PUBLIC SAFETY BUILDING FACTS

WE SAVED TAXPAYERS
 $30,000,000!
 

COUNCIL VOTED
7-0 IN FAVOR!
 

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1. Why the City Needed a New Facility

The existing police station and jail on West Pioneer Avenue were built in 1968 for a much smaller city. As Puyallup’s population and public safety demands grew, the building became increasingly inadequate—lacking space, modern infrastructure, and the capacity to support today’s policing needs.
 

Key challenges included:

• Overcrowded work and detention areas. 

• Insufficient evidence storage and outdated infrastructure.

• High maintenance and repair costs.

• Limited capability to support modern policing technology and emergency response needs.

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2. Feasibility Study & Early Options
(2017–2019)
 

In 2017, the City commissioned a feasibility study to explore options for replacing or expanding the facility. By 2019, consultants presented several concepts, including a purpose-built public safety campus near 39th Avenue SE. The preferred option offered modern space but came with a high price tag, prompting Council to seek ways to lower costs.

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3. First and Second Bond Measures

(2021–2022)

 

After the project was paused during the pandemic, Council moved forward with a bond measure in late 2021 to build a new facility. Although the measure received a strong 59.34% “Yes” vote, it fell just 63 votes short of the required 60% supermajority. The economy was doing much better during this time!  We were so close!

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A second, slightly revised bond measure in early 2022 also received majority support but again failed to meet the 60% threshold required under state law.

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4. Third Attempt and Strategic Pivot

(2023–2024)

 

In 2023, the proposal was further streamlined to reduce square footage and costs, but a third bond measure was unsuccessful in November 2023.
 

Following that third attempt, Council chose to pivot from a traditional bond-funded new build to a lease to renovation strategy.  A path that allowed the City to move forward without additional ballot measures while lowering costs and accelerating the timeline.

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5. Lease Agreement & Councilmanic Bonds

(2024–2025)

 

In late 2024, the City entered into a long-term lease with the Benaroya Company for a 54,000-square-foot facility on 39th Avenue SE. Instead of a costly new build, the City will renovate this existing structure, using councilmanic bonds for financing.

Benefits of this approach include:

• Faster delivery of a modern public safety headquarters.

• Substantially lower upfront construction costs.

• Strategic location next to Pierce County Fire & Rescue, enhancing coordination between agencies.

• A 30-year lease structure providing stability and fiscal responsibility.
  
   

6. Emergency Operations Center Integration 

 

One of the most impactful features of the new facility is the inclusion of a dedicated Emergency Operations Center (EOC).

This addition brings together police, fire, and emergency management operations under one roof. In the event of a major incident—whether natural disaster, regional emergency, or public safety threat—the city will be able to coordinate its response more efficiently and effectively.
 

The facility is designed to remain operational during disasters, ensuring continuity of emergency response. This investment isn’t just about infrastructure—it’s about preparedness. Residents who care deeply about public safety and resilience recognize the importance of having a city that’s ready to respond when it matters most.

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7. Construction & Timeline

• Design completed: 2025

• Construction underway: Late 2025

• Move-in target: Spring 2026
   

The new facility will include administrative offices, evidence storage, training spaces, modern jail capacity, and the Emergency Operations Center—positioning Puyallup to meet both everyday public safety demands and extraordinary emergency situations.

 

8. Downtown Station’s Future

The existing West Pioneer facility will remain in service as a downtown police substation, ensuring continued accessibility for the public.

 

🏁 Summary

• Original Issue: Outdated 1968 building no longer met modern policing or emergency response needs.

• Process: Three bond attempts → cost reductions → lease strategy with councilmanic bonds saving $30m to taxpayers.

• Result: New facility underway, with faster delivery and lower taxpayer burden.

• Strategic Upgrade: Emergency Operations Center will centralize police, fire, and disaster response for coordinated action when the community needs it most.
  
  
   

VOTE FOR TRUTH, HONESTY,

& REAL INTEGRITY.

VOTE FOR DEPUTY MAYOR DENNIS KING
PUYALLUP CITY COUNCIL, DIST. 2​​