Lacey staff lay out 2026 state priorities, seeking academy funding and help on public-defense costs

Lacey officials presented the city's 2026 state legislative agenda at a Nov. 25 work session, asking the Legislature to set aside $1 million annually to operate a regional law-enforcement academy at the Lacey training center and to help cities respond to new public-defense caseload standards.

Shannon Bridal, who led the staff presentation, said the city streamlined its agenda to three top priorities and several supporting items, and that the city's policy manual now includes language to protect local funding and to request flexibility for municipalities. "We have, the Thurston County Regional Basic Law Enforcement Academy at the Lacey Regional Training Center" is listed as a priority, she said, noting that the request is for operating support, not capital costs.

Brian Enslow, who briefed the council on the state political…