The Lacey City Council and the Thurston County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved an interlocal agreement facilitating the annexation of Draham Road and Cuoio Park North Island.
The annexation’s approval is backed by previous ordinances adopted by the City Council in March and June 2024, which created unincorporated property islands.
Under RCW 35A.14.460, these annexations enable the city to integrate areas surrounded by its boundaries, enhancing municipal services and infrastructure.
During the joint public hearing on October 1, Lacey Planning Manager Ryan Andrews stressed the importance of public input on the proposed annexation.
“The purpose of this meeting is to hold a joint public hearing to take testimony on the proposed annexation,” he stated.
The annexations address unincorporated islands, specifically an area containing approximately 253 acres north of Draham Road and two additional islands totaling 19 acres from the Cuoio Park annexation.
The estimated population affected by these changes is around 400 residents. Andrews emphasized that the annexation areas meet the criteria for integration, with at least 60% of their boundaries contiguous to city limits.
“This has been on our radar for quite some time, so it shouldn’t come as any surprise,” said Commissioner Gary Edwards. He noted that the process has included ample opportunities for public feedback, adding that “staff hasn’t heard anything detrimental about this,” which paved the way for the unanimous vote.
Public outreach efforts have been ongoing, with a recent open house held on September 19 to inform residents about the proposed changes.
Attendees raised concerns regarding address and zoning changes and recreational fires.
Lacey resident Cheryl expressed her concerns about the environmental impact, stating, “The destruction and building of these developments—I think, having traveled and read prolifically on the subject, we should be aware that this is not where we want to go.”
“We need to preserve what forests we have left. Climate change is real, and the only clean energy we have is trees—it’s not batteries, it’s trees, and we have to honor that,” she added.
John, a resident of unincorporated Thurston County, noted the practical implications of the annexation. He calls for a reevaluation of the city’s tree removal policy, which he believes could lead to unintended risks.
Mayor Andy Ryder acknowledged the lengthy process leading to the approval, thanking the county for their collaboration. “We saw this as a very environmentally sensitive area that needed to get on sewer, and we made that commitment before it even came into the City of Lacey,” he explained.
Following the execution of the interlocal agreement, the City Council will consider adopting a final ordinance to formalize the annexation in an upcoming meeting.
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