Lacey, Washington

Lacey, Washington is a city located in Thurston County, Washington, near the cities of Olympia, Washington and Tumwater, Washington. It is situated near the Puget Sound and is close to the Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge and the Mount Rainier National Park. The city is also near the Joint Base Lewis-McChord and the Washington State Capitol.

Geography

Lacey, Washington is situated in the Puget Sound Lowland ecoregion, near the Black River and the Deschutes River. The city is close to the Nisqually River and the McAllister Creek, and is surrounded by the Capitol State Forest and the Tolmie State Park. The city's geography is also influenced by its proximity to the Olympic Mountains and the Cascade Range, including Mount Rainier and Mount St. Helens. The city is near the Washington Park Arboretum and the Seattle Japanese Garden, and is close to the Lake Washington and the Lake Chelan.

History

The area that is now Lacey, Washington was originally inhabited by the Nisqually Indian Tribe and the Squaxin Island Tribe. The city was founded in the late 19th century, and was named after O.C. Lacey, a Northern Pacific Railway official. The city grew rapidly during the early 20th century, with the establishment of the Lacey V. Murrow Memorial Bridge and the Tacoma Narrows Bridge. The city is also near the Fort Nisqually and the Fort Steilacoom, and is close to the Washington State History Museum and the Tacoma Art Museum. The city's history is also tied to the Klondike Gold Rush and the Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition.

Demographics

As of the 2020 United States Census, the city of Lacey, Washington had a population of over 53,000 people, with a diverse range of Asian Americans, African Americans, and Native Americans. The city is home to a large number of University of Washington students and faculty, as well as employees of Joint Base Lewis-McChord and the Washington State Department of Transportation. The city is also near the Evergreen State College and the South Puget Sound Community College, and is close to the Seattle University and the University of Puget Sound. The city's demographics are also influenced by its proximity to the Seattle metropolitan area and the Portland metropolitan area.

Economy

The economy of Lacey, Washington is driven by a mix of industries, including technology, healthcare, and retail. The city is home to a number of major employers, including Microsoft, Amazon, and Providence St. Peter Hospital. The city is also near the Port of Olympia and the Port of Tacoma, and is close to the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and the Portland International Airport. The city's economy is also influenced by its proximity to the Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge and the Mount Rainier National Park, which attract tourists and outdoor enthusiasts. The city is also near the Washington State Convention Center and the Seattle Center.

Education

Lacey, Washington is served by the North Thurston Public Schools district, which operates a number of schools in the area, including North Thurston High School and Timberline High School. The city is also home to the Evergreen State College and the South Puget Sound Community College, and is near the University of Washington and the Seattle University. The city's education system is also influenced by its proximity to the Washington State University and the Western Washington University. The city is also near the Seattle Public Library and the Tacoma Public Library.

Government

Lacey, Washington is a charter city with a council-manager government. The city is governed by a seven-member Lacey City Council, which is responsible for setting policy and overseeing the city's operations. The city is also part of the Thurston County, Washington government, and is represented in the Washington State Legislature by the 22nd Legislative District. The city is also near the Washington State Capitol and the United States District Court for the Western District of Washington. The city's government is also influenced by its proximity to the Seattle City Council and the Portland City Council.