Lacey-Olympia-Tumwater MSA ranked #2 nationally on Economic Growth
Chmura Analytics examined data and reported on the general health of city and metropolitan area from an economic perspective. They crunched the numbers and compiled the data shared in the accompanying report and charts. The report and charts shown that Lacey-Olympia-Tumwater MSA is ranked #2 nationally and perceived to be very healthy and have long-term…
February 14, 2024
New minimum wage, gun waiting period begin Jan. 1. Here’s what else takes effect in new year
On Jan. 1, workers over the age of 16 can expect a 3.4% statewide minimum wage increase from $15.74 per hour to $16.28, according to the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries. Workers can expect other changes as well, such as a 4.9% increase in average workers’ compensation premiums for 2024. Jointly, workers and…
December 12, 2023
Thurston Economic Vitality Index – Summer 2023
Given the rapid changes to consumer demand, interest rates and inflation that the nation has experienced over the last two years, we continue to be impressed with the resiliency shown by our local economy in adapting to those changes. Thurston County continues to benefit from a diversified private sector employment base and a foundational public…
August 7, 2023
Lacey business and non-profit win “Economic Courage” award
On July 26, the Thurston Economic Development Council (EDC) held an old-fashioned BBQ & Hootenanny! That’s right – delicious food, drinks, hay bales, a Cornhole Tournament, Bluegrass music from Runaway Train, and hippity-hop races featuring local celebrities. They also gave out awards to organizations that have shown ‘Economic Courage’ including fortitude, perseverance and success in…
July 28, 2023
Lacey Announced New City Manager
The Lacey City Council officially selected Rick Walk as the new City Manager during the Regular City Council meeting on July 6, 2023. The vote was unanimous to appoint Walk as the fifth City Manager of Lacey since 1974. Walk served as Interim City Manager since December 2022. Read More
July 7, 2023
It’s Almost Grillin’ Time at the South Sound BBQ Festival
On July 8, the Lacey South Sound Chamber hosts this year’s South Sound BBQ Festival and there’s still plenty of time to sign up as participant or vendor. Read More
June 7, 2023
Living in South Lacey
South Lacey residents are in a great location with many options. They can be in rural southern Thurston County in minutes, be fishing on a lake in half an hour or easily hop on the train to shop in Portland for the day. Read More
May 26, 2023
Small Budget Film Production Grant Now Open
Are you an emerging filmmaker looking to fund your next project? The Washington Filmworks are investing in the future of local visionaries with a new grant for projects with budgets between $20K-1M. This program is designed to support emerging Washington filmmakers with early stage funding commitments and funding assistance. Most types of motion picture content…
May 24, 2023
North Thurston High School Musicians Build Global Friendships in Mińsk Mazowiecki, Lacey’s Sister City in Poland
Mińsk Mazowiecki is located near the Polish capital of Warsaw and is to be distinguished from the Belarusian capital of Minsk. The Lacey students’ memorable trip was arranged through the cooperative efforts of many, including Johnson, the North Thurston High School Band Parent Association and the office of Mińsk Mazowiecki Mayor Marcin Jakubowski. Read More
May 23, 2023
Application Open for C-PACER Loan
Commercial Property Clean Energy & Resiliency (C-PACER) Program is a voluntary loan program that allows eligible commercial property owners in Thurston County to obtain long-term financing for energy efficiency, renewable energy, water efficiency, and building resiliency improvements. Read More
March 20, 2023