Lacey outlines $500,000 accessibility upgrades and short-term county partnership at Veterans Services Hub

Michelle Chavez, the city's human services coordinator, told the council on Feb. 18 that Lacey is planning a $500,000 accessibility improvement project at the Lacey Veterans Services Hub and has entered an interlocal agreement with Thurston County to provide interim on-site operational coverage.

Chavez said planning and design are underway and environmental review is complete. The project scope includes an elevator/lift, upgraded accessible parking stalls and signage, and — if the budget allows — interior automatic doors and automated restroom features. Staff anticipate bidding the first phase of work this year and thanked Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland and U.S. Senators Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell for assistance in securing federal funds.

The council also recognized long-term volunteer drivers Adam Gonzalez and Jim Notter for transporting veterans to medical appointments. Chavez presented operational metrics for the hub: since opening as a small mobile unit the hub has expanded through multiple phases and now lists nine program focus areas and more than 150 partner organizations. She said 2016 had five programs and about 20 partners, while 2025 lists nine programs and 156 partners.

Chavez reported volunteer and usage figures: in 2024 the hub recorded about 2,004 volunteer hours and had seven volunteers; since January the hub reported an increase in volunteers and recorded 267 volunteer hours in that month alone, projecting a potential of roughly 3,200 volunteer hours annually if current momentum continues. The hub averages about 14,400 client visits per year over the last four years, Chavez said.

On operations, the city reported it has entered a short pilot interlocal agreement with Thurston County to provide daily coverage while the city transitions management from an external contractor to in-house oversight. Per staff summary, the city will provide on-site coverage on Mondays and Fridays and Thurston County will provide coverage Tuesdays through Thursdays during the pilot, which is valid through March 31. Staff said recruitment for a permanent hub coordinator will begin soon and the city will return to council for permanent staffing decisions.

Mayor Andy Reiter and other council members praised volunteers and partners, and acknowledged South Puget Sound Community College for providing the hub facility. No new council vote on capital spending was recorded at the meeting; staff said the project funding sources include the federal assistance acknowledged on the dais and that the city will pursue bids.