Memorial Day and a URA! - jhitchens
May 21, 2026
Good morning neighbors,
Memorial Day in Pierce County
Being home to the largest military installation west of the Mississippi means we have many community members who have paid the ultimate sacrifice. Memorial Day is one of those days that we pause to remember and honor our fallen service members. Whether they were family members or friends, they were taken too soon, and this coming Monday, May 25th, we pause to remember them.
During our Tuesday Council meeting, we proclaimed Monday, May 25, 2026, as “Memorial Day: Honoring our Heroes” in Pierce County, Washington. There are a variety of events across the region, but if you can’t make it to one, please join in the 3 p.m. National Moment of Remembrance with a moment of silence.
We were honored to once again hear from local Gold Star families and members of the county’s Veterans community. The service and sacrifice of those lost and the family left behind are not to be overlooked. Because District 6 is home to JBLM and many military families, I want to share four events with you.
Memorial Day Wreath Laying: Friday, May 22nd, at 12 p.m. at Steilacoom Town Hall. The Mayor and CMSgt. Terry D. Osheim, USAF, Retired, will be laying a wreath in honor of those lost while serving their country.
Wear Blue-Run to Remember: Monday, May 25th, beginning at 8 a.m. at Powderworks Park at 1775 Bob’s Hollow Lane in DuPont. Wear blue, put on your walking/running shoes, and join these amazing young people who have lost a parent or family member and who turn loss into energy and action.
Memorial Day Wreath Laying: Monday, May 25th, from 1 to 2 p.m. at 1500 Ross Loop in DuPont.
Memorial Day Joint Services Ceremony: Monday, May 25th, at 2 p.m. at Mountain View Funeral Home and Cemetery located at 4100 Steilacoom Blvd. SW., Lakewood. This event is open to the whole family and will include honoring all branches of service, Gold Star families, and a performance by the Buffalo Soldiers. It is a powerful event that reminds us that some have paid the ultimate price for our freedom. It is a family-friendly event and is held outside, rain or shine.
URA—Unified Regional Approach
I have written about this topic a couple of times, but I wanted to give an update because, as a county, we are formally taking the first official steps. Earlier this week, during Health and Human Services, we passed out of committee Proposed Resolution No. R2026-152, a Resolution of the Council to Launch a Unified Regional Approach to Homelessness.
I have been participating with 10 local governments for over a year to fine-tune what this could look like, how it might function, and what it would do. We have landed on several key features, but one of the biggest joint decisions was where this would “live”. The group concluded that placing URA employees under the county’s umbrella made the most sense, and they did not want anything new or more bureaucracy.
The group that reached this conclusion included elected leaders from Auburn, Edgewood, Fife, Gig Harbor, Orting, Lakewood, Puyallup, Tacoma, and University Place, as well as the county. We have met many times to create consensus on the first key items the URA will undertake. There has also been a great deal of community work accomplished outside of elected leaders, determining the needs and areas where regional actions could impact our response to someone experiencing homelessness.
The URA’s mission is to empower Pierce County governments to choose locally responsive solutions to address and prevent homelessness, while establishing a countywide framework that supports coordination and the efficient use of shared resources.
To me, this means:
No matter where you are in the county, if you are experiencing homelessness, there is a response.
That we communicate about and share ideas, information, and in some cases, resources.
We are working together to think about, plan, and improve our system so that when someone becomes homeless, it happens only once, and for a short time.
It will not end homelessness, but over time it will create a system that is more responsive, has fewer barriers, and helps people get resources and answers when they find themselves without shelter. Each community has people experiencing homelessness, whether you see it or not, BUT, not every community can provide an emergency shelter or a full-time employee to support helping someone navigate the system.
That is where the URA can step in. We can coordinate and support both the communities and the people navigating complex systems. It reduces service duplication, the need for people to tell their stories over and over again, and ensures that each community has an answer.
I am thankful to the leaders of these cities and towns, and I look forward to the next steps. If you are curious, you can learn more here: Unified Regional Approach - Pierce County.
Community Connections
District 6 Library Events: Pierce County Library events and classes at the Anderson Island, DuPont, Lakewood, Parkland/Spanaway, Steilacoom, Tillicum, and Virtual libraries.
2026 Canoe Journey Open House: Thursday, May 21st, at 6 p.m. at the DuPont Council Chambers located at 1700 Civic Dr. Join the Nisqually Tribe of Indians and the City of DuPont community to learn about the upcoming 2026 Canoe Journey.
Take the Time to Stop and Smell the Roses (and do a little work): Saturday, May 23rd, from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Steilacoom Historical Community Garden at 2402 B Street, volunteers will be weeding, mowing, power washing, and generally cleaning up the space for planting and high visitor season. Please reach out to Marsha Newman if you have questions.
2026 Street Festival & Celebration of Lakewood’s 30th Anniversary: Friday, May 29th, from 4 to 7 p.m. At Colonial Plaza on Motor Ave. Bring the whole family or come on your own and enjoy music, dancing, food, vendors, games, and more. Rain or shine (but we are hoping for shine).
Car Meet: Friday, May 29th, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Spanaway Lake Park. Join the Pierce County Sheriff's Office at this free community event at the Park. Vehicles participating in the meet will be entered into a Raffle and must arrive before 4:30 p.m.
Blue Zones Mural Project in Parkland: June 1st, 3rd, and 4th, we are looking for volunteers to help paint murals along State Route 7 (Pacific Avenue). Times vary, and you can sign up so they know you are coming here: Events - Blue Zones Project Parkland Spanaway
Farmers' Markets are Opening: DuPont and Lakewood will be opening their markets in the next few weeks.
Lakewood is on Tuesdays, June 2nd through September 1st, from 2 to 7 p.m. at Fort Steilacoom Park
DuPont is on Thursdays, June 4th, 11th, 18th & 25th | July 16th & 23rd | August 6th and October 4th at Clocktower Park at 1301 Palisade Blvd.
WSU Master Gardener Plant Clinic & Kids Seed Starting Activity: Saturday, June 2nd, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Bring the whole family to learn about how to grow things locally. Bring your plant and insect questions to 2402 B Street at the Steilacoom Community Garden.
Wishing you all a meaningful Memorial Day weekend. It is an honor to serve you, and for those who have lost a loved one in service, I hope you find a peaceful moment to pause and remember them.
Never Forget.
In partnership,
Jani