Lacey MakerSpace earns state innovation honor 

The Lacey MakerSpace received the 2026 Innovation in Economic Development Award from the Washington Economic Development Association (WEDA). 

The statewide recognition highlights the facility's work expanding workforce training, entrepreneurship resources and public access to fabrication technology across Western Washington. 

The award was presented on Wednesday, Feb. 25, at the Norman Worthington Conference Center at Saint Martin's University during WEDA's annual winter conference, which carried the theme: "Build Strong. Stay Strong: Building Economic Resilience and Preparedness in Washington's Communities." 

The two-day conference welcomed more than 200 economic development professionals, state legislators and community leaders from across the state, according to WEDA. 

In a statement on Thursday, Feb. 26, Lacey City Manager Rick Walk said he accepted the award alongside Thurston Economic Development Council Executive Director Michael Cade, MakerSpace Director Michelle Pope, Saint Martin's University President William Brownsberger and community volunteer Graham Sackrison. 

"This recognition reflects not only a successful program, but the power of partnerships built around a shared vision," Walk said. 

The MakerSpace was established through a multi-institutional partnership among the City of Lacey, Saint Martin's University and the Thurston Economic Development Council. Seed funding from the Lacey City Council financed initial equipment purchases and facility development. 

"Critical early support from the Lacey City Council helped turn that vision into reality," Walk said. "Council leadership recognized the MakerSpace as an investment in the community's future." 

The facility has since grown substantially. It now serves more than 450 members from across Western Washington, delivers hundreds of classes and workshops annually, and provides direct support to more than 100 businesses each year. 

Operational partners include the Port of Olympia, Timberland Regional Library, Sensory Tool House and Simpson Door Company. Workforce training organizations AJAC in Kent and ANEW in Tukwila offer programming at the space designed to connect residents with careers in high-demand industries. 

Walk credited the award to the collective effort of staff, volunteers, educators and private-sector partners who helped shape the MakerSpace over the years. 

"It's truly a great example of 'it's the people' that build community," Walk said. "This recognition also reinforces that Lacey's innovative economy is growing — and that collaboration remains one of our strongest assets as we build the future together."