The City of Edmonds and Ed! announce the second annual amateur caroling contest in downtown Edmonds. For more information click here.

Governor Inslee Announces Designation Tuesday Evening

(Edmonds, WA) - At the annual Governor’s Arts and Heritage Awards Gala Dinner last evening in Bremerton, Governor Jay Inslee announced that the downtown area of Edmonds (see attached map) has been designated Washington State’s first Certified Creative District. The program, launched in January 2018 by the Washington State Arts Commission (ArtsWA), helps communities throughout the state grow their local economies through the arts and culture. read more | see map

Port Commissioners Approve $1.5 Million Contribution

(Edmonds, WA) - At its Monday, November 26^th regular meeting, following a presentation and request by Edmonds Mayor Dave Earling, the Edmonds Port Commission voted unanimously to contribute up to $1.5 million in construction funding to the Edmonds Street Waterfront Connector project, proposed by the City of Edmonds. With details yet to be finalized, the Commissioners stipulated the funds will be provided to the City when the project proceeds into the construction phase. read more

Informational public meetings on housing strategy issues will be held in December by the City of Edmonds in two locations: one on December 3 from 6:30 to 8:00 pm in the Library Plaza Meeting Room, 650 Main Street, and the other on December 13 from 7:00 to 8:30 pm in the Swedish Edmonds Hospital Conference Room, 21601 76^th Ave W.

Both meetings will follow a similar format, starting with a short presentation on housing and the status of the draft housing strategy, followed by questions from the audience and responses from the Mayor or City staff.  For more information click here.

The Citizens Housing Advisory Committee will meet on November 29 at 6:30 pm in the Edmonds City Hall Brackett Room (third floor), 121 Fifth Avenue North.  The meeting is open to the public.  For mor information click here.

Please come share your input at a public open house on Thursday, November 29th, 6 - 7:30 p.m. in the Library Plaza Room on gateway signs that welcome people to Edmonds. For more information click here. 

Diversity Commission Film Series features Native American-themed film this coming Saturday. For more information click here.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: NOVEMBER 9, 2018

 

To:                  Media

Contact:       SHANE HOPE | SHANE.HOPE@EDMONDSWA.GOV | 425.771.0220

citizen group to advise city department on housing strategy

 

(Edmonds - WA) A small citizen group has been asked to advise the Edmonds Development Services Department on issues and process for re-working the draft housing strategy. The group had an introductory meeting on November 8. The next meeting date is being scheduled now, but will likely be November 15 or 29 at 6:30 pm in the Brackett Room of Edmonds City Hall. It will be open to the public.

“I’ve asked a few community residents with different perspectives to provide me advice for developing the next draft housing strategy,” said Shane Hope, the City’s Development Services Director. “This not a formal appointed group but they are solid local residents and can be a great source of ideas and also a sounding board moving forward. Of course, we want lots of other public input too.”

She noted that more types of community meetings and events will follow. “We care about all neighborhoods and want to find places not only in the Bowl but elsewhere to have public meetings. Ideas are welcome. “

Actual milestones and schedules for the City’s re-draft work are still being planned. More Information, including the advisory group’s next meeting date, will be posted on the City’s housing website: https://www.edmondshousingstrategy.org/.

The website also has a new section for questions and answers. City staff plan to update this section as frequently as possible.

Members named to the department’s advisory group all live in town and have each been local residents from 4-60 years.  

They are: Treg Camper, Alicia Crank, Lindsey Crawford, Brian Goodnight, Pat McDevitt, Dave Teitzel, Bob Throndsen, Rob Van Tassel, and Diana White. Of the members, Dave Teitzel also serves on the City Council. Rob Van Tassel is the only member who previously was on the Housing Strategy Task Force that made recommendations for the first draft housing strategy.

LOCAL BUSINESSES SUPPORT SISTER CITY COMMISSION

Provide sponsorships/donations for the recent Hekinan Delegation Visit

(Edmonds, WA) – They traveled 12 hours to get here, enjoyed a hurried five days of activities, and then traveled 12 hours to get back home. The visiting delegation from Hekinan, Japan has come and gone, but our memories of this very special week celebrating Edmonds and Hekinan’s 30^th anniversary of sister-cityhood will live on forever. read more

 

 

 

 

 

 

Downtown Holiday Market returns for fourth season ~ starts this weekend, Saturday, November 10.  Click here for more information. 

City seeks Diversity Commission member. For more information click here. 

In celebration of the 30^th Anniversary of the Edmonds/Hekinan Sister City relationship

(Edmonds, WA) – Anticipation is building as the City of Edmonds Sister City Commission prepares for the arrival of a delegation from our Sister City of Hekinan, Japan to mark the 30^th Anniversary of the Edmonds/Hekinan Sister City relationship. read more         

City seeks applicants for Citizen Economic Development Commission. For more information click here.

More than 150 businesses recognized in 1st year of state EnviroStars Program. For more information click here. 

The City of Edmonds second season of Diversity Film Series starts this month. October kick-off features Japanese Internment-Era Sagas with a local connection. For more information click here. 

The Edmonds Diversity Commission will host the third annual "World Cafe" ~ community discussions on diversity, equity and inclusion.  For more information click here.

The City of Edmonds Diversity Commission is announcing the opening of the application period for the first round of 2019 grant awards. For more information click here.

Release of Short Video Kicks off Community Video Contest

(Edmonds, WA) - The City of Edmonds is launching a new tourism video and creating a contest to invite the community to join in creating fun videos to share Edmonds’ best. While tourism-promotion has been a staple of the City’s economic development program for many years, for the first time video is becoming a key component of Edmonds’ tourism-promotion efforts. read more

VISIT EDMONDS

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.” 

More information about the Tree Board is on the City’s website at:  http://www.edmondswa.gov/tree-board.html. 

See the full press release here. 

A retail seminar "Creating Stellar Stores" will be held on September 26. For more information click here. See flier here.

City of Edmonds seeks student volunteers to help launch newly formed Youth Commission. For more information click here. 

Training Series coming from the WSU Extension - "Mindful Climate Action"

• Sustainable Community Stewards Training Series, with a theme of “Mindful Climate Action,” is perfect for those that are frustrated/concerned about climate change and want to do something, but aren’t sure how. We will focus on the challenging impacts our daily living brings and offer actionable behavior shifts that make a difference at a personal and community level. This 8-week training includes 3 field trips to complete the 40-hour training. Participants are encourage to volunteer 40-hours into their communities in 2019. 
  • Sustainable Community Stewards Flyer

• Waste Warrior Training - For those that are mostly focused on solid waste, or maybe aren't able to make the full 8-week commitement, we are offering Waste Warrior training. A total of 20-hours, including two waste focused facility tours, will focus on clearing up confusion of recyclable materials, reducing contamination and overall waste reduction. 
  • Waste Warrior Flyer
    

Both trainings begin Wednesday, September 19^th and take place at WSU Snohomish County Extension’s Education Center. Sustainable Community Stewards will meet every Wednesday, 9/19 – 11/14, except for 10/31. Waste Warriors will meet with the SCS training participants on these dates, 9/19, 10/3, 10/10 & 11/7. Online application, plus more details and tour/field trip locations and dates are available online here:  https://extension.wsu.edu/snohomish/naturalresources/sustainable-community-stewards/

Application deadline is Friday, September 14^th.

(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, September 19^th, from 6:30-8:30pm at North Sound Center (formerly Edmonds Conference Center) located at 201 4^th Ave N. Mayor Earling and his staff will host the community discussion that will include a question and answer session.

“My staff and I are always working to improve communications with our community, and these Town Halls offer a great opportunity for us to engage directly with the community and offer critical feedback on the issues of the day,” says Mayor Earling.

The Mayor and City Directors will each provide brief presentations and be available to address questions and comments from the community.

The meeting is open to the public. Community members are invited to attend to discuss current issues, ask questions and provide feedback.

For questions or more information, please contact the Mayor’s Office at 425.771.0247 or carolyn.lafave@edmondswa.gov. press release

 

The City is seeking student representative applicants interested in serving on the City of Edmonds Diversity Commission. Click here for more information.

City Postpones Staff Softball Game, Moves Summer Camps Indoors, and Monitors Potential Closure of Yost Park Pool  

(Edmonds, WA) – The City of Edmonds joins the surrounding Puget Sound Region in battling poor air quality due to wildfire smoke and is warning community members to take precautions, such as avoiding outdoor activities if possible. The City has postponed its staff softball game due to air quality concerns and is on alert from Dale Turner YMCA, operator of Yost Pool, for possible pool closures later today and particularly tomorrow. All City of Edmonds summer camps have been moved indoors except Skyhawks Football Camp, which continues outdoors on a reduced level of exertion. Tomorrow, the Skyhawks will re-evaluate and if necessary move into the gym at the Frances Anderson Center. read more

A public workshop/open house on housing strategies will be held August 27, 7:00 pm, in the Edmonds City Hall Brackett Room (3^rd floor) at 121 Fifth Avenue N.

The City is aiming to develop a housing strategy by 2019 to increase the supply of affordable housing for all income levels and to meet diverse housing needs.

“People in Edmonds deserve good housing choices,” said Mayor Dave Earling. “Some residents are struggling with how to stay in Edmonds or have their kids live in Edmonds. As our region grows, more people want to live here and without some new options, housing prices will keep going up. I hope people chime in on how the city can help responsibly steer the direction.” 

 

Please see attached for more information.

SEATTLE - City of Edmonds has won a 2018 VISION 2040 Award from the Puget Sound Regional Council for its Highway 99 Subarea Plan. The awards recognize innovative projects and programs that help ensure a sustainable future as the region grows.

"Edmonds has envisioned a transit supportive urban district with affordable housing with this plan," said Josh Brown, Executive Director of PSRC, "and backed it up with changes to regulations and planned action."

The Edmonds Highway 99 Subarea Plan seeks to increase housing and jobs along SR 99 and identifies transportation improvements to support these changes.

The award will be presented at the Edmonds City Council meeting on August 7, 2018.

VISION 2040 is the region's growth management, economic, and transportation strategy, designed to meet the needs of the 5 million people expected to be living in the region in 2040. It is an integrated, long-range vision for the future that lays out a strategy for maintaining a healthy region - promoting the well-being of people and communities, economic vitality, and a healthy environment.

PSRC develops policies and coordinates decisions about regional growth, transportation and economic development planning within King, Pierce, Snohomish and Kitsap counties. The Council is composed of over 80 entities, including all four counties, cities and towns, ports, state and local transportation agencies and tribal governments within the region.



Title VI Notice: PSRC fully complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and related statutes and regulations in all programs and activities. For more information, or to obtain a Title VI Complaint Form, call 206-587-4819.



中文 Chinese, 한국  Korean, Русский  Russian, Español  Spanish, Tagalog, Tiếng việt  Vietnamese, Call 206-587-4819
  

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Free Water Conservation Items Available

The City of Edmonds Public Works is providing a limited number of free water conservation items to its water customers and are available on a first-come-first-serve basis, while supplies last. Water Conservation Items Listing.

 

          

Free Water Conservation Items Available

The City of Edmonds Public Works is providing a limited number of free water conservation items to its water customers and are available on a first-come-first-serve basis, while supplies last. Water Conservation Items Listing.

 

(Edmonds, WA) -  Edmonds has been featured as a top retirement destination by Where to Retire, a national publication geared toward helping retirees make relocation decisions. The city is profiled in the September/October 2018 issue, available nationwide on Aug. 7. 

Mayor Dave Earling praised the national recognition, stating “it’s encouraging to see national recognition of what we in and around Edmonds already know –our community is an ideal place to live, work and play for people of all ages, including retirees.” read more

Rule Allows Parade-Goers to Save Seats While Also Keeping Sidewalks Safe for Pedestrians

(Edmonds, WA) – With the popular Edmonds Fourth of July Parade just days away, the City of Edmonds and Edmonds Chamber of Commerce are reminding the community about the following items to ensure a safe and happy Fourth of July for all:

• The placement of lawn chairs and other items along the parade route will be allowed after 6pm Tuesday evening, 7/3/18.
  
• Please refrain from chaining or otherwise attaching chairs to each other and to stationary items such as trees, sign posts, etc. This policy is to allow parade-goers to stake out their viewing places somewhat in advance, as has been the tradition, but to also avoid the safety and access concerns of lengthy sidewalk obstructions well in advance of the Fourth.
• After 6am on July 4^th streets along the parade route will be closed to traffic by the Edmonds Police Department, so personal vehicle access to the route will not be possible until after the parade clears.  
• Chairs and other items placed in the right-of-way along the parade route before 6pm Tuesday 7/3/18 will be removed by the Public Works Department. They may be retrieved during regular business hours at the Public Works Building at 7110 - 210^th Street SW. Phone: 425-771-0235.

read more

Walnut Street Coffee Recognized as Edmonds' First EnviroStars Business. Click here for more information. 

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.

# # #

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.