Lacey adopts Poet Laureate program; application to open in January

The Lacey Commission on Equity reviewed administrative steps for a newly adopted Poet Laureate policy and the city’s plan to open the application in January. City staff said the City Council approved the policy at its Dec. 2 meeting and staff will make the application available digitally and in Word format to maximize accessibility.

City staff highlighted key eligibility rules: applicants must have lived in the city for 12 consecutive months and be at least 18 years old. The application will request contact information, a short statement about the applicant’s connection to poetry, three to five sample poems and proposals for two community-based poetry programs, including a proposed budget. "We are looking for the next Poet Laureate from 2026 to 2028," staff said, noting the city earmarked annual program funding and a stipend for the position.

The commission discussed outreach and language access. Commissioners suggested a multi-pronged outreach plan that will include recorded videos with the current laureate to show the role’s work, promotion on the new "Lacey Weekly" newsletter, utility bill inserts, Lacey TV 77 and social media. A commissioner suggested a short Zoom question-and-answer session with the current or former laureate; staff said they would consider hosting a Q&A late in the application window.

Staff also said former poet laureate Cynthia Pratt will be part of the review panel, along with representatives from the library board, Parks, Culture and Recreation Board, local literary organizations and higher-education partners. The commission will join those partners in late January or early February to review applications and prepare a recommendation for council review in March, with the appointment and handoff planned for mid‑April to coincide with National Poetry Month.

The meeting did not record a formal vote on the administrative plan; staff requested feedback and will return with final materials before the application opens.