Businesses thinking of locating to Lakewood can be assured of a business-friendly local government that offers the personal touch of a smaller city. Whether a prospective business or developer, the City of Lakewood offers substantial advantages at low costs compared with most of the Puget Sound region, leaving a great value for interested parties.

Businesses in Lakewood profit from the absence of a local Business and Occupation (B&O) tax, which is imposed by many Washington cities. The business license fee in the City of Lakewood is a reasonable flat fee of $45 per business.

Business Advantages

• Lakewood is conveniently located just south of Tacoma and halfway between Sea-Tac International Airport to the north and the city of Olympia to the south.
• Lakewood's position at the junction of I-5, SR-512, and US Hwy 99 coupled with future light rail access in 2011, make the city a major transportation hub for the lower Puget Sound region.
• Forthcoming light rail system directly to Lakewood from Seattle and Tacoma.
• Diversified residential opportunities in Lakewood at affordable prices.
• Lakewood has invested over $36 million in Capital Improvements over the past 12 years. The primary focus has been on the City’s major corridors to help improve safety, traffic flow, aesthetics, and multi-modal access.
• Great parks, lakes, and open spaces.
• Resources to help businesses succeed.