Lakewood, Washington

6 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 3, ISSUE 10 According to Caulfield, they rely on their federal delegation, state legislators, and congressional delegation, to name a few. He notes, “At the federal level, we have worked with our delegation to create the Defense Community Improvement Infrastructure Program (DCIIP) which originated here in Lakewood, and the purpose of that program is for the federal government to provide money to communities that have impacts as it relates to their military installations. That’s a federal law that came out of Lakewood in the last few years. Likewise, at the state level, we work very closely with our state delegation on a number of issues that are important, not just to our communities but to cities in general. Lakewood is viewed as a leader in that area.” The city is partnered with more than 100 different institutions and agencies. They also have a youth council to help prioritize issues for young people. “It’s been fantastic to be able to get the youth’s perspective because really the work that we are doing today is for them,” Caulfield says. LAKEWOOD , WASHINGTON In terms of planning for the future, Lakewood is ahead of the pack and was just awarded a Judge’s Merritt Award for their work on climate change planning within their comprehensive plan, which includes 89 action items. Looking ahead, Whalen hopes to continue to strive toward maintaining and improving a great city. He states, “My central reason for running to be on the Lakewood City Council some 16 years ago, was to make Lakewood a vibrant, family-friendly community. And again, going back to the sense of identity in the downtown core, I really want to see that downtown park come to fruition, hopefully co- located with a new Lakewood library, along with enhanced walkability through the improvements we are working on.” The city has already seen tax revenues increase and permit values increase from $50 to $60 million to $160 million in the last few years, which Newton hopes to see continue. Caulfield is hopeful, as well, and knows nothing happens without support of residents. He shares, “At the local level, at the neighborhood level, the amount Kite Realty Group and LakewoodTown Center are proud to serve the Lakewood community. kiterealty.com