Lacey celebrates Washington lawmakers for championing its strategic projects 

The City of Lacey recognized state of Washington lawmakers on Tuesday, Aug. 5, for appropriations and statutory changes that positioned the city to execute its 2025 legislative agenda.  

Appropriations included the $4.25 million conversion of Maple Court into permanent supportive housing, a $1 million allocation for the Joint Animal Services facility and $12.8 million for Interstate 5 corridor improvements. 

Mayor Andy Ryder issued the proclamation during a city council meeting, naming legislators from three legislative districts who advanced capital projects and bills in the 2024–25 session. 

The proclamation credited Sen. Jessica Bateman, Rep. Beth Doglio and Rep. Lisa Parshley of District 22; Sen. Jim McCune, Rep. Matt Marshall and Rep. Andrew Barkis of District 2; Sen. Drew MacEwen, Rep. Dan Griffey and Rep. Travis Couture of District 35. 

Lacey also expressed gratitude to the lawmakers for “their outstanding service, dedication, and commitment to the community members of Lacey.” 

State commitments 

In the proclamation, the city government cited state-backed actions that span housing conversion, a regional animal facility, park enhancements, safety initiatives and Interstate 5 improvements. 

One of the notable commitments is the $4.25 million budget allocation for Maple Court to transition from an enhanced shelter into permanent supportive housing. The conversion represents an expansion of the supportive housing infrastructure intended to help respond to the homeless crisis in Thurston County. 

Another provision authorizes a $1 million appropriation for planning and design of a new Joint Animal Services facility. 

The facility is anticipated to serve more than 300,000 community members within 774 square miles. It is going to feature services, such as humane law enforcement, sheltering and medical care of strays, as well as impounded and surrendered animals, adoption services, pet licensing and temporary emergency housing for displaced animals. 

As for recreation, the proclamation cited more than $720,000 in state appropriations dedicated to Lacey’s parks, such as Rainier Vista Park and William A. Bush Park. 

Rainier Vista Park is set to receive $500,000 for construction of four pickleball courts, two outdoor pingpong tables and safety netting for existing softball fields. The plan also covers new sidewalk segments to improve pedestrian movement within the park. 

William A. Bush Park is scheduled to receive $220,710 for a full playground replacement. City leaders said the allocations reflect collaborative work with lawmakers to modernize park facilities, as part of capital planning priorities for 2025. 

In terms of public safety priorities, legislators advocated for the establishment of a Local Law Enforcement Grant Program, expansion of crisis responder resources and endorsement of a study on law enforcement training facilities. 

Meanwhile, in infrastructure and public facilities, legislative actions targeted expanding real estate excise tax flexibility and lengthening public facility district terms to 55 years. The actions are expected to support the Regional Athletic Complex and comparable projects. 

On transportation, the proclamation confirmed an appropriation of $12.8 million in the 2025–27 biennium for Interstate 5 corridor improvements between Mounts Road and Tumwater. The investments reinforce the city’s strategy to improve traffic safety, regional commerce and uphold environmental priorities throughout the Interstate 5 corridor.. 

The Lacey City Council asserted that legislative partnership is integral to the city’s progress and commended lawmakers for “service and dedication” in shaping community development strategies.