As 2024 comes to a close, reflect on the significant events and initiatives that helped shape Lacey.
From strong stances against discrimination to advancements in public infrastructure and engagements, here are the top stories that defined the year.
In March, the Lacey Commission on Equity fell victim to a "zoombombing" incident, where hate speech targeted immigrants and other communities during a public meeting. Chair Annie Clay intervened to halt the hateful remarks, reaffirming the commission’s mission to celebrate diversity.
City leaders, including historian and Commissioner Thelma Jackson, stressed the urgency of combating rising racism, antisemitism and hate speech.
Commissioner Makieda Hart echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the importance of kindness and mutual respect in society.
In response to disruptions in public meetings, Lacey updated its Advisory Board Handbook to improve public comment procedures and meeting protocols. The changes aim to streamline processes and provide clear guidelines for handling disruptions and controversial speech.
New tools introduced in the handbook include a public comment script, as well as guidelines for responding to comments deemed “problematic” and how to handle disruptions at meetings.
Public comment procedures have been standardized across all advisory boards. Comments can be made in person by people who sign up in advance or remotely, with remote comments needing to be registered and written comments submitted two hours before the meeting.
The city also took firm action with a public statement condemning the attack, reiterating Lacey’s zero-tolerance policy for discrimination.
This stance was further reaffirmed in December, when the Lacey City Council passed a proclamation declaring the city’s unwavering commitment to advancing equity, justice and accountability through its newly adopted Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Strategic Plan.
Lacey is also advancing its efforts to promote sustainability through electrification and the expansion of electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure.
Lacey is expanding its EV charging infrastructure, as part of its ongoing efforts to support sustainable transportation.
The city’s Public Works Department briefed the Lacey City Council on plans to replace existing Level-2 charging stations at City Hall and add new DC fast charging stations.
The project will increase the number of EV parking spaces from four to five.
The city’s long-term goal is to significantly increase charging capacity by adding stations at key locations, such as the Regional Athletic Complex and Woodland Creek Community Center.
A heated debate arose in the Lacey City Council in August over proposed fees for the city’s EV charging stations. Mayor Andy Ryder opposed the fees, questioning the necessity given the federal funding that covered the cost of the current stations.
He also raised concerns about the technology becoming obsolete. However, Councilman Lenny Greenstein argued that the city must plan for future costs, including potential replacements for the charging stations.
Despite the mayor’s objections, the council voted to approve the fees, which aim to help fund the city’s growing EV infrastructure.
In June, Lacey received $477,555 from the Washington State Department of Commerce under the Home Electrification and Appliance Rebate (HEAR) program.
The funding aims to support local initiatives for reducing dependence on petroleum-based appliances by offering rebates and incentives for the purchase and installation of electric equipment.
This initiative is part of Lacey’s broader goal to reduce community-wide greenhouse gas emissions by 45% below 2015 levels by 2030.
In a personal announcement during Lacey’s Prostate Cancer Awareness Month proclamation in September, Mayor Ryder shared that he is currently undergoing treatment for prostate cancer.
Ryder’s revelation aimed to raise awareness about early detection and encourage men to prioritize their health.
Lacey continued to enhance its recreational offerings in 2024, focusing on addressing community needs for athletic fields and strengthening its partnerships with local schools.
In April, Lacey’s Director of Parks, Jen Burbidge, presented an update on the Regional Athletic Complex (RAC) Phase 3 Design Concept to the Lacey City Council.
With the Lacey parks system currently only 35% developed, Burbidge emphasized the need for more athletic fields to meet the growing demands of community sports groups.
The proposal included the construction of new sports fields, with a focus on fastpitch, softball and baseball to alleviate the shortage of available athletic spaces.
In a collaborative effort to maximize the use of athletic facilities, the City of Lacey and North Thurston Public Schools (NTPS) formalized an agreement to share the operation of NTPS athletic fields.
The agreement ensures that fields remain accessible to the community outside of school hours, with Lacey managing scheduling and rental rates.
The arrangement also ensures that NTPS retains exclusive use during school hours, with the city overseeing scheduling and coordination.
In 2024, Lacey rolled out the city’s stipend program for members of its advisory boards to offset participation costs, such as child care, transportation and internet access.
The program, which is voluntary and capped at $500 per year, aims to reduce financial barriers to participation. It is expected to cost the city between $20,000 and $45,000, depending on how many members opt in.
In December, the council established a permanent Human Services Commission. The new commission will oversee the city’s Human Services Grant program and Community Development Block Grant program, advising on funding allocations and policy decisions.
The commission replaces the temporary human services work group and aims to provide program recommendations, with an application period for new members opening in January 2025.
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