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Lakewood delegation hears short updates on transit, cannabis moratorium, retail theft and childcare
Summary
At the close of the meeting legislators and city officials discussed other local priorities: possible Pierce Transit ballot measures to expand service, an existing city moratorium on cannabis licenses (past study showed modest revenue), rising concerns about retail theft, and a state bill streamlining child-care provider licensing near bases.
After the four core agenda items, council members and legislators discussed additional community concerns.
Transit: Councilmembers and legislators discussed gaps in transit service, especially east Lakewood and areas across the railroad; the mayor said the Pierce Transit board is likely to consider a ballot measure this year to increase authorization and service hours.
Cannabis: A council member asked whether Lakewood still maintained a moratorium on cannabis licenses. The mayor said the moratorium remains in place; a prior study (circa 2015) estimated modest net revenue at the time (about $83,000) and local concerns including school-district opposition influenced earlier decisions.
Retail theft and childcare: A legislator asked the delegation to prioritize retail-theft mitigation at the state level, citing an estimated $3 billion annual cost statewide and $300 million in lost tax revenue; childcare was raised as an ongoing focus and the meeting referenced a bill by Sen. Richelli intended to allow certain federally accredited providers near bases to proceed without duplicative state licensing while remaining subject to DCYF oversight for public-safety purposes.
No formal actions were taken on these items; legislators said they would note the priorities and consider them alongside the other requests from Lakewood.
