Hi Everyone,  

Summer is the season of beautiful weather, exciting vacations, fun-filled community events, sunshiny days followed by starry nights, and it is in full swing here in Tumwater!  For City staff, summer is especially busy with special projects and events, such as the July 4th activities, the new and refreshed landscaping around City Hall, and the Antsen Street sewer line replacement.

The City Council, Mayor and management team have also been working on a special project this summer – updating and refreshing the City’s Strategic Plan.  The Strategic Plan serves as a blueprint for how we align our resources with the changing needs of our community, and to achieve the City’s Vision.  It also serves as an important tool for communicating with our community, showing how we are directing efforts and resources to provide high quality, efficient and effective public infrastructure and services.

Over the next several months, through this beautiful summer season and as we work our way into autumn, the Council and Mayor will be having important discussions resulting in a Strategic Plan that is expected to be adopted at the end of this year.  They will be reviewing important background information - such as the recently completed community survey and the 10-year financial analysis and planning work that is on-going –to develop work plans that help to organize and prioritize projects, programs and initiatives.  With an updated Strategic Plan adopted by the end of this year, we will have good direction to help inform the 2027-2028 biennial budgeting process that starts early next year. 

This issue of Inside the City is full of examples of our staff going the extra mile to make this community a great place to live, work, visit and play.  I want to thank each of you for the work you do every day, and for the extra effort that goes into making summer in Tumwater awesome!  

You and your contributions are deeply appreciated and valued! 

Warm regards, 

Lisa 

Beautiful weather means busy season for Parks & Recreation

Lots of work is being accomplished throughout the city thanks to Parks & Recreation crews. City Hall is getting spruced up throughout and includes painting and a new landscape in the front. Overseeding is happening at parks and properties throughout the city. The seed specifically grows strong enough to withstand extra traffic and sports, as well as needing less water.

Event season is in full swing, including a new craft concert series this year and a number of events at the Tumwater Valley Golf Course. Read about this and more in the Parks & Recreation monthly newsletter.    

Police seek multiple new staff members

The Police Department is busy hiring and promoting. Positions are open for deputy chief, records supervisor, and administrative sergeant. Out on the street, an officer interrupted a large-scale commercial burglary. Officers also participated in a number of community events. Read about this and more in the Police Department monthly newsletter.  

TED summer projects 

The 2025 Pavement Maintenance project has begun and will continue through the end of September. The Antsen Sewer Project is being constructed to increase sewer capacity and additional roadway repairs will be completed.

Projects in design include the Tumwater Boulevard, North Interstate 5 on/off ramp and 2nd Avenue Pedestrian and Bicycle Improvements. Read about this and more in the TED monthly newsletter.  

Fire Department offers education, responds to medical and fire calls

The Fire Department reminds folks to sign up for Smart 911. This service provides useful information to first responders during an emergency—such as medical information or information about pets. Read more about this, electrical safety month, and fire extinguishing phases in this month's Fire Department newsletter. 

WRS gearing up for dry summer

It looks like it will be another warm, dry summer, which has an impact on our city water resources. WRS staff recently installed a new solar-powered data logger at Barnes Lake. Staff have attended or facilitated more than 20 community events since the beginning of the year. There is a new form for staff to request assistance from the urban forester. Read about this and more in the WRS monthly newsletter. 

June Development Review Committee actions:

• Preapplication Review for installation of 7 single-story residential duplex manufactured homes, 7125 Littlerock Rd. SW.
• Feasibility Review for proposed 4-lot short plat with 2 townhomes, 8965 Priscilla Dr. SE.
• Preapplication Review for construction of 10 townhomes, 585 - 5th Ave. SW.
• Preapplication Review for reconfiguration of pick-up delivery parking and building addition, Walmart, 5800 Littlerock Rd. SW
• Preapplication Review to regrade laydown yard for industrial storage, 2440 - 93rd Ave. SE.

Please welcome new staff members

• Mayra Kirst, Business Analyst II
• Tony Pancoast, Engineering Technician II (moved from Finance)

Tumwater Library now open

The Tumwater Timberland Library reopened on June 28. The event was celebrated with an event at 11 a.m. that day. Current hours are Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. View the library page for more information. 

July is Parks & Recreation Month

Every July, we join cities throughout the country in celebration of our Parks & Recreation crews and programs. In Tumwater, we have 87 Parks & Recreation employees and they are responsible for everything from planning fun events and programs, keeping our playgrounds clean and safe, maintaining our trails, beautifying all our city properties, maintenance, repairs, and more. If you see some of our Parks & Recreation staff out and about this month, be sure and give them friendly hello and a thank you!