[{"_1":2,"_98":-5,"_99":-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],{"_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",6176980,"mediaKeyId","5342396-b61432727b751f0f9613ce3a293e659e","parentId",5342396,"title","Council refers FIFA Fan Zone funding question to LTAC after chamber outlines $1.5M plan","audioSeconds",1573,"startMs",9663000,"endMs",11236000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5342396-b61432727b751f0f9613ce3a293e659e&start=9663&end=11236","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5342396-b61432727b751f0f9613ce3a293e659e/thumbnail_9663000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6176980/Lacey/Thurston-County/Washington/Council-refers-FIFA-Fan-Zone-funding-question-to-LTAC-after-chamber-outlines-15M-plan","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6176980-6c8355808796004e0b6be5c976ff4594/orig.mp4?Expires=1774927591&Signature=iua2yJaL9mOrWg2qMmPMuO4Nf31NsttxAt7PcVYh4TGjnBnwJpul5zad5CaIN21OEx8oUgMBvYqT8MSOFenByYIWXvIUWWMeRBIOMUcsuIvBTYG1lrW7JY1~i011BcTZFtB6g3ldxvvPMaR~6YAFKJHQ3RAYzWV8mLdMq7Ry4wb1NChFSGTQAImuuz847f1QXlWeUqVuMI5kIHkenWB47AVaLrEi96YhEe53aw-ZwGghccVGuLoA9BtIHy2KAKkRQKjxMJd0~M9XCLnDsBuVkl~HaWwVZu1Jbbp5inT50qvEHZtsV9TAIy8PmbPEgbGPPC6nzl2VvZequ41kYihERw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Lacey, WA","date","2025-07-09T16:24:03Z","article","Lacey city staff and the Thurston Chamber presented a preliminary plan on July 8 for hosting a FIFA Fan Zone in the Olympia‑Lacey area during the 2026 World Cup. The proposal would host multiple match‑day fan‑zone events in June–July 2026. The chamber estimated a total program budget of about $1.5 million and proposed splitting base costs across the four primary jurisdictions (Lacey, Olympia, Tumwater and Thurston County), with offsetting revenue from vendors, ticketing, sponsorships and beer‑garden sales.

Councilors raised concerns about the municipal budget impact and pointed staff to the city’s Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC) as the appropriate venue to vet a potential contribution. The mayor and council discussed the practicalities of funding and revenue sharing: Lacey staff estimated the city’s available unassigned lodging‑tax reserves are modest and that any draw would need to be replenished; staff proposed LTAC examine whether reserves could be used and how to replenish them within a short timeframe.

What was proposed: The chamber’s scope suggested each event could draw several thousand attendees (the chamber used conservative estimates in the staff packet and referenced larger statewide travel projections). The Port of Olympia’s waterfront peninsula property emerged as a likely venue; staff said the Regional Athletic Complex (RAC) was less suitable because of existing programmed activities and access to commercial amenities.

Funding and in‑kind support: The chamber’s draft budget assumed $1.5 million in total costs and roughly $525,000 in earned revenue, leaving a net public‑sector ask to be divided among jurisdictions. The chamber also requested in‑kind contributions (promotional support, staff on interagency committees, use of city property for overflow parking and shuttle staging, volunteer coordination and possible mutual‑aid public‑safety support). Council members noted mutual‑aid and event safety needs could create overtime and other costs even if staff support were provided “in kind.”

Council direction: Without committing general fund dollars, councilors directed staff to refer the proposal to LTAC for funding consideration and to ask the committee to evaluate the city’s lodging‑tax reserves and provide a recommendation on how quickly reserves could be replenished if used. Council members also asked LTAC to consider proportional contribution scenarios, possible revenue‑sharing agreements with Olympia, and whether scaled or phased event options (fewer events, smaller footprint) could reduce the cost burden.

Why it matters: The event could generate hotel room nights, restaurant business and visitor spending if it attracts out‑of‑area attendees, but it requires significant up‑front planning and cash flow and raises questions about who assumes financial and operational risk. Councilors said they supported exploring the possibility but emphasized the need for a detailed LTAC review before any city commitment.

Next steps: LTAC will consider the chamber’s application and report back to council with a recommended funding scenario and a plan to replenish any LTAC reserves used. Councilors signaled support for continued interjurisdictional coordination but declined to authorize an immediate general‑fund commitment.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Lacey City Council Worksession - July 8, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Councilors asked Lacey’s lodging‑tax advisory committee to evaluate whether and how to contribute to a multi‑jurisdictional FIFA Fan Zone proposal after the Thurston Chamber presented a preliminary $1.5 million budget and revenue‑share plan.","taxTitle","Lacey, Thurston County, Washington","taxId",4615,"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},6176985,"Lacey public works standards update proposes street‑tree separation, private street flexibility and septic‑connection threshold",2098,1533000,3631000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5342396-b61432727b751f0f9613ce3a293e659e&start=1533&end=3631","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5342396-b61432727b751f0f9613ce3a293e659e/thumbnail_1533000.jpg","/articles/6176985/Lacey/Thurston-County/Washington/Lacey-public-works-standards-update-proposes-streettree-separation-private-street-flexibility-and-septicconnection-threshold","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6176985-503fa87ea31d9f1e5ec5c022bacc94d8/orig.mp4?Expires=1774927591&Signature=QD7bFmrCSJjEoQmgaS1AtARQR~zYovqx6GbArBAWW98bnL6Vzy6i7hTqKaa1rOdLYkzqcS6XoARt44TPmwkEI9v~a1sttVBFav1ca~CG74Xasy35Oe7HuiGtLakIffZQCwEL~~FrKFjZj5~4mjwtP-ko1605M066Q~MuYN-PB3XK8WFEuGKEq9~zaBf3fVG3Zirap01j41NcMRiJS7im6Mnkd6lUOCBilPybHgThxdTzrbQJXxXyxLCbR-Ry3Brb6dkJzt1pLgczrUG1wC6-VCTD2hUKdQmJuVn9zjykMet8YxoyaBvUEfvuZhDxZ~VoTesUS672kGrPnharg8RLWA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City staff presented proposed amendments to Lacey’s Development Guidelines and Public Works Standards at the July 8 work session, focusing on tree‑planting separation requirements, a new allowance for SPR committee modification of private residential street standards, and a financial threshold for mandatory sewer connection when on‑site septic systems fail.

The amendments aim to reduce maintenance conflicts between street trees and utilities on increasingly smaller lots and to give flexibility on private streets in cottage‑style or environmentally constrained developments. Staff said the current trend toward smaller, front‑loaded lots and the proliferation of step (step‑tank) sewer systems leave little room in the planter strip for street trees without repeated root‑related damage to sidewalks, water and sewer boxes, and other infrastructure.

Street trees and separation: Project manager Joey Etter told the council the draft chapter introduces minimum separation distances between street trees and utilities/driveways to reduce ongoing maintenance costs and infrastructure damage. Staff acknowledged that root barriers and selective tree species help but are not foolproof. Council members pressed staff on alternatives, including planting trees elsewhere in developments (tree tracks, private yards, parks) and incentives to preserve canopy off the public right‑of‑way.

Private residential streets: The proposed amendment would permit the SPR (Streets, Parks & Recreation or similar review) committee to modify public‑right‑of‑way standards for private streets — for example, in cottage developments or where a development abuts wetlands or other constrained open space — allowing meandering sidewalks or reduced planter strips where pedestrian connectivity is provided by other means.

Septic‑to‑sewer connection threshold: Staff proposed a financial test to allow property owners with failing on‑site septic systems to repair or replace their septic system instead of being required to connect to city sewer when the cost of extension and connection would exceed 15% of the assessed value of the land and improvements. That 15% exemption would not apply in shoreline jurisdiction areas; staff said shoreline properties remain required to connect. Staff cited examples: a duplex on Carpenter Road whose sewer extension and connection costs were estimated at roughly $100,000; typical septic repairs were cited at about $35,000–$45,000.

Funding context and utilities rebates: Staff noted connection fees and available lot rebates are applied in cost calculations; the 15% test includes both construction and connection fees. Councilors additionally asked about the city fund that offsets connection costs (ULID/connection subsidies); staff said that fund has been largely expended and is likely two years away from restoration, and that the city has a prioritized list of basins for future investments.

Why it matters: Council members framed the amendments as balancing goals: protecting infrastructure and containing long‑term maintenance costs while pursuing tree canopy and affordable housing objectives. Staff recommended adopting the spacing standards to reduce infrastructure conflicts, then bringing a “phase two” package to the council that would explore incentives, off‑site tree planting or other canopy preservation measures during the comprehensive plan and development‑regulation update.

Next steps: Staff will return with the formal ordinance/resolution and Lacey Municipal Code (LMC) amendments to adopt the Development Guidelines concurrently with the LMC language that moves chapter 1 into the code, avoiding a regulatory gap.

Ending note: Council members urged staff to craft mitigation and incentive measures to preserve canopy in other ways and to explore accelerating the comp plan/regulation work so private development and public‑right‑of‑way standards are coordinated.","City staff briefed council on proposed development guideline changes affecting street trees, private residential street standards and a new 15% cost threshold allowing on‑site septic repair instead of mandatory sewer connection when sewer is within 200 feet.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":44,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6176991,"Lacey council urges study before removing Log Cabin Road from regional plan; rejects immediate removal",6211,3452000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5342396-b61432727b751f0f9613ce3a293e659e&start=3452&end=9663","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5342396-b61432727b751f0f9613ce3a293e659e/thumbnail_3452000.jpg","/articles/6176991/Lacey/Thurston-County/Washington/Lacey-council-urges-study-before-removing-Log-Cabin-Road-from-regional-plan-rejects-immediate-removal","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6176991-17a5dbce70b602d7dc0c3cc4bf724d8f/orig.mp4?Expires=1774927591&Signature=LUfcg8G-71IXRg4Tea1UFYkbsJTsU2qlHl4ipBr8QHpPOeHrZ0-hAJXR5f0wZcgQLWeevSik-YiSJkxbweiQqdf0ciwjrT1DjMtCKjaO49nKe~vk89~cwpHIUJBwJsbVKvBYQMzE6JrmDWE~T8MCOZ7wkWITPW7aUgjYWYu950xBhIq0IVHi-BJe2RlJzjpPynU7yTY7L5MiMfY38-qhbSA~mTQrLD8z0TUKvbtxQovpKcjqO6QKTRfRVch16hxHVRJM39kDaYURKbx9sIHs4Ml2CKPFnUG1qjYN9y5bQqAHichAGkhbsGG3sR7IioAZcidW4lzL1UxmTW71QeJlTg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Lacey City Council on July 8 voted to keep the Log Cabin Road connection in the Thurston Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) and asked that a regional traffic analysis be completed before any decision to remove the project from the regional plan.

Council members discussed competing priorities — long‑standing regional planning commitments and residents’ concerns about removing trees and fragmenting LBA Woods Park — before voting to retain the corridor as a placeholder until a study produces alternatives or shows the connection is unnecessary.

The debate followed public comment urging the council to resist removal of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) language from regional plans. Jeff Browning, a Lacey resident, and Tawanna Reed of the NAACP of Thurston County joined other speakers in urging officials not to eliminate DEI references. Council members and TRPC staff said the DEI discussion and the Log Cabin issue are related but distinct: DEI language concerns arose because the Transportation Policy Board explored whether certain plan language might affect federal compliance and funding; Log Cabin is a decades‑old regional corridor designation that TRPC staff say supports east‑west connectivity across Thurston County.

Why it matters: Log Cabin Road has been a designated regional east‑west corridor for decades and was used in regional modeling and finance forecasts. TRPC staff told the council that removing the connection would free roughly $10 million in the RTP financial forecast for other projects but could shift PM‑peak traffic onto alternative routes and increase vehicle volumes on corridors such as Yelm Highway, Bridal Road and I‑5 approaches. Staff emphasized the RTP model is a PM‑peak, regional view and does not capture some local conditions such as morning school drop‑offs or intersection signal timing.

At the meeting, TRPC’s Katrina Van Every laid out the corridor’s history — dating to studies in the 1980s and a 1998 East‑West Corridor study — and noted Olympia purchased LBA Woods in part to reserve land for a park and a potential future road connection. Van Every said Olympia later amended its comp plan to remove the connection, which prompted the regional discussion and requests to update the RTP to match local plans.

Council members repeatedly described a 2021 compromise: Olympia would study alternative connectivity strategies for southeast Olympia and the Log Cabin link would remain in the RTP until that study could demonstrate the road was unnecessary. Several council members urged Olympia to expedite that study. Mayor Andy Reiter and others said they would support removing the project if a robust study produced a viable alternative that preserved parkland and achieved regional travel goals.

Formal action and outcome: A motion to support a staff option that would remove the Log Cabin connection unless Olympia agreed in writing to conduct a regional analysis (Option 2) failed on a council vote (motion maker and seconder not specified in the meeting transcript). A subsequent motion to support leaving the Log Cabin Road connection in the RTP until a regional traffic analysis is conducted (Option 1) passed; the council directed its representatives to the Transportation Policy Board and Thurston Regional Planning Council to carry that position.

Discussion highlights and concerns: Councilors and staff stressed the RTP’s role in preserving long‑term regional commitments and in protecting projects already funded through 2030. Staff said all RTP projects are typically sponsored by the implementing jurisdiction; in the current draft TRPC staff updated the Log Cabin project sheet to note there was no sponsor and that Olympia is the responsible jurisdiction for implementation.

TRPC modeling presented by Van Every showed modest PM‑peak shifts in traffic volumes if Log Cabin were removed; some links would see more traffic, others less. Staff said mode split (the share of trips by walking, transit and driving) showed no material change within the model’s margin of error. TRPC staff and Lacey public works staff also emphasized the model does not capture transit service decisions or some local safety and intersection issues, and that utility and service access can be affected by the street network.

Public comments and equity language: Public speakers asked the council to oppose efforts to strip DEI language from regional transportation documents. Council members said their earlier guidance to TRPC and the Transportation Policy Board was intended to protect funded projects through 2030; given subsequent federal interpretations and evolving guidance, council members said they would not support weakening equity commitments and that the DEI language will remain in regional conversations.

Next steps: The council’s vote to retain Log Cabin in the RTP sends a clear signal to the city’s representatives on the Transportation Policy Board and to TRPC to continue pursuing a regional analysis before any removal. Councilors urged Olympia to accelerate the southeast connectivity study promised in prior years and asked TRPC staff to continue modeling and engagement so alternatives — if any — can be evaluated before future RTP updates.

Ending note: Council members acknowledged strong local feelings on both sides: the LBA Woods park advocates who oppose a road through that forested property and regional planners who worry about long‑term connectivity and the precedent of removing decades‑old corridors without a study.","The Lacey City Council voted to keep the Log Cabin Road connection in the Thurston Regional Transportation Plan pending a regional analysis, after hearing public comments about DEI language and long-running debate over the corridor’s role in regional connectivity.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council refers FIFA Fan Zone funding question to LTAC after chamber outlines $1.5M plan

Lacey public works standards update proposes street‑tree separation, private street flexibility and septic‑connection threshold

Lacey council urges study before removing Log Cabin Road from regional plan; rejects immediate removal