[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6251237,"mediaKeyId","3196057-8721c82f1f7b8e79b650311d9b775a8b","parentId",3196057,"title","Council approves eight-year multifamily tax exemption for 40-unit Housing on Apartments in Lakewood Station District","audioSeconds",240,"startMs",5696000,"endMs",5936000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3196057-8721c82f1f7b8e79b650311d9b775a8b&start=5696&end=5936","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3196057-8721c82f1f7b8e79b650311d9b775a8b/thumbnail_5696000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6251237/Lakewood/Pierce-County/Washington/Council-approves-eight-year-multifamily-tax-exemption-for-40-unit-Housing-on-Apartments-in-Lakewood-Station-District","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6251237-1536f9cd79c78b73d3fa7ff210ab1beb/orig.mp4?Expires=1775912430&Signature=HtSjGCTc6ZIQGoMqY62Zn5WkY2gUydeQ~DaPnm-2qyZZkYwaWwfgFjFZkyKa5q0-6PMISX~7CjqucU1ol4X-SNMNOFp4KcFcoJfMsEPMZakVhb7mEdYzqfXO05G~pQs2jW~AbXiiLpddjEjUX4BD2HjgAVSW-Ot8iHikh1shEebJPPRvLX20yUuNoY8oSCCDrD33zrwFav5JOClqKSXEOSkCdUkxzilw8c8KTwl9k6YyuZ7y-1MZwGti1lfODxl6-hNsFP6mpT50XruH32AX3EL0Lwz1pnPmtRvZZJ-BayN1F9e4aht7oO8Lm6PkyC-vHWd5ib10Bk8FlPfYdFfR9w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Lakewood City, WA","date","2025-05-06T09:01:56.22Z","article","The Lakewood City Council on Monday approved Resolution 2025-08, granting an eight-year multifamily property tax exemption to the Housing on Apartments project, a 40-unit, studio-and-one-bedroom development within the Lakewood Station District residential target area.

Public works director Jeffrey Mack summarized staff review and said the project meets requirements in Lakewood Municipal Code 3.64 for the residential target-area exemption. The project will construct 40 market-rate units with 47 parking stalls on a site inside the Lakewood Station District. Mack described the development as “workforce housing” in design and unit mix; valuation in the packet lists a construction value of approximately $4,800,000.

Council discussion noted the need for clear, transparent comparisons of tax-exemption scenarios. Council Member Michael Branstetter asked that future packet charts show alternative outcomes, including the possibility a developer builds without a tax exemption, to allow clearer public evaluation of trade-offs. Council members who spoke said the project aligns with the council’s goal to increase housing near transit and cited the project’s location and unit mix as reasons to support the exemption.

Action recorded: Resolution 2025-08 was adopted by council vote; the resolution authorizes the city manager to sign the residential target-area agreement and conditional certificate.

Why it matters: Multifamily tax exemptions are a local tool to incentivize residential development; in this instance the council determined the project met code requirements and approved the eight-year exemption to encourage housing in the Lakewood Station District.

Discussion vs. decision: Council debate occurred in open session and concluded with the council’s affirmative vote to grant the exemption; the resolution was adopted at the same meeting.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Council Meeting of May 5, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The council approved an eight-year multifamily property tax exemption for a 40-unit market-rate project in the Lakewood Station District, clearing the conditional certificate and authorizing the city manager to sign the agreement.","taxTitle","Lakewood, Pierce County, Washington","taxId",3978,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6251242,"Council adopts five-year consolidated plan and 2025 action plan allocating CDBG and HOME funds",269,4311000,4580000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3196057-8721c82f1f7b8e79b650311d9b775a8b&start=4311&end=4580","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3196057-8721c82f1f7b8e79b650311d9b775a8b/thumbnail_4311000.jpg","/articles/6251242/Lakewood/Pierce-County/Washington/Council-adopts-five-year-consolidated-plan-and-2025-action-plan-allocating-CDBG-and-HOME-funds","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6251242-62059a2aed7f68fa367266d058b3a2d4/orig.mp4?Expires=1775912430&Signature=Y4nUF02pmydra7UNba5pQvu0kDXPn5QwQP-EPBGMKkq8A1sFdLTBFLtR0ujQmJSe2sDMTkNG104dLH0-V5~AxoPFz9o1StTc7N0EwsrVEl3goYuPHzlKX26WFRzhVKswakSh~th6wt6NicYvKmWNUeYxHFsnKYcrxRuDI-SIjgkC0BgT8ryuG1aY51U53G32cvx4moeUPOVNiMTFuY-dfEjwiEU2MJwCe3FW7lGDWadwQpveMHmmB0M~P7muAXMLuQ4wsR1T6SwVInB2OGSYgsvPHteqh5lZced27RJoY6k4h1R2nNB6iAKlINk3hin7-Db3U-Q4m~SrRQQILDaCNQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Lakewood City Council on Monday adopted Resolution 2025-06, approving the city's five-year consolidated plan for 2025–2029 and the fiscal year 2025 annual action plan, which set proposed allocations for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME program funds.

Planning manager Jeff Gumb presented the plan and said staff and advisory boards conducted extensive public outreach, including two public hearings and a council review on April 21. Gumb said the annual action plan includes an anticipated CDBG allocation of $525,000 and an anticipated HOME allocation of $250,000; both figures were listed as staff estimates while the federal allocation process completed. He also outlined program-income estimates and reprogrammed funds included in the packet.

Table 1 in the packet shows proposed uses of CDBG funding for 2025, including $45,000 for an Emergency Assistance Payments Program to help low-income households with urgent needs such as utilities, housing-related expenses and food. Table 2 shows HOME program allocations and proposed use of program income; staff proposed a pro rata adjustment should HUD’s final allocations vary from current estimates.

Council members questioned program targets and sources. Gumb said the emergency assistance figure was based on recent historical demand (roughly $55,000–$60,000 annually) and that the proposed $45,000 would carry the program into 2026 when combined with existing unspent funds. He said the tenant-based rental assistance proposal would provide one-time security or initial-deposit support and that the city expects to contract with a nonprofit to administer that program.

The council voted to adopt the consolidated and annual action plans. The adoption authorizes staff to submit the plan to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and to proceed with program implementation consistent with federal requirements and final allocations.

Why it matters: The consolidated plan sets housing and community development priorities and allocates federal and program income dollars for local homelessness prevention, housing repairs and related services. Adoption allows staff to submit the plan to HUD and begin locally planned programs once final HUD allocations are received.

Action recorded: Resolution 2025-06 was adopted by council vote.","The Lakewood City Council adopted the city's 2025–2029 consolidated plan and the fiscal year 2025 annual action plan that anticipate CDBG and HOME funding levels and set allocations for emergency assistance and tenant-based rental assistance programs.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6251246,"Council adopts housekeeping changes to Transportation Benefit District projects list; revenues earmarked for debt service",582,3688000,4270000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3196057-8721c82f1f7b8e79b650311d9b775a8b&start=3688&end=4270","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3196057-8721c82f1f7b8e79b650311d9b775a8b/thumbnail_3688000.jpg","/articles/6251246/Lakewood/Pierce-County/Washington/Council-adopts-housekeeping-changes-to-Transportation-Benefit-District-projects-list-revenues-earmarked-for-debt-service","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6251246-4fd583142a813179b39809ee5f142394/orig.mp4?Expires=1775912430&Signature=au~XuFwTRerSLXHThmiAgY8~-qSeB1VapYdoz2oda9DRSYPwIqPLRifyuRlA7qb2MQTOJ0UrJM3QNL7a-TJs0VsQUNP0o0d4lyyCEcHIMuRLMCJx7SSlQxztsF00bhav6NMF2TLGZBc3cvGAnD9UklVLPmPK0rQ0rOFfkg3EeQTP4j9SCoci1XT1LvV5yfTS6EXz4xmAudRSgE-mlAjr1eAmSJXz-EZbr2JCBXIeLekE~2DBrAbfVut--1qNegmMj3K45rzHL9ZXT3ts329tTrTCGjGa87Z6RSf~kJ-i2pxV9wtLXUKsQauhgeUQwUlaUN-5IznvVEfhyo5~HzafRQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Lakewood City Council on Monday adopted Ordinance 829 to update the listing of projects eligible to be funded by the city’s Transportation Benefit District (TBD). The changes are largely housekeeping to reflect completed projects and remaining eligible projects while recognizing that TBD revenues are currently earmarked for debt service on council-authorized bonds.

Deputy City Manager Taw Kraus told the council the ordinance updates the projects list to show which work has been completed and which remain eligible. She said the TBD’s remaining life coincides with the councilmanic bond debt schedule and that, beginning in 2025, most TBD receipts will be committed to debt service once bonds are issued. Kraus noted the district’s sunset date — the last debt service payment — is Dec. 1, 2044.

Council members discussed funding mixes on large projects. Kraus said projects such as Nyanza Road and Mount Tahoma Drive were identified in the original financing plan and may also rely on grants and other contributions; TBD receipts are locally generated and were described by council members as a key local funding source for neighborhood safety, new streetlights, overlays and minor capital improvements.

The ordinance passed in the regular council vote recorded at the meeting. Council members said the TBD has funded many projects in Lakewood and emphasized the benefits of using locally generated TBD funds for road maintenance and neighborhood safety.

Why it matters: The TBD is a locally generated transportation funding source. By updating the eligible project list and acknowledging bond-related debt service commitments, the council clarified how future TBD revenue will be applied and reinforced the district’s role in maintaining and upgrading Lakewood streets and related infrastructure.

Action recorded: Ordinance 829 was adopted following a motion and second on the record.

Speakers listed below were the primary staff presenters and council members who discussed the item.","The Lakewood City Council adopted Ordinance 829 to update the list of projects eligible for Transportation Benefit District (TBD) funds and confirmed TBD revenues will be used principally for debt service tied to previously approved bonds; the district sunsets Dec. 1, 2044.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6251251,"Council holds public hearing on 2025 carry-forward budget; staff highlights two added items",144,3104000,3248000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3196057-8721c82f1f7b8e79b650311d9b775a8b&start=3104&end=3248","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3196057-8721c82f1f7b8e79b650311d9b775a8b/thumbnail_3104000.jpg","/articles/6251251/Lakewood/Pierce-County/Washington/Council-holds-public-hearing-on-2025-carry-forward-budget-staff-highlights-two-added-items","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6251251-0b8b9d1025c290a3541992a36f869946/orig.mp4?Expires=1775912430&Signature=nwHsjONkojvcOyVHulkKsCRsLPkFlneu2J~mZCzWsS59kqi2SAlDoiIpAheEjxSGAS3v8JC-gLDssPPaGKo5Pva3jgnjviJRxd9lLzrT5iFh4sYfsinzro2Dn3LrjGM43A1c~3yOWLwIUPbVP9-3HmiAQu91YrHNCEjAhv24cuKQ2Q8Iy6rGRcqAAMX3zuh5skI3LC5CYT~UFZBiSQTRgCArVZAMKHt4QIwxdBz~G7ZkrwGdtitJfbLUvlsaGt1CtlUWY5zbhdgEXriZUi5iyMgGyLBWHSUw3qE30GemYiSR5ah2e3XprZh-IbV-eeSxv9VCstuapxQC~N9xlsMXeQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Lakewood City Council on Monday held a public hearing on the 2025 carry-forward budget adjustment, during which staff described efforts to align 2025 beginning balances with 2024 closing results and to carry forward capital projects funded by grants and contributions.

Taw Kraus, deputy city manager, told the council the carry-forward package primarily adjusts beginning balances for 2025 and includes prior council-approved appropriations for capital projects. She said two items were added after the April 21 study session: $200,000 from the SWIM fund to update the Lakewood Municipal Code Title 12 engineering standards, and $80,000 in the park CIP fund for Motor Avenue site improvements to add irrigation and four inches of topsoil to a 1.5-acre turf area.

Kraus said the Title 12 update will be performed by an outside contractor and will include an audit against the Washington Department of Ecology Western Washington stormwater manual to improve permit procedures and alignment with state standards. Planning and public works director Jeffrey Mack explained the Motor Avenue work followed soil conditions discovered during abatement; the additional topsoil and grading are intended to establish a stable turf surface.

No members of the public registered to testify at the hearing and no virtual participants appeared. The hearing record was closed after staff answered council questions. No ordinance or resolution was adopted at the hearing; the item remains a public hearing record and may return to council for action as required.

Why it matters: Carry-forward adjustments reset 2025 beginning balances to reflect 2024 activity and formally preserve appropriations for unfinished capital projects. The two newly added items affect planning and parks operations and are funded by internal city funds (SWIM fund and park CIP fund), not by general-tax increases.

Discussion vs. decision: Discussion only — the council held a public hearing, received staff explanation and closed the hearing; no final appropriation vote was recorded during the meeting.

Speakers listed below provided the overview and answers during the hearing.","At a public hearing the city presented the 2025 carry-forward budget adjustment, including two items added since the April study session: a $200,000 update to Lakewood Municipal Code Title 12 funded by the SWIM fund and an $80,000 Motor Avenue site improvement in the park CIP fund.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6251253,"Residents and advocates press Lakewood City Council on police culture and accountability",1240,1890000,3130000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3196057-8721c82f1f7b8e79b650311d9b775a8b&start=1890&end=3130","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3196057-8721c82f1f7b8e79b650311d9b775a8b/thumbnail_1890000.jpg","/articles/6251253/Lakewood/Pierce-County/Washington/Residents-and-advocates-press-Lakewood-City-Council-on-police-culture-and-accountability","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6251253-cdd453639c76cf1e0b163405ecbfaf7e/orig.mp4?Expires=1775912430&Signature=PTIKIN1BtiIcxwL-980IDB503mK8sVCUvzr-qrqzmaAS~OoepYMvtVz2ewPmog2M4KAggO-ANrU2I3TrO2R0mtbIZOg2qTlj3E0Tgw1ABeWV5zI~aGKd9sEIeEcT2XER3W1CajC~773oNDbTl1u3p8ftBUyLR-nGUm-Nh6Bs3-Gwsj3UA7Xp5yhP1oWcYqvK0jWleTgetQinpRmcqZVf8k1ISQtuQkA~YlaLTiG0RKIkRDKOI47gjejx0A34H~Wp2UJLwIi49f1NoXNPt~~tdHu9k1VZdjS2~OK50ir2tHSGSEIZKwGfKfV6D-sLDJ4KiTLQV3s8XxzqQjqLR~~fww__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Several residents and community advocates told the Lakewood City Council on Monday that they are concerned about the culture and leadership of the Lakewood Police Department and urged the city to take stronger steps to hold officers accountable.

Speakers described a pattern of offensive conduct and long-running community mistrust. Julius Brown, a veteran and the founding chairman of the Lakewood African American Police Advisory Committee, said he came “not out of anger, but out of deep concern and responsibility,” and warned that jokes and “signals” of bias among officers risk real harm to residents and public trust.

The comments came during the council’s public comment period and followed media coverage and a series of high-profile lawsuits and settlements in which the city and its police officers were parties. James Dunlop, a Lakewood resident, cited the killing of Leonard Thomas and a later $8 million settlement in another case as evidence the city has not fully confronted systemic problems.

City leaders did not take action during the public-comment period. Council members acknowledged the remarks and said police leadership has taken steps to address personnel and discipline issues; Mayor Jason Whalen noted the department had acted in response to concerns and that some matters went to arbitration. No formal council directive or personnel action was announced at the meeting.

Why it matters: Speakers told the council that perceived tolerance for biased behavior can erode trust between officers and communities of color, lead to legal and financial liabilities for the city, and put residents at risk. Commenters urged preventive discipline and leadership changes to restore trust.

Discussion vs. decision: The remarks were public comment (discussion only). Council members responded with general acknowledgements of the concerns and references to prior administrative action; the meeting record shows no formal vote or staff direction tied to the public comment.

Background and context: Commenters referenced several older incidents and civil claims that have informed local debate about policing in Lakewood, including the 2009 deaths of four officers and later civil settlements. Speakers said the history underscores the need for preemptive accountability and cultural change within the department.

Next steps: The council did not schedule a specific follow-up in open session. Because these issues cross personnel, legal and public-safety functions, further review could involve council-staff briefings, referral to a council subcommittee, or requests for an independent review — none of which were entered on the record during the meeting.

Quotes in context: “We cannot, must not allow officers to make racial and inappropriate [remarks] on the job to return to positions of leadership,” Julius Brown said. “Accountability isn’t vengeance. It’s about prevention. It’s about public trust.”

Speakers listed below provided these remarks during the public comment period and are the only people quoted in this article.","Multiple public commenters urged the Lakewood City Council to address alleged bias and cultural problems within the Lakewood Police Department, citing past officer conduct, lawsuits and calls for stronger leadership accountability.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council approves eight-year multifamily tax exemption for 40-unit Housing on Apartments in Lakewood Station District

Council adopts five-year consolidated plan and 2025 action plan allocating CDBG and HOME funds

Council adopts housekeeping changes to Transportation Benefit District projects list; revenues earmarked for debt service

Council holds public hearing on 2025 carry-forward budget; staff highlights two added items

Residents and advocates press Lakewood City Council on police culture and accountability