September 2024 

Hello friends and colleagues, 

Your management team has been busy with biennial budget planning over the summer. This is a time when we take a deep dive into how the City invests its resources and work to set a future course for a wide range of city services including public safety, keeping parks beautiful, maintaining city streets, protecting nature, preserving Tumwater’s history, and planning for the community’s future.

While we focus on numbers and data to provide the Council with context for the decisions ahead, I want to emphasize that the management team and I see the people and the work. Your commitment goes beyond the numbers and is obvious in the relationships you establish and the service you provide to Tumwater. I have been here a little over a year now, and over that short time, I find reasons every day to be excited about the care you show for this work.

Inside the City is a way for us to share that excitement.  Due to changes within the Communications Office, we have not kept up in recent months.  We are working on it now.  We deeply value the content submitted by department point-people amid already hectic schedules, and we will strive together to keep you informed so you can help share Tumwater’s story with friends, neighbors and each other. 

This month’s edition highlights progress on complex construction projects, water resources stewardship successes, recognition for the community safety preserving efforts of police and fire, and work to recruit staff to meet critical needs for personnel. 

Please check the links for detailed stories, take the “you time” to participate in wellness events, and stay tuned for more updates on City successes and community connections. 

Thank you, 
Lisa Parks, Tumwater City Administrator

Parks & Recreation Celebrates a Successful Summer and Gears Up for Fall Programs and Events

It's been a busy summer packed with fun throughout the Tumwater community, thanks to the hard work of Tumwater Parks & Recreation staff (and volunteers!). This summer, Parks & Recreation hosted events for folks of all ages - from infants to centenarians, and even the family dog. The annual Dog Days, Independence Day Parade, Tumwater Family Festival & Nisqually Red Wind Casino Fireworks Show, Screen on the Green, and Tumwater Artesian Brewfest all drew record crowds this year.

Next up? The third annual Tumwater Falls Fest on Saturday, September 28. Learn all about Falls Fest and many more upcoming events and programs for all ages, in the Parks and Recreation Fall Brochure.

New Construction Beginning Soon

The Planning Department recently approved plans for several new construction projects in the City. Work continues in the craft district, where two new buildings are planned. Construction will also begin soon on a new five-story apartment building on Israel Road across from the high school.  

HR Events and Job postings 

Check out current open positions with the City, learn about upcoming wellness events, and find out how to submit staff photos for the upcoming Employee Recognition Breakfast in the Human Resources newsletter.

News from IT

Your Information Technology Department recently sent out an email to all City staff regarding important updates to Microsoft Teams, panic buttons, email groups, the phone system, and Microsoft OneDrive. If you did not receive this email, or you have further questions, feel free to email IT. 

As a reminder, while many have a favorite IT person to ask for help, it’s important to remember to use the IT Ticketing System in the help desk portal or the Help Desk phone number at 360-252-5494, rather than emailing or calling an individual directly. This will ensure the promptest response. 

TED Meets City Needs

The City of Tumwater is engaging in complex construction projects over the summer and fall. Some highlights include improvements to Trosper Road/Capitol Boulevard, Israel Road, and Linderson Way Pedestrian and Bicycle Improvements, and 2024 Citywide Striping Projects. For more details on these projects, other projects in the design phase, and an update on Transportation planning, check out the Transportation and Engineering newsletter.

Have You Visited the Comp Plan Open House?

It’s been a busy summer for staff in the Community Development Department, who are working to gather feedback about the 2025 Comprehensive Plan Update from people who live, work, and recreate in Tumwater. There have been a series of Open Houses and events throughout the City, both in-person, and online. In addition to events at City Hall, staff have set up tables and shared information at the local library, community centers, and the Juneteenth Event. City of Tumwater staff are encouraged to participate and provide feedback. Check out the Comp Plan webpage for online opportunities.    

WRS Models Successful Projects, Plans for Future

The Water Resources and Sustainability Division is in the process of designing new options for storing drinking water while engaging the public in new plans to act locally on climate.  Additionally, the team has worked on projects as diverse as Mottman Pond maintenance for stormwater and analyzing the top users of irrigation in Tumwater. Read more about these and other projects in the Water Resources & Sustainability newsletter. 

Police Receive Community Appreciation

The Tumwater Police Department responded to 1,563 calls for service in the month of July and had numerous deployments with K-9 Thor. Several officers completed additional training this summer and participated in community and youth educational activities. The Police Department also received a letter of appreciation from a community member that complimented their sincerity and compassion. Read more in the Police Monthly Report.  

Fire Improves Rating, Gives Safety Tips

The City has received an improved protection class rating from the Washington Survey and Rating Bureau, leading to improved homeowners' insurance rates. The improved rating is a result of work from all City departments. 

The Fire Department shares about summer outreach events, fire response reports, and also offers tips on safe grilling in their Fire Department newsletter.

Request from Communications

Do you enjoy outdoor photography? Your City Communications Team is collecting photos of nature, landscape, and other outdoor scenes taken in the City of Tumwater for use in City publications. These photos may be used on the City website, social media channels, cable news channel, newsletters, or other. If you have something you would like to share, please email Margo Bergendahl in Communications.