Lacey Celebrates 2019 & Looks Ahead to 2020
We are honored to have earned a spot on Money’s 2019 “100 Best Places to Live in America” list. To compile the ranking, Money looked at nearly 160,000 data points, including economic health, cost of living, ethnic and economic diversity, public education, income, health and safety, ease of living, and amenities. As one of only two Washington cities to make the list, we would like to thank our community partners for being a vital part of this tremendous accomplishment.
Following two years of development, the Lacey Makerspace opened in June 2019 and provides a collaborative environment for entrepreneurs, business owners, students, and community members to gain hands-on design and manufacturing skills. The project creates a bridge between education and economic development thanks to the partnership between the City, Saint Martin’s University, SPSCC, the EDC, Port of Olympia, and the business community.
Business Environment
Location is an important factor in successfully attracting new, and retaining and growing existing businesses. Lacey will continue to aggressively pursue its economic development initiatives, including LocationLocationLacey.com.
Lacey prides itself on being a business-friendly city. In 2019, the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission and the Uline distribution center became fully operational, bringing more than 350 new, family-wage jobs with benefits to Lacey. Whole Foods’ refrigerated warehouse also added nearly 100 jobs. In 2020, Home Depot plans to complete its 1.2 million sq. ft. fulfillment center in NE Lacey. It is slated to add 550 new jobs.
WSDOT plans to complete the new interchange at l-5 Exit 111 in late-2020. This, along with the new frontage road, will provide improved access to the one of the last large commercial parcels with prime I-5 access and visibility between Lacey and Seattle..
2020 Economic Development priorities
We will continue enhancing the newly named Lacey Midtown district (formerly, the Woodland District). Branding efforts will help create an identity and encourage further economic development. We would like to recognize MJR Development for their instrumental role in the revitalization of the area over the past several years.
We’ll also complete the new Depot Trail Amenity with its acknowledgement to Lacey’s historic past. It is being built adjacent to our historic neighborhood near the location of Lacey’s original train depot, post office, racetrack, hotel, and general store. As the Depot District develops, it will serve as a visual anchor and provide a place for the community to gather.