Steadman, Vazquez sign off from Lacey City Council 

The City of Lacey celebrated the contributions of two elected officials for years of work on local and regional policy. 

Lacey City Council member Michael Steadman served three terms from 2014-25 after two years on the Lacey Planning Commission. Lacey City Council member Robin Vazquez served one term from 2022-25 following time on the planning commission.

The city held an open house-style event on Monday, Dec. 15, at Lacey City Hall. 

City Manager Rick Walk issued a statement last week thanking both council members for their contributions. 

"Throughout their years of service to the Lacey community, they've tackled complex community issues, dedicated countless hours to preparing for and attending (council) and intergovernmental meetings, represented the (council) at community events — and that's just the beginning," Walk wrote. 

Tribal, veteran work 

Steadman represented the city on the Nisqually River Council and the Thurston County Law & Justice Council during his 11 years on the council. He zeroed in on commerce, law enforcement and quality of life as areas of special interest. 

Walk said Steadman played "an instrumental role" in forming an accord with the Nisqually Tribe, and also credited him with taking part in several annexations, including the 15th Avenue and Greg J. Cuoio Community Park properties. 

Steadman championed efficiency in building permit processes and economic development initiatives associated with entrepreneurship and workforce development as well. 

On another front, Steadman advocated for veteran services throughout his tenure. 

"Michael's passion for (veterans) played a significant role in his time on (council)," Walk wrote. "He was a tireless advocate, supporting the development of the Lacey Veterans Services Hub and the Gold Star Memorial — both of which will have a lasting, positive impact on our community." 

 Regional assignments 

Vazquez held seats on the Thurston Regional Planning Council (TRPC) and Thurston Climate Mitigation Collaborative during her three years on the city council. Her areas of special interests were government efficiency, language access, walkable neighborhoods, commute trip reduction and emergency preparedness. 

Walk credited Vazquez with helping advance the city's Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Strategic Plan, supporting the proclamation against hate speech and working on the flag policy. 

"Her dedication to equity, inclusivity, and forward-thinking solutions has made a meaningful difference for Lacey," Walk wrote. 

Vazquez also pushed for multimodal transportation options, including safe pedestrian and bicycle corridors, and advocated for the formation of the human services commission and grant program. 

At the regional level, Vazquez chaired the TRPC, championed elements of the high-capacity transportation corridor and the 2050 Regional Transportation Plan, and assisted with hiring the council's new executive director. 

She also became the first elected city representative on the Thurston County Board of Health. 

Walk honored both council members on behalf of the city. 

"I sincerely thank (council) members Steadman and Vazquez for their service, leadership, and commitment to our community — it's the people who make Lacey special," Walk wrote. "We wish them all the best in their future endeavors."