If you were an elementary school teacher supporting a family of four and earning the average salary of $62,000 per year, what housing can you find in Edmonds? Remember: with that income, you could afford monthly rent and utilities of about $1,550, but the average rent for a three-bedroom apartment in Edmonds—if you can find it—is almost $1700 per month, not including utilities.   Housing has become harder to attain than ever. read more

Don't forget the Creative District Community Meeting this Thursday, June 7 at 6 p.m. in the Brackett Meeting Room at Edmonds City Hall. For more information click here.

Edmonds, WA – This year celebrates the 30^th anniversary of the Sister City relationship established in 1988 between Hekinan, Japan and the City of Edmonds. In April 2018 May Earling led a delegation of local residents to Hekinan to celebrate the relationship as well as the 70^th anniversary of the founding of the City of Hekinan. At that time Mayor Earling and Mary Negita exchanged gifts at a reception in Hekinan, with Edmonds receiving a framed cloisonné image of Mount Fuji from Hekinan. In late October Mayor Negita and a delegation of Hekinan residents will travel to Edmonds for a week. read more

A community meeting is scheduled June 7th for Creative District Application. City engages public to ready itself for state application. For more information click here. 

VisitEdmonds.com Has New Look & Feel, with Enhanced Functionality

(Edmonds, WA) - After several months of research, collaboration and hard work, the City of Edmonds is promoting its new and improved VisitEdmonds.com website. While the City has had a tourism-promotion website for several years, the current version of VisitEdmonds.com was just debuted earlier this year with a new look and feel, more photographs and imagery than ever, and a more comprehensive presentation of all that Edmonds has to offer. read more

OR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 18, 2018

 
Draft Housing Strategy issued

 
(Edmonds - WA) How the City of Edmonds can help meet housing needs is the subject of a draft housing strategy, just released.  It is online at www.edmondshousingstrategy.org.

The draft strategy recognizes different levels of need, from people with very low-incomes to typical young families, seniors, and others who seek affordable housing and more housing choices.

It suggests ideas for the City to incentivize affordable housing, reduce some code barriers, dedicate resources, and partner with non-profit organizations.  For example, a high priority is encouraging more housing near transit.  The City has already begun some actions to encourage more affordable housing, such as planning for growth in the Highway 99 area.

Highlights of the draft strategy will be featured at an open house on May 21, 6:00 pm, at City Hall, 3^rd floor Brackett Room.  The open house kicks off the public review process. 

On May 23, the Planning Board will have an introduction to the draft strategy.  The Board will hold a public hearing on June 13. 

After further review and possible changes, the draft strategy will come before the City Council later this summer.  The Council will hold additional meetings, consider information and input, and decide what actions to take.

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Starting this June there will be a series of Styrofoam Recycling Eventsin Edmonds. Residents can drop off their bulky Styrofoam blocks and similar material for free, and the foam will be recycled! 

Questions about these drop-off events or any recycling issue please call the Edmonds Recycling Coordinator at 425-771-0235 or email recycleguy@edmondswa.gov.

 
(Edmonds - WA) Housing needs and affordability—and what the City can do about it—will be the focus of an open house May 21, 6:00 to 7:30 pm, in the Brackett Room, Edmonds City Hall 3^rd floor, 121 5^th Ave. N.  A presentation will begin at 6:30.

The event is part of a public process for developing a strategy to increase the supply of affordable housing for a range of incomes and to meet diverse housing needs. 

“Given the cost of housing,” said Shane Hope, Development Services Director and the City’s lead on housing issues, “this is a very timely event.  Our mayor and city council are all very supportive of finding ways to meet the needs and they welcome community involvement.”

Before and after the 6:30 pm presentation, city staff will be available for questions and conversation.  Large display boards and handouts will be on view throughout the evening to show ideas being considered.

The Housing Strategy Task Force, appointed by Mayor Dave Earling last August, is sponsoring the open house for the City and will be considering the results.  By June, the Task Force expects to make a recommendation for a housing strategy. 

The draft strategy will get more public review and be considered by the Planning Board and the City Council over the summer.  Ultimately, the City Council will decide on any actions to adopt or implement the strategy.

For information about the Task Force or the City’s work to develop a housing strategy, see:  www.edmondshousingstrategy.org.

 
(Edmonds - WA) A draft Urban Forest Management Plan—sometimes called an urban tree plan—will be considered at a public hearing of the City’s Planning Board on May 9, 7:00 pm, at the Edmonds Council Chambers, 250 5^th Ave N.
 
The draft plan was developed to provide guidance on managing the urban forest in Edmonds.  (The term “urban forest” means the trees in an urban area.)  The plan’s emphasis is on tree management at city properties and rights-of-way.  But some parts address both public and private property.

For more information about the draft plan, see the city website at:  http://www.edmondswa.gov/2011-07-27-22-31-43/urban-forest-mgmt-plan.html.
 
On April 5, the Tree Board reviewed the draft plan and, on April 19, interested citizens attended an open house about it.  A slightly revised draft will be considered at the May 9 public hearing.  The revisions make some clarifications and corrections to the background sections, but do not change the proposed recommendations.

 After the Planning Board’s May 9 public hearing, the Planning Board may have further discussion that same night and possibly at a follow-up meeting.  The draft plan then goes to the City Council, starting with a June 19 public hearing.  Ultimately, the Council will make the decision on adoption, amendment, or other action.

 

The second round of downtown parking enhancements taking place this spring. Upwards of 75 additional spaces freed up for shoppers & visitors. For more information click here.

A draft plan about City management of trees in Edmonds will be presented at an open house on Thursday, April 19 from 6:00 to 7:30 pm in the Brackett Room, third floor of Edmonds City Hall, 121 5th Avenue N. The public is invited.

The open house will feature display boards showing highlights about the draft plan. A staff team, including the project consultant who prepared the draft plan, will be at the meeting to answer questions and talk with attendees. At 6:45, a slideshow presentation will start. A "comments" box will be available for people who want to give written comments. More opportunities for public input will continue into at least May and June.

The tree management plan, also known as the urban forest management plan, is intended to provide direction and new ideas for the City to carry out, in part for the management of trees on City property and in part for the City’s activities to encourage good tree management on private properties.

Besides background information, the draft plan includes 22 objectives about what the City can do to manage the urban forest. Each of the objectives has a set of actions the City can take. To view the current draft plan and related information online, go to:

http://www.edmondswa.gov/2011-07-27-22-31-43/urban-forest-mgmt- plan.html.

After the public open house, the Planning Board will have a public hearing, currently set for May 9, to get input and consider any recommendations to the City Council.

While the draft plan will undergo minor clean-up, it will not change substantively before going to the City Council in June. Whether to adopt the plan, with any changes

PUBLIC MEETING Dayton 3^rd to 9^th Utility Replacement Project

Design of the Dayton 3^rd to 9^th Ave has begun. The project will replace the street and upsize the sanitary sewer, potable water and storm drain pipes generally from 3^rd Ave S to 9^th Ave S. The goal of the project is to replace very old sewer and water pipes while adding capacity to the City’s drainage system. Increasing drainage capacity will help to alleviate flooding in downtown Edmonds during intense rain events.

A public meeting will be held at 6pm on Thursday April 5, 2018 at the Edmonds Plaza Room, 650 Main St, Edmonds, WA (above the Edmonds library). Please attend to discuss and learn more about the project specifics, public impacts and proposed construction schedule.

Questions: Contact Michele (Mike) De Lilla, (425)771-0220; via e-mail at mike.delilla@edmondswa.gov

As the Citizens Economic Development Commission (CEDC) nears its two-year anniversary, there are two open positions on the Commission. For more information please click here. For an application click here.

Got Broken Stuff? Bring it to the Repair Cafe!

Repair Cafes are all about fixing things. At our Repair Cafes, you bring the materials and your repair specialits bring heir skills to help you fix your stuff. Saturday, April 14th from 10am to 2 pm at Everett Public Works Spada Conference Room, 3200 Cedar St, Everett. Pre-registration is recommended... click here for details.

(Edmonds – WA) A draft plan about managing trees in Edmonds, especially trees in public places, was issued today by the City of Edmonds.

The draft “Urban Forest Management Plan” is posted online or click here. It will be discussed at a public meeting of the Edmonds Citizens’ Tree Board at its April 5 meeting, 6:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers at 250 Fifth Avenue N., Edmonds.

“We really want public input on the draft plan,” said Shane Hope, the city’s development services director. An open house and other public meetings are being planned for April and May. More information is on the website and will be updated from time to time.

The draft plan calls for more activities to maintain the tree canopy in Edmonds and to proactively manage trees in public places.   Suggestions include: planting more trees, establishing a tree bank, inventorying public trees, updating city regulations, and launching a heritage tree program. Some activities would need more city resources; others might fit within existing programs.

After a public input period and consideration by the Tree Board and Planning Board, the draft urban forest management plan will be discussed by the City Council, probably starting in June. The City Council would decide whether to approve the plan with any changes.

State Budgets Release $6 Million for Edmonds Street Waterfront Connector Project and $500,000 each for Edmonds Waterfront Center and Waterfront Park Redevelopment Project

(Edmonds, WA) - The City of Edmonds has much to celebrate in the newly released 2018 State Capital and Transportation Budgets, including $6 million for the Edmonds Street Waterfront Connector Project, a $500,000 grant for the new Edmonds Waterfront Center (currently the Edmonds Senior Center), and a $500,000 grant for the waterfront redevelopment and beach restoration in conjunction with the new Waterfront Center. read more

(Edmonds - WA) A student representative is being sought to serve on the Edmonds Citizens’ Tree Board. The Tree Board actively encourages the planting, protecting, and maintaining of trees for long-term community benefit.

"The Tree Board is a great community resource," Chair Doug Peterson recently noted, "and the student representative position is a special opportunity. We don’t currently have a student on the Tree Board and look forward to filling the position soon." Read more

Share your thoughts: February 28 – March 16

Edmonds Street Waterfront Connector Online Open House



The City is hosting an online open house introducing the Edmonds Street Waterfront Connector. Come explore different design concepts, evaluation criteria and take the opportunity to add your thoughts and perspectives to the project. The open house runs through March 16, and can be accessed here.

HIGHWAY 99 REVITALIZATION / GATEWAY PROJECT OPEN HOUSE

An Open House will take place on Wednesday, March 7, 2018 from 6pm to 8pm at Swedish Hospital (21601 76^th Ave. W - Auditorium C on 4^th floor), regarding the Highway 99 Revitalization / Gateway project. Building from the Highway 99 Subarea Plan completed in 2017, the City is starting to make design decisions about how the corridor will look, feel, and function.

The project’s goal is to extend the successful transformation of Highway 99 in Shoreline through Edmonds and complete a safer corridor for all modes of transportation. Proposed transportation improvements along the corridor from 244^th St. SW to 212^th St. SW will be discussed, such as wider sidewalks, new street lighting, raised center medians for access management, attractive and safer crosswalks, better stormwater management, targeted utility replacements, potential undergrounding of overhead utilities, landscaping, and softscape treatments.

The Highway 99 Revitalization plan is funded by a grant from the State’s Connecting Washington transportation program. The project schedule, funding strategies and options for how project improvements may be phased over time will be discussed.

You are invited to participate in this open house to provide comments on the proposed improvements. We look forward to seeing you there. Additional information regarding the project can be accessed by going to the following website: http://www.edmondshwy99.org/ or contacting Mr. Bertrand Hauss (Transportation Engineer) at 425-771-0220 or bertrand.hauss@edmondswa.gov .

Join us February 28th from 6pm-8pm, at the Edmonds Library, Plaza Room, to share your feedback on early design concepts!

The Waterfront Connector will be a long-term solution at at-grade railroad crossing conflicts, allowing pedestrians and emergency vehicles safe and direct access to the waterfront. 

In 2016, after receiving significant input from the community, we completed the Waterfront At-Grade Crossings Alternatives Analysis. The study looked at a number of alternatives to provide safe and reliable access over the railroad tracks to the waterfront. The analysis conducted during that study recommended the Edmonds Street Waterfront Connector as the preferred solution. Mayor Earling presented this recommendation to City Council who unanimously endorsed the project in November 2016. 

You can learn more about the project and share your thoughts in-person on February 28th or online February 28th – March 16th. edmondswaterfrontaccess.org 

Edmonds Diversity Commission Donates Special Collection of Children’s Books to Local Elementary Schools

Diversity-Themed Books Aim to Support School District’s Mission to Provide a More Inclusive and Equitable Curriculum    

(Edmonds, WA) – In an effort to promote a greater understanding of diversity, equity and inclusion among Edmonds youth and support the Edmonds School District’s mission to provide a more equitable and diverse curriculum for its students, the City of Edmonds Diversity Commission has kicked off the new year with a substantial donation of children’s books to local elementary schools. The books focus on themes of diversity, equity, and inclusion and are intended to be available as resources for teachers, librarians, and students to help inform, engage, and encourage discussion. read more

Passionate About the Environment? Mayors’ Climate Protection Committee Is Seeking New Members

Members Would Join Fellow Community Volunteers and City Staff in Mission to Encourage Edmonds to Conserve Resources and Address Impacts of Climate Change 

   (Edmonds, WA) – The Mayors’ Climate Protection Committee is putting out the call for new members who are interested in serving on the committee and supporting its mission to effectively address the issues of climate change in our community. It is a volunteer position and committee members meet the first Thursday of each month from 8:45am to 10:00am. Members do not have to reside in Edmonds and there are no terms limits.  read more

The City of Edmonds Adopt-A-Flower Basket program of 2018 is underway. Your donation helps to support the City’s annual Flower Program which enhances the beauty of Edmonds.  Flower basket adoptions are $100 each for the season.  Download the forms and maps at www.flowerprogram.edmondswa.gov.  Forms and maps are also available at the Frances Anderson Center and Edmonds City Hall.  To check on basket availability, please call 425.771.0230. Forms and donations can be brought or mailed to Edmonds Parks and Recreation, 700 Main Street, Edmonds, WA 98026.  Media Release 2/27/18 Update: Corner Parks are all adopted-sold out!  Only 10 baskets remain available for adoption!

The highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting

(Edmonds, WA) - The City of Edmonds has received the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) for its 2016 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR). The Certificate of Achievement is a significant accomplishment for the City of Edmonds.

Media Release | CAFR | PAFR

The Edmonds Diversity Commission has named a new Chair and Vice-Chair for 2018. For more information click here.

Mayor Earling's 2018 State of the City Address... press release

Cemetery Board seeks to fill two vacancies.  Application deadline March 30, 2018  Media Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 9, 2018

To:               Media

Contact:       Bertrand Hauss| bertrand.hauss@edmondswa.gov | 425-771-0220

TRAFFIC CALMING PROGRAM

(Edmonds - WA) The City of Edmonds is requesting public input on the 2018 Traffic Calming Program. The annual program has a budget of $35,000 to address speeding concerns and reduce cut-through traffic on any street.

The program consists of a three-phase process: (1) Petition and Review for Qualification; (2) Education / Enforcement; and (3) Installation of Traffic Calming Devices.

In order for a location to be considered in the 2018 Traffic Calming Program, a Citizen Action Request and Neighborhood Petition Form need to be submitted to the City. Both forms can be found by going to the following link: http://www.edmondswa.gov/transportation-text/traffic-calming-program.html. The petition must have supporting signatures from at least eight different households within the neighborhood.

City staff will evaluate each petition and determine if it qualifies for the Traffic Calming Program.  Projects deemed qualified will be prioritized and pursued based on available funding.

In past years, the program has funded the installation of speed radar feedback signs, signing and pavement markings. Alternative solutions may be considered depending on location and the traffic concern.

In order for your street to be considered for the Program, please submit the forms by February 9, 2018 to:
Mr. Bertrand Hauss, Transportation Engineer either by email bertrand.hauss@edmondswa.govor mail to Edmonds City Hall (Attn: Engineering Division), 121 5th Ave N Edmonds, WA 98020.

A housing website has been launched to let people know about a housing strategy that is being developed by the City of Edmonds. The website is: https://www.edmondshousingstrategy.org/.

The Housing Strategy will identify how the City can help increase the supply of affordable housing and meet diverse housing needs. A draft version is expected to be ready for public review in late spring.

Development of the housing strategy is one of the steps required in the City’s Comprehensive Plan. Several months ago, a Housing Strategy Task Force was appointed by Mayor Dave Earling to recommend actions that could be incorporated into the strategy.

Since then, the Task Force has met three times. Meeting information is included on the City’s website (above).

“I’m excited about collaborating with people,” said City Council member Adrienne Fraley-Monillas, who also serves on the Housing Task Force. “We want to come up with a strategic set of actions the City can take to ensure more affordable housing—whether for moderate-income families or a whole range of folks who are struggling to pay for housing in our community.”

When a draft Strategy is ready, it will be posted on the City’s new website and discussed in public meetings.

“We are fortunate to have an excellent task force,” noted Shane Hope, the City’s development services director who is organizing the effort. “The members have different housing expertise, some from the public side, some from the private side. I have no doubt they will come up with--not just great ideas and goals—but real things the City can do or partner on to make a significant difference.”

The new website is meant to help people keep track of the housing strategy project, including task force meetings. On the website, anyone interested can sign up for email notices.

For more information, call 425-771-0220.

Two Edmonds Boy Scout troops offer "TREE-Cycling" this year.  

Troop 312 - January 6th & 7th, 8:30am to 4:30pm 

QFC Grocery, 196th ST SW & 76th Ave W

Kwick N' Kleen Carwash, just east of 9715 Edmonds Way

Troop 300 - January 6th, 9:00am to 4:00pm & January 7th, 10:00am to 3:00pm

Edmonds Woodway High School, North Parking Lot, 7600 212th St SW

Westgate Elementary School, 9601 220th St SW,

As always, all decorations, tinsel, tree stands, and nails must be removed from the tree in order to be recycled. 

FLOCKED TREES ARE NOT ACCEPTED AT ALL!
Help support your community's scout troops 2018 activities by properly recycling your tree.

The Winter Craze Recreation Guide is now available at www.RecZone.org or view HERE.  Registration opens December 1 for Winter Quarter. 

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Mayor Earling Also Requests $2 Million in City Budget to Support Civic Field Redevelopment 

   (Edmonds, WA) – Just in time for the holidays, the Hazel Miller Foundation has announced a historic gift to the Edmonds community: a $1.5 million grant to support the redevelopment of Civic Field. The announcement was made by the Foundation’s Board of Directors, who presented a ceremonial check for the grant funds at Civic Field today to City of Edmonds Mayor Dave Earling and the City’s Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department. read more

 

Pictured left to right: Tom Mesaros, President, Edmonds City Council; Jack Loos, Secretary, Hazel Miller Foundation Board of Directors; Mayor Dave Earling; Diana White, Chair, Hazel Miller Foundation Board of Directors; Carrie Hite, Director, City of Edmonds Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services; Pat Shields, Vice Chair, Hazel Miller Foundation Board of Directors; Patrick Doherty, Director, City of Edmonds Community Services & Economic Development; Dave Johnson, Assistant Director, City of Edmonds Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services.

The City of Edmonds and Ed! (Edmonds Downtown Alliance) will be holding the first-ever amateur Edmonds Holiday Caroling Contest - for more information please click here.

Community Invited to Mayor’s Town Hall
November 15^th Community Discussion will include Highway 99 Neighborhood Plans, Five Corner Feasibility Study, and Waterfront Connector next steps

(Edmonds, WA) – Mark your calendars for your next opportunity to hear and respond to the latest updates from Mayor Dave Earling and City Directors at a Town Hall meeting on Wednesday, November 15^th, from 6:30-8:30pm at the Edmonds Library Plaza Room, 650 Main Street, Edmonds. Mayor Earling and his staff will host the community discussion that will include a question and answer session. read more

The second screening of free Diversity Commission Film Series set for Saturday, November 18, 2017. For more information click here.

The Diversity Commission is now accepting applications. Please click here for more information.

The November Diversity Commission meeting will be held at 6 p.m. in the Public Works Building, 7110 210th St SW, Edmonds, WA  98026. For more information please click here. This change is for this meeting only. The December 6, 2017 meeting will be held at the usual location in the Edmonds Senior Center at 220 Railroad Avenue, Edmonds, WA  98020.

Community Projects that Promote Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Sought for Funding

(Edmonds, WA) - The City of Edmonds Diversity Commission is announcing the opening the application period for the first round of 2018 grant awards. The Commission’s small grants program is aimed at harnessing the power and enthusiasm of the local community by providing funding to help make possible community programs, events and/or activities that engage, educate or involve the Edmonds community in ways that promote diversity, equity and inclusion. read more

November 15^th Community Discussion will include Highway 99 Neighborhood Plans, Five Corner Feasibility Study, and Waterfront Connector next steps

(Edmonds, WA) – Mark your calendars for your next opportunity to hear and respond to the latest updates from Mayor Dave Earling and City Directors at a Town Hall meeting on Wednesday, November 15^th, from 6:30-8:30pm at the Edmonds Library Plaza Room, 650 Main Street, Edmonds. Mayor Earling and his staff will host the community discussion that will include a question and answer session. read more

Jeff Renner will discuss changes he has observed in our climate during his 38 years as Chief Meteorologist and Science Reporter with KING-TV. More......

The Fall 2018 edition of Update on Edmonds is available ~ check it out!

STARTS ONE WEEKEND SOONER THIS YEAR – SATURDAY, NOV. 4TH  

Vendors Will Offer Specialty Foods, Wines, Treats, Flowers, Gifts, Entertainment and More!

(Edmonds, WA) - The holiday shopping season in Downtown Edmonds will be bigger and better than ever this year, thanks to an extended Holiday Market on 5^th Avenue in front of City Hall for six Saturdays from 10am to 3pm from November 4^th to December 16^th, skipping Thanksgiving weekend Saturday. read more

Entrenamiento Gratuito sobre el Reciclaje

¡Conviértase en un Promotordel Medio Ambiente con WSU Extension! Aprenda sobre el problema de la basura, qué cosas se pueden reciclar y compostar, qué es la composta, alternativas a productos químicos del hogar, y la importancia de conservar nuestros recursos naturales para el bienestar de nuestras vidas y de nuestras generaciones futuras. Este entrenamiento se ofrecerá en español los sábados entre el 14 de octubre y el 11 de noviembre (5 días en total), de 9:30 AM a 3:30 PM cada día. El entrenamiento es gratis, pero no habrá cuidado de niños. Nos reuniremos en WSU Extension, McCollum Park, 600 128th St. SE Everett, WA. Viajes opcionales a facilidades de reciclaje, composta y manejo de materiales peligrosos serán ofrecidos sin costo alguno.

Luego del entrenamiento, comparta lo que aprendió en 4 eventos con las comunidades Latinas para ayudar a los demás a tomar decisiones de reciclaje correctas. Para participar, regístrese en o antes del 6 de octubre con Yolimar Rivera a yolimar.rivera@wsu.edu o (425) 357-6029.

Este entrenamiento es posible gracias a los siguientes auspiciadores:
Waste Management, Snohomish County Solid Waste and WSU Snohomish County Extension.

FREE Recycling Training in Spanish

Become an Ambassador for the Environment with WSU Extension! Learn about the problem of waste, what things can be recycled and composted, how to compost, alternatives to household hazardous products, and the importance of conserving our natural resources for the betterment of our lives and our future generations. This training will be offered in Spanish on Saturdays, October 14 through November 11 (5 days total), from 9:30 AM – 3:30 PM each day. The training is free, but there will be no childcare. We will meet at WSU Extension, McCollum Park, 600 128th St. SE Everett, WA. Optional field trips to recycling, composting and hazardous waste disposal facilities will also be offered at no charge.
After the training, share what you learned at 4 Latino community events to help others make the right recycling choices! To participate, register no later than October 6^th with Yolimar Rivera at yolimar.rivera@wsu.edu or (425) 357-6029.

This training is possible thanks to the following sponsors:
Waste Management, Snohomish County Solid Waste and WSU Snohomish County Extension.

Trip Will Celebrate the 30^th Anniversary of Edmonds and Hekinan’s Sister City Relationship!

(Edmonds, WA) – Mayor Earling and the Edmonds Sister City Commission are looking for interested citizens to join the Spring 2018 Mayor’s delegation that will travel to our Sister City of Hekinan, Japan, in honor of the 30^th anniversary of the two city’s Sister City relationship and to celebrate the 70^th anniversary of the city of Hekinan. read more

2013 Edmonds Sister City Delegation in Hekinan, Japan