(Edmonds, WA) Mayor Nelson announced Tuesday that he has engaged the services of the Center for Public Safety Management (CPSM) to conduct a performance audit of the Edmonds Police Department.

Mayor Nelson stated, “To help assist our next Police Chief in leading our Police Department into the future, I have authorized a performance audit of the Police Department. This audit will enable the person selected as our next Chief to fully understand what the department – and more importantly the community – need and desire from police services in Edmonds.”

This study will do a deep dive into the Police Department’s service calls and responses, as well as look at all facets of policing and how they impact the community. The study will involve the following:

• Conduct a data-driven forensic analysis to identify what is driving overtime, workloads, and service demands and any potential gaps in patrol coverage.
• Identify and recommend appropriate staffing and deployment levels for every operational and support function in the department.
• Examine the department’s organizational structure and culture, including the qualitative aspects of patrol.
• Perform gap analysis, including operational readiness, comparing the “as is” state of the department to the industry’s best practices.
• Recommend a management framework to ensure accountability and improved performance.
• Evaluate the implementation of community policing, in quantifiable and anecdotal terms, and identify improvement opportunities where appropriate.

Resulting from this analysis, the study will create a short- and long-term strategic plan which will help the City to determine its future service levels, including performance management and the department’s basic ability to carry out its mission.

Center for Public Safety Management (CPSM)

The Center for Public Safety Management (CPSM) was launched by the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) to provide support to local governments in the areas of police, fire, and emergency medical services.

The Center also represents local governments at the federal level and has been involved in numerous projects with the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security. In 2014 as part of a restructuring at ICMA, the Center for Public Safety Management (CPSM) spun out as a separate company and is now the exclusive provider of public safety technical assistance for ICMA.

CPSM’s local government technical assistance experience includes workload and deployment analysis, using a unique methodology and subject matter experts to examine department organizational structure and culture, identify workload and staffing needs, as well as industry best practices.

CPSM has conducted over 346 such studies in 43 states and provinces and 246 communities, ranging in population from 8,000 (Boone, IA) to 800,000 (Indianapolis, IN).

International City/County Management Association (ICMA)

The ICMA is a 103-year old, non-profit professional association of local government administrators and managers, with approximately 13,000 members located in 32 countries. ICMA advances the knowledge of local government best practices with its website, www.icma.org, publications, research, professional development, and membership.

media release

(Edmonds, WA) The following is a statement from Mayor Mike Nelson to the people of Edmonds in advance of the upcoming Martin Luther King Day holiday:

This year, more than ever since the beginning of the Civil Rights Movement, as we approach Martin Luther King Day 2021, it’s important for us to reflect on our actions as individuals, families, a community, and a nation with regard to the basic human rights of all our fellow members of society.

This past year has been particularly difficult. Not only have we all been worn down by the COVID-19 pandemic, but we have also been rocked as a nation by senseless violence against Black people that has continued unabated across the country. Many have risen up and protested, marched and pushed back, yet systemic and institutional prejudice and racism are deeply embedded. It will take unwavering and sustained, collective effort to overcome and reverse.

Dr King’s legacy suggests that this collective effort starts at home – among each and every one of us, our families, friends and colleagues. Lasting, effective systemic change must rise from a grass-roots foundation that requires each of us to be informed, act and urge others to act to combat racism.

For Martin Luther King Day 2021 there are many ways we can both honor the legacy of Dr. King and become more informed in order to act, despite not being able to gather in person as in past years.

At Noon on Monday, January 18 the locally based Lift Every Voice Legacy, in partnership with the Communities of Color Coalition, will present a FREE virtual event: “Becoming Brave – a Tribute to Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr,” intended to inspire a beloved community in song, spoken word, and dance. The free virtual event will be available to the public at www.beloved4all.org, and for those who register at this website a preview will be available on Sunday Jan 17. Donations will be accepted. The event will also be available at www.edmondswa.gov/diversity-commission-home.

I would also encourage you to watch one or more of the many great documentaries and movies about the life and legacy of Dr. King, such as:

• Martin Luther King Jr for Kids (short documentary at: https://youtu.be/SZ5BgcFWTbo)
• In Remembrance of Martin (trailer: https://youtu.be/inbVOgQom9M)
• King in the Wilderness (trailer: https://youtu.be/aVGRg89DbyM)
• Free at Last – Martin Luther King Jr (trailer: https://youtu.be/UhkVmeIkrRk)
• Dr Martin Luther King: A Historical Perspective (trailer: https://youtu.be/LSGZwc7BssU)
• King: Man of Peace in a Time of War (trailer: https://youtu.be/7Gp0JcsERSU?list=PLeNv8lXW6dUQpfeuoW2oQgHt7kbGktXIJ)
• King: A Filmed Record…Montgomery to Memphis (trailer: https://youtu.be/vIDGX-TIZ9I)

 

Lastly, now more than ever, the legacy of Dr King must be remembered and acted upon, not just this one day, but it must serve as a source of continued work throughout the year.

In our city I am pursuing systemic change within City government to eliminate institutional bias and discrimination, aided by a series of upcoming recommendations from my Equity and Justice Task Force. The City’s Diversity Commission is also doing important work to help address issues of equity and inclusion throughout our community.

In closing I wish you all a safe and memorable Martin Luther King holiday and encourage us all to continue to engage in collective efforts to fulfill Dr King’s legacy every day.

media release

The deadline for viewing an online open house and taking a housing policy survey has been extended by three days to January 11. View the Press Release here.

The last online open house and survey from the Edmonds Housing Commission is ready for community engagement and is available through January 8, 2021. View the news release here. To learn about the Housing Commission’s draft recommendations and give feedback, visit www.ECHCOpenHouse.com.

Open House - Draft Housing Ideas

The City of Edmonds Arts Commission (EAC) is offering two, single opportunity grants in 2021 for artists and nonprofit arts and culture organizations based in Edmonds. Applications are now available. The application deadline is January 28, 2021. Projects must be completed in 2021.

The Small Grant Program will have a total of $5,000 available for small grants of $100 - $1,000 for arts-based projects to support creativity, diversity and access to arts in Edmonds through literary, visual or performing arts. Applicants must be residents of Edmonds or organizations located in Edmonds.

"Creating a Future" Large Grant Program has a total of $50,000 available for awards up to $10,000. The purpose of the grant opportunity is to help build and reinforce a diverse and equitable cultural community in Edmonds, recognizing the uncertainty and challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the necessity of changing strategies to create access for all to the arts. Both individual artists and arts and culture organizations based in Edmonds are eligible if they have not-for-profit status either solely or through a partnership or umbrella relationship. Collaborations are encouraged.

Grant program Guidelines and applications for both grants are available on the Arts Commission website http://www.edmondswa.gov/workshops-a-grants.html. For questions contact frances.chapin@edmondswa.gov .

Edmonds Parks & Recreation Marty the holiday mouse

Follow Marty as he visits some of his favorite destinations in Edmonds’ parks.

(Edmonds - WA)

Join Edmonds Parks & Recreation on a family-friendly holiday adventure through three different parks. Follow our story through the eyes of Marty the Mouse as he meets animal friends, avoids predators, and discovers some of what makes winter in Edmonds parks so special. The adventure will be active from December 15^th to January 15^th. Be sure to bring along as a smart phone as location markers include a QR code to enhance learning with additional materials. The adventure includes walking on some unpaved trails, so wear sturdy shoes and dress for the weather before you venture out.

Follow Marty’s story through the Edmonds Facebook page (@EdmondsRecZone), Instagram page (edmondsreczone), and the Marty the Mouse website: http://www.edmondswa.gov/marty-the-holiday-mouse. Be sure to review the story as you move along, so you can find your way to each location.

Signs at each location have a letter noted by a green burst. If you want to play our word scramble game, be sure to write down each letter from the eight location markers and decode the themed word. Once you think you have the themed word decoded, send an email to kim.anderson@edmondswa.gov with your word guess! All submissions with the correct word will be entered into a random drawing for a prize! Post a picture of you on the Marty adventure, and tag our Facebook or Instagram accounts to get one extra entry to the prize drawing. That’s two chances to win instead of one! One entry per person can be entered for the prize drawing. Entries are accepted until January 15^th. The random prize winner will be announced on January 18^th.

The City of Edmonds’ Planning Board will hold a public hearing on the Draft Tree Regulations December 9 at 7 p.m. Information on the Tree Code Update, the Planning Board’s review, and the draft tree regulations are available for review at treecode.edmondswa.gov. (Get background on the tree code here) 

The public is invited to participate in the public hearing via Zoom or by phone at:

• https://zoom.us/s/94704154660
• Via phone by dialing 253-215-8782
• Meeting ID: 947 0415 4660
• Passcode: 251948

Contact the City to get on the first-come, first-served list for distribution

(Edmonds, WA) With more restaurants turning to take-out as the only means of financial survival during COVID-19 restrictions, they are using more compostable to-go containers and gloves which can be costly. Using Federal CARES Act funds, the City has been able to buy various-sized compostable containers and boxes of gloves to distribute to restaurants. These compostable containers are fully approved by Cedar Grove Composting for acceptance at their facility.

“We heard from the restaurant community, which has been among the most impacted by the COVID restrictions, about the challenges of only offering takeout at this time,” stated Mayor Nelson.  “This is one way we can help ease the financial strain, promote take out dining from our restaurants, and help meet our environmental goals of encouraging compostable waste.”

The City will distribute up to 7,350 compostable to-go containers and over 12,000 gloves in prepackaged bundles at the first of two drive-up events. The first will be held on Dec. 7 between 10 am and 1 pm at the Public Works Building north parking lot at 7110 210^th St. SW.

A second distribution event, with an even greater number of items, will take place Dec. 21.

Two selections of packages are available:

Package One will contain:
·         two bags of 9 X 9 food containers for a total of 100 containers,
·         two bags of 6 X 6 containers for a total of 150 containers, and
·         four boxes of gloves for a total of 200 pairs.

Package Two will contain:
·         three bags of 9 X 9 containers for a total of 150 containers, and
·         four boxes of gloves for a total of 200 pairs.

Quantities are limited so please register in advance for a package of containers and gloves, by contacting Megan Luttrell at megan.luttrell@edmondswa.gov by Noon Friday, Dec. 4. Please indicate whether you wish to sign up for Package One or Package Two. She will respond to confirm your space on the list for the 12/7/20 event. If you cannot be accommodated on that day, you will be placed on the list for the 12/21/20 event. Media Release

 

In the on-going effort to connect with residents during these difficult times, Edmonds Mayor Mike Nelson will host his second Neighborhood Zoom Meeting Dec. 7 at 6:30 pm for the Highway 99 and Lake Ballinger areas.

Here is the Zoom Link:  https://zoom.us/j/93277848512 

It can also be found on the Edmonds Communications Page at www.edmondswa.gov/communications. (more) 

Edmonds Mayor Mike Nelson today appointed Acting Finance Director Dave Turley to be the City’s next Finance Director. 

“I am pleased to announce that that I am appointing Dave Turley to be our City’s Finance Director. Dave has served our City for four years as Assistant Finance Director and stepped up to be our Acting Director during the pandemic,” said Mayor Nelson. (read more) 

(Edmonds,WA) Mayor Mike Nelson today appointed Whitney Rivera to be Edmonds' next Municipal Court Judge. Stated Mayor Nelson, “I am excited to announce my judicial appointment of Whitney Rivera to the Edmonds Municipal Court. She brings forth vast trial court experience and has received multiple awards for taking innovative approaches in complicated cases. She has considerable experience working with underserved populations, working on issues of poverty, mental illness, and substance abuse that underlie so many misdemeanor cases.” read more

In Partnership with Verdant and Medical Teams International, the City Encourages You to Get a COVID Test

The City is partnering with Verdant Health Commission and Medical Teams International to provide free, non-invasive COVID-19 testing Monday, Nov. 23rd from 10 am – 5 pm at the Edmonds Woodway High School South parking lot(enter off of 76^th Ave. W). This is a drive-thru event, but walk-ups will not be turned away.

“The goal is to test as many people in the community as possible,” said Edmonds Mayor Mike Nelson. “You may not be showing symptoms, but could still spread the virus. Getting tested protects your loved ones.” The City encourages residents to put the family in the car and get everyone tested.

How it works
Medical Teams International staff will register each person as they drive up. Clients will not touch the registration paper for infection control purposes. Individuals should bring ID and insurance cards if they have insurance. Insurance payments help offset the cost for those who can’t pay.

No clients will be turned away. The testing is free, no exceptions. Grant funding covers the cost of the tests, though most insurance companies cover the cost of the test with no expense to the client. When insurance is billed, there are more grant-funded tests for those without insurance.

Tests are sent to the University of Washington and results can easily be accessed online with a code that is provided at the Edmonds testing site. Test results are available 2-5 days after the test, however results may be available in as soon as 24-48 hours.

The testing method used is anterior nasal swabbing, resulting in less discomfort than other methods. About 1 cm of the swab is inserted into one nostril at a time and rotated for about 10 seconds. The test is safe for both children and adults.

To learn more about this event, please contact Jennifer Piplic, Director of Marketing and Communication at Verdant Health Commission: jennifer.piplic@verdanthealth.org or 425-582-8600.

The Edmonds Citizens’ Tree Board has at least one member position that will be vacant by the end of 2020. The City is seeking applications for that position and any other Tree Board positions that become available in the near future. The application form is available on the City’s website or by e-mailing jana.spellman@edmondswa.gov. Applications are due by December 4, 2020.

The Edmonds City Council Meetings for Tonight, November 10^thhave been Canceled but will be Rescheduled.

Mayor Nelson and Council President Fraley-Monillas plan to reschedule the meetings for this Thursday, November 12^th.

We will not move forward until we can guarantee a more secure meeting format which is of the utmost importance for our City and our citizens.

Because tonight’s Council meetings are a Special meeting, we cannot make any technical changes to the format or changes to the access without violating the Open Public Meetings Act.

(Edmonds) Mayor Mike Nelson offers the following statement in response to the lewd and racist disruptions that occurred Monday evening during the Police Chief public forum on Zoom.

Last night a pathetic, hate-filled coward disrupted our Police Chief public forum on Zoom.

As we do with City Council meetings, I supported the open Zoom meeting format in order to remove as many barriers as possible for public participation. Other formats, such as watching a Zoom Webinar, require logging in with an email address, which some members of the public may not see as fully accessible. This public forum had the same security features as our regular City Council meetings because, as a government agency, we must be accessible and transparent.   Of course, in any public setting, by its very nature, there is the risk of a few bad actors taking advantage of the open forum. Unfortunately, that happened last night when individual(s) with racist beliefs and unsavory conduct briefly interrupted the proceedings. read more

(Edmonds) After the Edmonds Police Department’s media release today regarding a domestic gun discharge this past weekend that left a young girl injured, Mayor Mike Nelson offers the following additional remarks:

I am very saddened to hear of a five-year-old girl shot by her father while he was unholstering his firearm at their Edmonds home. 

This incident follows just a few short weeks after the tragic, armed, domestic violence case on Highway 99 that ended in a woman’s death.

I do not accept that accidents just happen, nor that domestic violence homicides are not preventable.  Gun violence and harm are preventable and pose a clear and present danger to every community.  

I will be working with our Chief of Police on prevention strategies that we as a city can take to prevent gun violence.  This will include community-based gun safety programs, disarming domestic violence abusers with such tools as Extreme Risk Protection Orders, and lobbying our State Legislature to mandate gun-safety training, as well as to enact legislation that would give local governments the authority to put stronger laws into place that better protect our communities.

A new webpage, http://treecode.edmondswa.gov, has been posted for the public to learn about and provide comments on the tree code update that the City has undertaken.

(Edmonds, WA) - Acting Chief Jim Lawless yesterday issued a General Order to all Edmonds Police Department personnel stating that, as standard practice, the Department will no longer file a criminal case for the sole offense of Driving While License Suspended in the Third Degree. 

Typically, this offense results from a driver failing to pay the ticket or appear in court for a prior moving violation, like speeding or rolling through a stop sign. 

Instead, officers will cite and release the offender with the civil infraction of No Valid Operator’s License with ID (if in possession of a valid form of identification as outlined in RCW 46.20.015). 

“Criminalizing the stand-alone offense of Driving While License Suspended in the Third Degree can lead an individual down a spiral of debt, inability to drive, loss of job, and worse,” stated Mayor Nelson. “That downward spiral hits particularly hard among lower-income individuals and people of color. In Washington State, Black people are three times more likely to be charged, and Native Americans are twice as likely to be charged, with this offense.” read more

The Edmonds Planning Board is holding a public hearing on the Capital Improvement Program / Capital Facilities Plan on Thursday, November 12th. The meeting begins at 7:00 p.m. and is a virtual/remote meeting being held via Zoom. Information on the details of the CIP and CFP, and how to join the meeting, can be found on the Planning Board agenda page.

What programs, recreation and community classes would you like to see?

The City of Edmonds seeks input from the community for recreation program recommendations at the new Edmonds Waterfront Center. City Recreation staff are developing programs for all ages to be held at this new state-of-the-art building. Sharing the building with the Edmonds Senior Center, City recreation will be running classes Monday through Thursday between the hours of 4:00pm-10:00pm. (Read more) 

Starts Saturday, Nov 7th. Vendors will offer specialty foods, wines, treats, flowers, gifts, entertainment and more! 
While many traditional holiday events this year have been canceled due to COVID-19 restrictions, one recent tradition will be able to proceed: the Edmonds Holiday Market, kicking off its six season this Saturday, November 7^th from 10am till 3pm.  In the heart of Downtown, on 5^th Avenue North and Bell Street around the holiday tree, the Holiday Market will run for six Saturdays from 10am to 3pm on November 7^th, 14^th, and 21^st, and December 5^th, 12^th, and 19^th, skipping Thanksgiving weekend Saturday (November 28^th). Over fifty vendors will treat shoppers to a rich selection of holiday gifts, food, wines, flowers, treats and music. 

  “Given everything else that’s been canceled or curtailed, we’re thrilled to bring back this popular holiday market to Downtown Edmonds with a great array of vendors this year,” says City of Edmonds Economic Development Director Patrick Doherty.  “In addition to the Holiday Market, Downtown Edmonds will once again offer holiday fun and that special hometown charm – a wonderland of lights, music, holiday wreaths and greetings on shop fronts, and visits by Emily the holiday Elf on Saturdays. Of course, the mainstay of the holidays will continue to be the wonderful variety of shops, cafés, restaurants and service providers that make Downtown Edmonds a particular delight during the holidays.”

 For more information about the market, visit: www.facebook.com/edmondsholidaymarket/

The November 9, 2020 Public Forum with Edmonds' Police Chief Candidates Sherman Pruitt and Jim Lawless can be viewed here.

                 Sherman Pruitt                                      Jim Lawless

(Edmonds, WA) As the holiday season approaches and COVID numbers are on the rise, a reminder that social gatherings with members outside your household or pod are not allowed. We understand that communty members may want to host their holiday gatherings at one of Edmonds many parks. However, in accordance with the CDC, and the State of Washington and Snohomish County health guidelines, we cannot permit or allow these large gatherings. (read more) 

(Edmonds) Mayor Mike Nelson is pleased to announce that “after an almost two-month application period, I am excited to move forward two exceptional candidates for further consideration for the position of Edmonds Police Chief.” He further offered: “Both candidates bring a wealth of valuable experience.” media release

Local residents are asked to weigh in on Commission’s second round of ideas

(Edmonds, WA) The City of Edmonds has extended an online open house and community survey about its second set of housing ideas. The open house and survey are part of community outreach by the Edmonds Housing Commission to gather and organize community input on housing policy concepts from zoning to community programs. The open house and survey have been extended to October 18 due to unprecedented mailing delays for those to whom postcards and surveys were sent.

The online open house features videos that highlight ideas for many housing policy topics including homelessness prevention and affordable housing incentives. It can all be found at: ECHCOpenHouse.com. read more

A Community Embracing our Heritage Together

Today, Oct. 12, is Indigenous Peoples’ Day and the City wants recognize all Indigenous people and draw special attention to the Coast Salish peoples, including Tulalip, Suquamish, Stillaguamish, Lummi, and other tribes who have inhabited the Puget Sound region that encompasses the shorelands and uplands of Edmonds.

Mayor Mike Nelson offers the following remarks: For thousands of years the Indigenous Coast Salish peoples have used the area now known as Edmonds to harvest salmon, shellfish, and land-based resources.
The rich, diverse culture and enduring spirit of the Indigenous Peoples of Puget Sound region live on in Edmonds, not just through the acts of a few, but through the intentional efforts of many.

I am honored to draw attention to the ArtWalk mural program that has recently completed two murals depicting Coast Salish culture in our area at the time of contact. Thank you, Andy Eccleshall (muralist) and Coast Salish artist Ty Juvenil, for your collaborative effort to create these images.
I want to thank the leadership at the new Waterfront Center who are seeking to partner with the local tribes to incorporate Coast Salish artwork as a part of the new center set for completion in November.

Finally, I am very excited to see the carved cedar panel created by Coast Salish artist Ty Juvenil that depicts traditional Coast Salish activities on the shores of Puget Sound and will be placed across from City Hall at the Historical Museum later this year.

These are just a few of the countless examples where, in a year filled with uncertainties and in the midst of a pandemic, the community of Edmonds continues to inspire and lead by example. Thank you to the community for your efforts to ensure we continue to embrace our heritage, not just today, Indigenous Peoples’ Day, but every day.

However curbside dining continues through November 8. There are signs of fall in the air: cooler days, falling leaves and two of the most popular events of the summer come to a close. This weekend, October. 10-11, will be the last weekend of Walkable Main Street as well as the Edmonds Summer Market. We encourage residents to come out and enjoy these activities on their final weekend. To read more click here. 

City has received numerous complaints of non-compliance during night-time squidding

(Edmonds, WA) Concern residents and fellow squidders continue to contact the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services department about the lack of COVID safety measures being followed at the Edmonds Fishing Pier. Specifically, the lack of distancing and mask wearing during the night-time squidding activities. Police patrols have been increased and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife has been contacted for support. read more

Applications Accepted through 5:00 pm, October 21^st

(Edmonds, WA) - After a successful initial business grant program during the Summer, and fueled by an additional allocation of funds from the federal CARES Act, the City of Edmonds announces today a second round of Business Support Grants of up to $10,000 each. A two-week application period begins today, with an application deadline of 5pm, October 21, 2020.  read more and click here for application. 

Meetings kick off October 15, 2020 with Five Corners/Chase Lake Area. Mayor Mike Nelson announced today that he is kicking off a series of Neighborhood Meetings, initially via Zoom, to listen to residents, share information about City projects, programs, and goals, and deliver updates unique to each of the neighborhoods that comprise our city of approximately 42,0000 residents. 

This first virtual meeting, via Zoom, will be focused on the Five Corners/Chase Lake area and will be held at 7:30 pm on Thursday, October 15th. The Zoom link is: https://zoom.us/j/97991621922

For more information click here. 

The fourth season of Diversity Film Series starts this month. October kick-off features "In The Family". After a disruption in March of this year due to the restrictions arising from the COVID-19 crisis, the Edmonds Diversity Commission is thrilled to kick off its fourth season of the Diversity Film Series this month, with the first FREE screening on Monday, October 19^th at 7:00 pm.  Since the films originally scheduled for March and April could not be screened, they will serve as the 2020-2021 season’s first two months of screenings in October and November.  For more information click here.   Go to the Diversity Commission  here for links to the movies. 

Mayor Mike Nelson invites the public and the media to join him this afternoon at 4:00 pm as he delivers his proposed 2021 Budget address, including an overview of his top budgetary priorities. The Mayor will not take questions during his address, nor will there be any live discussion among attendees, including any Councilmembers. The full proposed 2021 Budget document will be transmitted to Councilmembers, and made available to the public on the City’s website, upon conclusion of the Mayor’s address.  

This virtual address will be recorded and be posted on the Mayor’s webpage, the City’s communications webpage, and can also be found on Facebook Live under videos.

What: Mayor Mike Nelson addresses his proposed 2021 budget

When: Oct. 5, 2020 4 p.m.

Where: via Zoom and Facebook live https://zoom.us/j/91724456004?pwd=N2QwTjNNNXJQeFJnTHN2M2xFcHJlQT09

Local residents are asked to weigh in on Commission’s second round of ideas

(Edmonds, WA) The City of Edmonds has launched an online open house and community survey about its second set of housing ideas. The open house and survey are part of community outreach by the Edmonds Housing Commission to gather and organize community input on housing policy concepts from zoning to community programs.

The open house features videos that highlight ideas for many housing policy topics including homelessness prevention and affordable housing incentives. It can all be found at: ECHCOpenHouse.com.

The Commission is scheduled to deliver policy recommendations to the Edmonds City Council in late December. The Council will then decide what actions to take on the recommendations. For more information click here.

Edmonds Paws in the Water Photo Contest

Submit your photos of dogs enjoying the water for prizes

(Edmonds - WA)

Edmonds is going to the dogs virtually! Edmonds Parks & Recreation and O.L.A.E. (Off-Leash Area Edmonds) is hosting an online photo contest of your furry friends enjoying the water to win prizes. Winners will be determined by community vote through the Edmonds Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/EdmondsRecZone.

To enter the contest, submit a photo (1) of your dog enjoying any water source (i.e. pool, lake, hose, etc.). Photos can be submitted through email to kim.anderson@edmondswa.gov. To be entered, you must ‘Like’ the Edmonds Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services facebook page @EdmondsRecZone in addition to your photo submission. Photo submissions are accepted from September 28^th to October 5^th. Photos will be posted to the Paws in the Water Facebook Event.

After submissions close, a photo album through the facebook page will be created. Likes will be considered votes for your favorite photo. Winners are determined by the photos that receive the most likes, and voting will be open October 7^th until October 12^th.
Winners will be announced via social media on October 14^th.

3^rd place will receive a $5 gift card from All the Best Pet Care, 2^nd place will receive a $10 All the Best Pet Care gift card, and 1^st place will receive a $10 All the Best Pet Care gift card and a certification for an initial session at SplashDog valued at $90.

Sponsored by: SplashDog, and All the Best Pet Care.

# # #

The City of Edmonds is only one of three in the state, and one of 65 nationally, to be recognized as a “Utility of the Future Today” — a recognition that celebrates the achievements of water utilities that transition from the traditional wastewater treatment system to a resource recovery center and leader in the overall sustainability and resilience of the communities they serve.

“For the past eight years, we have worked with our partners and the community to create a culture of continuous improvement,” said Pamela Randolph, Wastewater Treatment Manager.

“Each year, we measure our performance and challenge ourselves to always do better on our ‘Pathway to Sustainability,’” said Phil Williams, Public Works Director. “And with the City Council’s decision to move forward with the Carbon Recovery Project, Edmonds is certainly headed in the right direction.”

The Utility of the Future Today program was launched in 2016 by the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA), the Water Environment Federation (WEF), the Water Research Foundation (WRF) and the WateReuse Association, with input from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

“The Water Environment Federation is excited to recognize the Edmonds WWTP for embracing innovative ways to better serve their communities,” said Jackie Jarrell, WEF President.

“The innovations coming to the water sector present an opportunity for a paradigm shift in the way utilities think about and solve long-standing challenges to clean and reliable water,” said Jarrell. “WEF is excited to recognize the Edmonds WWTP for embracing innovative ways to better serve their communities.”

The Wastewater Treatment Plant cleans everything that runs down the sink, tub or toilet, before sending it into Puget Sound. “The Wastewater treatment plant is the single greatest electricity user in the City, so a reduction of energy cost by 45% translates directly to lower rates for the community we serve,” said Randolph. “This project is one of many sustainability projects the Edmonds Public Works Department is committed to.”

Edmonds WWTP will be recognized during a pre-recorded awards ceremony on Oct. 9 at 8 a.m. PT during WEFTEC Connect. - UotFT 2020 Award Ceremony

If you would like to know more about wastewater treatment or our energy-saving projects, please contact Pamela Randolph at 425-771-0237.

To learn more about the Utility of the Future program, visit http://www.wef.org/UtilityoftheFuture or contact UtilityRecognition@wef.org.

Edmonds Diversity Commission has three open positions for three-year terms. Edmonds residents interested in working on issues, programs and activities associated with the changing demographics of our community and enhancing an environment of mutual respect and understanding are encouraged to apply to fill three positions on the City’s Diversity Commission that will be open as of January 1, 2021. For more information click here. 

Community projects that promote diversity, equity and inclusion sought for funding. The City of Edmonds Diversity Commission is announcing the opening of the application period for the first round of 2021 grant awards. For more information click here. For grant application form and information click here.

Flags are at half-staff in memory of U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg who died on September 18, 2020. Flags will remain at half-staff until the day of internment.

Flags are at half-staff in honor of fallen U.S. Capitol Police Officers Brian Sicknick and Howard Liebengood, and all Capitol Police Officers and law enforcement across the Nation.

Please note the change of date to Wednesday, September 30 at 6 p.m. for "Coping with Collective Trauma: A Resiliency Toolkit" a virtual workshop presented by the Edmonds Diversity Commission. Zoom information has been updated and is available in attached press release. Click here for more information. 

$300,000 is still available for housing, groceries, child care, utilities, medical bills

Tapping into the Federal CARES Act Fund and re-allocated City funds, the City of Edmonds continues to distribute funds from its $450,000 “Housing and Supplementary Relief” program, offering grants of up to $1,000 for 1- and 2-member households and $1,500 for households of 3 or more members to cover expenses related to rent/mortgage, food, medical bills, child care, gas or utilities. The only requirement is that residents must earn no more than 60 percent of the Snohomish County Median Income. (Read more)

Among findings, residents like backyard cottages. The results of nearly 700 responses to the second community survey of the Edmonds Housing Commission have been released. In this survey, community members were asked to share their thoughts on six areas related to housing and 16 policy ideas. For more information click here. 

Friday, September 11, 2020 ~ Flags are at half-staff for national Patriot Day, the annual memorial to the victims of the 2001 tragedy.