LaceyLife – February 2024
Meet Councilmember Nicolas Dunning
Councilmember Nicolas Dunning was officially sworn in on January 2, 2024, following his election to Lacey City Council – position #3 in November.
Born and raised in Oregon, Dunning left the state when he joined the United States Marine Corps. He was stationed in Quantico, VA, and in 2007 volunteered to deploy to Iraq as an infantryman with the Task Force National Capital Region. During this time, his unit was awarded a Presidential Unit Citation and Meritorious Unit Citation, and he was awarded a Combat Action Ribbon.
After he got out of the Marine Corps, Dunning moved to Washington and joined the Washington National Guard. He also enrolled at the University of Washington where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Politics, Philosophy, and Economics with a Minor in Environmental Studies while deployed again — this time to Afghanistan.
Following his military career, Dunning opened West Coast Fitness Lacey and has been the owner and operator for the past seven years. He enjoys supporting over 2,500 community members live a better, healthier life.
When not busy running his business, Dunning is an avid sports fan and tries to attend a couple football and basketball games every year. Lately, he’s been trying out more water activities like snorkeling. He says he sinks like a rock so he’s not sure how long that will last.
Dunning’s areas of interest include economic development, small business entrepreneurship, and community involvement and engagement.
When asked what else he’d like the community to know, he said he wants everyone to know how thankful he is that they chose him to represent them on their City Council. He believes he represents the people of Lacey first and hopes we can continue working to make Lacey one of the best Washington communities to live in.
To learn more, visit the Lacey City Council webpage.
Check Out Our New Cable and Streaming Channel!
Over the past few years, we’ve worked hard to improve community access to City programs, information, and policies. What does that mean to you? You have several options to interact and stay connected with your city!
The City recently launched Lacey TV 77 — Your Government. On Demand. — a new cable and streaming channel featuring live coverage of Lacey public meetings and other City programming. Community members can access Lacey TV 77 on Xfinity Cable, the City’s website, and soon through ROKU and Firestick apps. This new channel gives the City more programming flexibility and replaces cable channel 3.
Other Ways to Stay in the Know
In addition to our social media accounts (Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, and X), the City’s updated website is a great resource. You can even sign up on the website to get updates on a variety of topics, including this newsletter and other City-related newsletters, information on capital projects, and more — delivered directly to your inbox!
New Community Request System Coming Soon!
The City also plans to roll out a new, more robust, customer request system — complete with a downloadable app — to replace the existing Lacey311. Once launched, it will be a hub for community members to send the City questions, comments, concerns, compliments, and more. It also includes two-way communication so City staff can let submitters know when they have addressed or answered their specific request.
Watch for more information coming soon!
High School and College Students: Join Us For the Youth Summit & Resource Fair on Saturday, March 16 – It’s FREE!
Are you a high school or early-college student looking for resume tips, a professional headshot, health and wellness information, and more? We have you covered! Join us for our FREE Lacey Youth Summit & Resource Fair hosted by the Lacey Youth Council and City of Lacey Human Resources Department:
Saturday, March 16 | 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
South Puget Sound Community College Lacey Campus (4220 6th Ave. SE, Lacey)
What to Expect at the Youth Summit
Stop by and listen to inspiring speakers, take part in team-building activities and games, grab a slice of pizza, and more. You might even win a prize!
What to Expect at the Resource Fair
Our Human Resources Department will be on hand to review and provide feedback on your resume, you can get a professional headshot taken (yes, FREE!), get helpful information from a variety of vendor booths, and explore other valuable resources.
SAVE THE DATE! Lacey Cultural Celebration: Saturday, March 9, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., Saint Martin’s University
Explore the world at the Lacey Cultural Celebration sponsored by TwinStar Credit Union. This FREE, family-friendly event honoring the diverse cultures of the world takes place Saturday, March 9 from 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, 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. And, if you want to step away from the noise and sensory stimulation at the event, visit the sensory space that allows you to regulate, reset, and return to the fun!
Critical Home Repair Program Helps Lacey Families Stay in Their Homes
South Puget Sound Habitat for Humanity’s (SPSHFH) Critical Home Repair (CHR) program is designed for low-income homeowners who have experienced financial hardships and are unable to maintain, add, or repair critical aspects of their homes. The CHR program provides affordable, critical house repairs to eligible homeowners, allowing them to stay in their home by improving the quality and health of their house.
To qualify for this program, homeowners must meet the following requirements:
- Income threshold.
- Ability to pay a portion of the repair cost.
- Willingness to partner.
- Own and live in a home in need of repairs.
- Have current homeowner’s insurance.
- Be current on mortgage payments and property taxes.
- Understand that SPSHFH’s staff and volunteers, and/or community members or organizations may perform the repairs.
The CHR program addresses home health and safety concerns, such as (but not limited to):
- Unsafe or failing roof or floors.
- Lack of heat.
- Electrical or plumbing hazards.
- New ramps, repairs, or additions for accessibility needs.
Lacey residents can access this program thanks to Lacey City Council providing $55,000 in Community Development Block Grant funds to this program. Other Thurston County residents can also apply for CHR program funding. To get more details, visit the South Puget Sound Habitat for Humanity website.
To view the February LaceyLife in pdf format, click here.
