The City of Edmonds is receiving national recognition for its efforts to promote solar energy. SolSmart, a program funded by the U.S. Department of Energy SunShot Initiative, is awarding a Bronze designation to the City for taking important first steps to promote solar energy production and usage. Edmonds is the first city in the state to achieve this designation. Read more here.

State money matched by $295,000 in local funding to begin design, environmental and permitting work. To see press release click here.

The Highway 99 Area Plan and code update approved by the City Council on August are effective today, August 25th. Read more about this planning effort here. The adopted plan and code documents can be viewed here by looking under the "Documents" tab.

By Mayor Dave Earling

I seldom comment on national issues, but the wrong in Charlottesville and the resulting failure of leadership and national outcry this past weekend points out wrongs on so many levels. read more

          

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.

 

Bicycle Counts Continue
Edmonds is continuing to conduct bicycle counts to understand how many people currently ride bikes in the streets where the proposed bicycle routes / bike lanes will be added later this Fall. Counts will also be completed after construction in order to determine how the new routes affect ridership. These counts are occurring quarterly until Fall 2017. The bicycle counts are scheduled for June 27th through June 29th at the following locations:

·        76th Avenue W & Olympic View Drive
·        9th Avenue S & Walnut Street
·        76th Avenue W & 212th Street SW
·        80th Avenue W & 224th Street SW 

The City of Edmonds is working to develop an Urban Forest Management Plan that will primarily focus on managing trees on public properties and in public rights-of-way.  The plan will also consider some community-wide issues, for example, the community's total tree canopy, the role of trees in critical wildlife habitat corridors throughout the city and opportunities for public education.

Public input is welcome, so please tell us your thoughts by taking this SURVEY.

A public open house about managing the City’s trees will be held June 22, Thursday in the Brackett Room (3^rd floor) of City Hall, 121 Fifth Avenue North, Edmonds.  The public can drop by anytime between 6:30 and 8:00 pm.  A presentation will be given at 7:00 pm.

“We want to share information and hear from people,” said Mayor Dave Earling, “about how the City’s urban forest— the trees and tree canopy—should be managed over the long term.  For example, do we need more trees in some places?  What kind?  Should all trees be saved, no matter what?” 

Development of an urban forest management plan for Edmonds is underway.  It follows up on discussion from two years ago of a draft tree code that would have affected the planting and cutting of trees on private property.

When the City Council determined to not adopt the draft tree code, the Council confirmed that it wanted to find the right balance for managing trees and to especially consider trees in the right of way and on public property.  An urban forest management could help do this.

Last year, a consulting firm, Davey Resource Group, was chosen to help develop an urban forest management plan for Edmonds.  The firm has been gathering information from Tree Board members and City staff.  Now broader public outreach is beginning.

The June 22 open house will show what’s been learned so far about the City’s tree canopy and managing trees in an urban environment.  Everyone is invited. 

The first and last parts of the open house will allow people to view displays and talk informally.  At 7:00 pm, a presentation will be given about the scope of the urban forest plan and next steps to develop it.  Questions and comments are welcome.

Joint endeavor of City of Edmonds staff and Western Washington University students covered a wide array of projects. For more information click here.

The Edmonds Diversity Commission offers small grants for community projects that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion sought for funding. For more information see press release here. For application click here.

Edmonds Business Owners To Get a Boost from Free Small Business Workshop. Click here for more information.

Parking changes coming to downtown Edmonds on May 23, could add dozens of additional street spaces. For more information click here.

Monday, May 15, 2017 until close of business ~ by direction of Governor Jay Inslee, flags are to be flown at half-staff in recognition of the annual Peace Officers Memorial Day.

Thursday, May 25, 2017 until close of business on Tuesday, May 30, 2017 ~ by direction of Governor Jay Inslee, flags are to be flown at half-staff in memory of former Governor Mike Lowry who passed away on May 1 at the age of 78 of complications from a stroke.

Monday, September 11, 2017 until close of business ~ by direction of Governor Jay Inslee, flags are to be flown at half-staff for national Patriot Day, the annual memorial to the victims of the 2001 tragedy.

           WALKABILITY STUDY - SURVEY LINK

The City of Edmonds has partnered with Western Washington University to conduct a walkability study focused largely on the area east of downtown.  Please take a moment of your time to help out by clicking the survey link and contributing to their research.  The survey specifically focuses on Yost Park and Five Corners.

 

         

On Monday, the 22nd of May, Public Works will begin the removal of the 21 angled parking spaces on Sunset Ave W, just north of Edmonds Street. The curb stops and surface markings will be removed first, followed by striping for parallel parking on the westside of the road. The City does not foresee any road closures or major traffic disturbances during that work. 

Learn to Save a Life!

Be a part of the Heart of Edmonds 500 Challenge and learn to save a life. Our goal is to train 500 CITIZENS IN CPR by the end of the summer. Join us May 20 as we get started by offering free hands-only CPR training. No appointment necessary. Stop by and learn to be a lifesaver in just 20 minutes! FLIER

Fire Station EMS Week Open House
Saturday, May 20, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Fire Station 17, 275 6th Ave. N., Downtown Edmonds

The City of Edmonds Diversity Commission seeks new member. For more information see press release. To fill out an application please click here.

Governor’s Signature Now Needed to Finalize State Funding for Edmonds Street Waterfront Connector and Highway 99 Projects

(Edmonds, WA) - Early positive signs for Edmonds from the State Capitol became reality after the House and Senate voted last Thursday and Friday, respectively, to approve a Transportation Budget that includes funding for the next steps on two important projects: the Edmonds Street Waterfront Connector and Highway 99 corridor enhancements. The Transportation Budget is now on the Governor’s desk awaiting his signature. read more

This project was part of the City’s annual program to replace and upgrade existing waterlines at various locations around the City that were reaching the end of their useful service lives, were undersized or were unable to meet current fireflow requirements.  Many of the water and sewer pipes being replaced today in Edmonds have been providing service to city residents for over 60 years. The 2016 Waterline Replacement Project replaced approximately 7,500 feet of watermains along with their associated meters, services, and fire hydrants in 7 locations within the City.

On April 21, 2016, the City received four (4) bids for the 2016 Waterline Replacement Project.  The bids ranged from a low of $1,147,401.86 to a high of $1,575,310.48.  D&G Backhoe was awarded the project as the low responsive bidder in the amount of $1,147,401.86.  This project was funded solely by Utility funds.

The project was completed on time and under budget. The project cost the City $32,426 less than the contractor initially bid.  The City was able to save funding by having detailed plans, attentive management, and an experienced and capable contractor. We want to thank D&G Backhoe for their partnership on this project.

The City tries to replace aging utilities instead of waiting for something to break. Doing so avoids the hazards and hassles of costly emergency repairs and improves public health by maintaining a clean and functioning infrastructure system. 

Fostering Global Citizenship ~ Students gain international understanding with exchange program

(Edmonds, WA) There is no better way to build international understanding than immersion in another culture.  The Edmonds Sister City Commission provides students with a unique opportunity to experience the day to day life, language, and traditions of Japan through their annual exchange program.  For 15 students each summer, it is the adventure of a lifetime.  While in Japan, students live with a Japanese family and travel to see the sights and sounds around Hekinan, Japan.  Upon their return, they and their families offer the same consideration to the Japanese students.  Introducing these kids to each other’s culture opens their world and encourages a global view.

The City of Edmonds Sister City Commission invites students 14-18 years of age to participate in the annual student exchange to Hekinan.  Students will travel to Hekinan for the last two weeks in July 2017 and then host a Japanese student during their stay in Edmonds during the first two weeks of August 2017.  Student cost for the trip will range between $1,600 and $2,200 depending on the cost of airfare.  Hekinan and Edmonds have been Sister Cities since 1988 and the exchange program has been a central component of that relationship.

There are still open positions for the 2017 Delegation – don’t miss out on this wonderful opportunity! Deadline for applications is Tuesday, May 9, 2017 @ 4:30 pm.

For applications and more information please visit http://www.edmondswa.gov/sister-city-exchange-programs.html.

Among Billions in Competing Priorities, Legislators Propose Funding for Edmonds Projects

(Edmonds, WA) - While State Legislators propose and consider billions in State spending on issues ranging from school funding to major transportation projects to affordable housing, several projects of great importance to the Edmonds community are also being favorably considered.   read more

Amendments to pedestrian sign requirements were adopted by the City Council at an 

April 4 public meeting. These recent changes updated the amendments approved by the Council in 

August 2016. The April 4th changes included:

•    Each ground floor storefront is allowed six (6) additional square feet of sign area to 

accommodate a pedestrian sign or some other type of permanent signage, at their choice. This means 

that street front businesses can continue to use pedestrian signs even if their wall signs max-out 

their allowed sign area. For those ground floor businesses not choosing to use a pedestrian sign 

they now have six more square feet of permanent sign area available to them.  For more information click here.

A forum on local low-income housing needs will be held at 6:30 pm, April 24, at the Edmonds Library Plaza Room, 650 Main Street.  It is sponsored by the Edmonds Housing Instability Coalition in cooperation with the City of Edmonds.                        

The event is free and open to the public.  It will feature a panel discussion about needs and trends in housing for low-income households.  The moderator will be Mark Smith, executive director of Housing Consortium of Everett and Snohomish County. For more information click here.

One Day Only - Saturday, March 18, 2017 - 10am to 3pm at Edmonds Community College, 

Go to Lynnwood Recycle Event @ Edmonds Community College or click below for more details.

Edmonds Diversity Commission to host "Your Voice Matters" - a Youth Forum on Diversity. Middler-Schoolers and High-Schoolers are invited to participate on Friday, March 17th 1:30 to 3:30 pm in the Plaza Room above the Edmonds Library. For more information click here.

A Public Hearing on the Highway 99 Subarea Plan will be held on February 21st. Project information can be found here.

Fostering Global Citizenship ~ Students gain international understanding with exchange program

(Edmonds, WA) There is no better way to build international understanding than immersion in another culture.  The Edmonds Sister City Commission provides students with a unique opportunity to experience the day to day life, language, and traditions of Japan through their annual exchange program.  press release   application packet

Entrenamiento Gratuito sobre los Desperdicios Sólidos

FREE Waste Diversion Training in Spanish

¿Se siente confundido(a) sobre qué cosas van en la basura y qué cosas van en el reciclaje?
¿Ha escuchado sobre la composta, pero no sabe para qué sirve o cómo se hace?
¿Le preocupan los químicos de limpieza que emanan olores fuertes?
¿Le interesa conocer alternativas de limpieza más seguras para la salud?
¿Le interesa compartir esta información con otras personas?

Si contestó que sí a las preguntas de arriba, entonces ¡conviértase en un Promotordel Medio Ambiente! Entrenaremos a personas interesadas en conocer sobre estos temas los sábados entre el 4 de marzo y el 1 de abril, de 9:30 AM a 12:30 PM cada día. El entrenamiento es gratis; no habrá cuidado de niños. Nos reuniremos en Everett, dos sábados en WSU Extension, McCollum Park, 600 128th St. SE Everett, WA, y tres sábados en la estación de bomberos Mariner, 12310 Meridian Ave. Everett, WA.

Luego del entrenamiento, comparta lo que aprendió en 3 eventos con las comunidades Latinas. Para participar, entregue la solicitud que se encuentra en http://extension.wsu.edu/snohomish/naturalresources/latino-engagement/ en o antes del 22 de febrero. Para preguntas o más información, contacte a Yolimar Rivera, yolimar.rivera@wsu.edu o (425) 357-6029.

¡No pierda la oportunidad de educarse y ayudar a proteger el ambiente para todos y para las generaciones futuras! Recuerde que: El Medio Ambiente: Es Tuyo, Es Mío, Es Nuestro

Edmonds Cemetery Board Seeks New Member to Fill Vacancy - Applications Accepted until February 24, 2017

The Edmonds Cemetery Board is seeking a new member to fill a vacancy.  Do you have an interest in local history or genealogy?  Do you appreciate the appearance of the Cemetery?  Are you interested in helping, planning and participating in the annual Memorial Day Program, “Walk Back in Time” Cemetery Tour in July and the “Walk About” Veteran’s site tour in November?  Would you like to help set policy and develop goals?  If so, please consider becoming a member of the Cemetery Board.  For more information, please see the Media Release or call Cynthia Cruz at 425.771.0231.

State Responds on Shoreline Master Program

The state Department of Ecology has responded by letter to the City Council about 

proposed changes for updating its Shoreline Master Program. The response agrees with most of the 

Council’s proposed changes but calls for a site-specific assessment to establish marsh buffers 

prior to any future development in the Harbor Square area.


The City’s existing Shoreline Master Program (SMP), adopted in 2000, does not include any part of 

the Harbor Square area, but the proposed SMP update does. Ecology had required the City to include 

this change as part of the SMP update. However, as the update was being drafted, controversy arose 

about the specific width of buffers to be required for the area when development occurs.


Until an updated SMP is approved and adopted, the 2000 shoreline plan applies. Ecology has asked 

the City to respond by March 30 to its new letter.


The City Council is scheduled to discuss this issue at its January 24 meeting.  In Ecology’s 

letter, two options are offered for providing a more site-specific approach and a scientific study 

for the Urban IV Mixed Use Area, which includes Harbor Square. Agency staff have noted that the 

City could choose either of these options or some combination that achieves similar results.


The proposed SMP addresses shoreline areas in Edmonds that extend 5.2 miles along the Puget Sound 

and also adjacent to Lake Ballinger. It uses updated scientific information to set requirements for 

future shoreline activities. Development in all shoreline areas would be subject to newer 

regulations, including for shorelines, environment, and stormwater.  A copy of Ecology's letter is at this link.

WWU Students pitch year-round seasonal events campaign to promote fourth avenue arts corridor: Student Public Relations Project Part of Sustainable Cities Partnership Between Edmonds, Western Washington University, and Association of Washington Cities

   (Edmonds, WA) – The 4^th Avenue Arts Corridor in downtown Edmonds has the potential to become a year-round hub of cultural events and festivities that highlight the Edmonds arts community, according to a plan created by Public Relations students at Western Washington University. Those students presented a winning proposal to City staff to help promote the downtown Arts Corridor through a series of seasonal events and festivities on 4^th Avenue North under the theme of “Art for Everyone.”

 

For the full Media Release, click here

Public Invited to Annual Event at 8:30am Thursday, February 9^th, at Edmonds Theater

(Edmonds, WA) - Mayor Dave Earling invites the public to join him in reflecting on both the accomplishments and challenges of 2016 and looking ahead to the City’s hopes and plans for 2017 during his annual State of the City Address at 8:30 am on Thursday, February 9^th at the Edmonds Theater at 415 Main Street. Mayor Earling will discuss the successes and challenges of the past year, projects and goals for the new year, and long-term strategies for 2017 and beyond. Opening remarks will be provided by Janelle Milodragovich, of Ten Gun Design and Greg Hoff, Windermere Real Estate/Edmonds. read more  |  view flier

   

Student Research Project Part of Sustainable Cities Partnership Between Edmonds, Western Washington University, and Association of Washington Cities 

(Edmonds, WA) – The public is invited to attend a presentation from Western Washington University students who have been studying restoration efforts and issues at Edmonds Marsh as part of the 2016-2017 Sustainable Cities Partnership (SCP) between the City of Edmonds, WWU and the Association of Washington Cities (AWC). Students from WWU’s Restoration Ecology course will present their research on Friday, January 13^th, from 2-4pm in the Brackett Room at City Hall and make recommendations to address current challenges affecting Edmonds Marsh.  read more

(Edmonds, WA) – Edmonds resident and UW graduate, Michelle Rockstead, has been appointed Assistant Language Teacher (ALT) by the Hekinan Board of Education in association with the Edmonds Sister City Commission. As an ALT, Michelle will be responsible for teaching English to students at five middle schools in Hekinan, Japan. She wants to use this opportunity to “cultivate the kids’ interest in building strong relationships with people from different parts of the world”. read more

Days before an Important Federal Grant Deadline, Mayor’s In-Person Visits Intended to Help Pave the Way for Potential Federal Funding 

(Edmonds, WA) - Edmonds Mayor Dave Earling, together with Public Works Director Phil Williams and Economic Development Director Patrick Doherty, traveled to Washington, DC, last week to meet in person with members of the region’s Congressional delegation, as well as key staff from the US Department of Transportation (USDOT). read more

Horticulturist is Credited with Beautifying City by Overseeing Downtown Flower Baskets


(Edmonds, WA) – Senior Parks Maintenance Worker Debra Dill has been voted the City of Edmonds 2016 Employee of the Year by her colleagues. The award was announced by Mayor Dave Earling at the City’s annual Holiday Brunch at City Hall on Tuesday. Debra Dill works as a Senior Parks Maintenance Worker/Horticulturist in the City’s Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services Department.  She recently obtained her arborist certification and is credited with beautifying our community by maintaining and overseeing the flower baskets around Edmonds. read more

City Budget Addresses Community, School and Pedestrian Safety Needs, Homelessness, and Pressing Infrastructure Demands

(Edmonds, WA) – The Edmonds City Council unanimously approved the City of Edmonds 2017 Budget at the December 6^th city council meeting, which emphasizes public safety and community health and well-being. The $97,603,398 budget includes funding for a part-time parking enforcement officer, a school resource officer at Edmonds-Woodway High School, lighting at Pine Street and Highway 104, pedestrian safety training, and funding for critical infrastructure projects. read more

(Edmonds - WA) The Edmonds Fishing Pier will be closed for final repairs from November 28^th to December 2^nd 2016 from 7:00 am – 5:00 pm. read more

City Partners with Chamber, Port and Owners of Local Office Properties to Showcase Edmonds to Prospective Businesses

(Edmonds, WA) - The City of Edmonds, together with the Edmonds Chamber of Commerce, Port of Edmonds and the owners of several office properties are hosting a Get-To-Know Edmonds event on Tuesday, November 29^th from 2:00 to 3:30 pm intended to showcase Edmonds to prospective businesses, and regional commercial real estate brokers. Hopes are more office-based businesses, of all types, will see the benefits of locating in the charming seaside town due to its high quality of life and relaxed atmosphere, while still within the strategic Seattle metropolitan area. read more

Get-To-Know Edmonds | Tuesday, November 29, 2016 | 2 - 3:30 pm | Plaza Room above Edmonds Library - 650 Main Street, Edmonds

Monday, November 14, 2016 until close of business ~ By direction of Governor Jay Inslee, Flags are to be flown at half-staff in memory of State Senator Andy Hill who passed away on October 31, 2016.

After a Year of Study and Public Engagement, Task Force’s Top Recommendation Is Single-Lane Emergency Access/Pedestrian-Bicycle Connector from Edmonds Street to Waterfront 

(Edmonds, WA) - Last night, Tuesday, November 7^th, at the Edmonds City Council meeting, Mayor Dave Earling unveiled his recommendations for alternatives to the at-grade rail crossings at Main and Dayton Streets on the heels of a set of findings and recommendations issued by his appointed Advisory Task Force upon the culmination of their 13-month process. read more

(Edmonds, WA) There is no better way to build international understanding than immersion in another culture.  Edmonds students have a unique opportunity to experience the day to day life, language, and traditions of Japan through an exchange program coordinated by the Edmonds Sister City Commission. read more 

Application http://www.edmondswa.gov/sister-city-exchange-programs.html