Deadline looms for City of Lacey poet laureate applications

The City of Lacey is searching for its next poet laureate to succeed Cynthia Pratt, the city's inaugural appointee.

Applications for the 2026-28 term are due on Friday, Feb. 6. 

The poet laureate serves as a volunteer ambassador to promote poetry and the literary arts throughout the community. The position comes with up to $5,000 in annual programming funds through the Lacey Art Fund, subject to budget approval, and an optional $500 yearly stipend. 

The role requires presenting original poems at a minimum of six city publications or events each year. That includes a reading at a Lacey City Council meeting in April for National Poetry Month. 

The poet laureate must also develop and lead at least one community-based poetry program annually, collaborate with local schools, libraries and cultural organizations, and submit a report summarizing activities and community impact. 

Applicants must be at least 18 years old, have lived in Lacey for at least one year and demonstrate a history of published or performed poetry. Candidates should also show commitment to community engagement, education and equity in the arts. 

An advisory board will review applications and make a recommendation to the city council, which holds the final appointment authority. 

As previously reported by The JOLT News, the council adopted the formal Poet Laureate Program Policy on Dec. 2, 2025, establishing guidelines for future appointments. 

Pratt is a former Lacey council member and deputy mayor, who served 12 years on the council. She is a founding member of the Olympia Poetry Network's board, and her forthcoming manuscript, "That Wild Knocking," is scheduled for publication this year through Finishing Line Press. 

For aspiring poets, applications can be submitted on the city’s official website.