE, Lacey as an enhanced shelter with a priority for people currently living in the I-5 rights-of-way in Thurston County. The property acquisition is funded by the state’s Right of Way Initiative.
Like other LIHI housing projects, residents must follow an established code of conduct to take part in the program. The facility will have 24/7, on-site staff providing operational services, security, and case management to help residents obtain permanent housing, employment, health care, and other services. Over time, the hotel will be converted to permanent-supportive housing.
Learn More
In mid-November the regional partners hosted two public meetings at Lacey City Hall for community members to learn more and ask questions about the enhanced shelter. You can review materials, watch the meetings, and find out more about the project on our website.
View the February LaceyLife in pdf format.
