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Lakewood to review regional homelessness resolution of intent; council delays final vote to Aug. 3
Summary
Councilors discussed a draft resolution expressing Lakewood’s support for a Unified Regional Approach to homelessness (URA) and actions such as aligning data collection, inclement-weather policies and supporting at least one local homeless intervention. The resolution is nonbinding; council moved final action to Aug. 3 to allow more input and amendments.
City staff presented a draft resolution of intent committing Lakewood to further participation in a regional effort to address homelessness and to align local procedures with Pierce County partners. Tiffany Spear, who has been on the staff working group, told council the resolution formalizes support for developing an interlocal agreement (ILA) in the future, and lists near-term steps such as updating data-collection requirements for contracted providers, improving coordinated-entry connections, developing an inclement-weather policy, identifying potential shelter locations and supporting at least one homeless intervention in Lakewood.
Spear stressed the resolution does not create binding legal or financial obligations: "This resolution is an expression of intent and does not authorize execution of an interlocal agreement nor does it create binding legal or financial obligations for the city," staff said. Council members raised concerns about vagueness and asked for specificity on what constitutes "one homeless intervention," seeking assurance that Lakewood's homeless population would benefit directly.
Council member Mike Branstetter urged adoption to maintain Lakewood’s seat at the table while the ILA is developed; Council member Pearson pressed for measurable goals and clarity on how the regional plan will materially help Lakewood residents. After discussion the mayor proposed, and council agreed, to move the vote from next week's agenda to the council meeting on Aug. 3 so absent council members and interested members could review, propose amendments and ensure more complete council participation.
Next steps: staff will return with any proposed amendments and further details on financing options and implementation steps; the resolution as drafted will come back for formal action on Aug. 3.
