06-15-2026 City Council Study Session Meeting Video

The Lakewood City Council held a virtual study session on June 15, 2026, focusing primarily on proposed updates to the city charter and zoning code following a recent special election. The council discussed several charter amendments related to election certification timing, property tax mill rate adjustments, and initiative and referendum processes, including accommodating active military voters and clarifying referendum eligibility for ordinances complying with state law. While some amendments were recommended to move forward for first reading, others, particularly those with complex legal implications, were tabled for further executive session discussion. The council also addressed zoning issues, reflecting on the 2025 zoning code update and the April 7 special election results. They emphasized the need for incremental zoning changes, improved communication, and community engagement. Councilors prioritized eight key zoning topics for staff to explore further: accessory dwelling units (ADUs), commercial corridors with adaptive reuse, parkland protections, tree preservation, state law alignment, technical fixes to the 2012 code, an opt-in process for missing middle housing, and capping single-family home sizes. The council agreed to share these priorities with the public for broader input and planned to continue refining these issues in upcoming meetings.