You can view Mayor Mike's May 21st Town Hall here.

Friday, May 22, 2020 - Sunday, May 24, 2020 ~ Flags are at Half-Staff in memory of victims of the Coronavirus.

Monday, May 25, 2020 ~ Flags are at Half-Staff in Recognition of Memorial Day. This federal holiday is in remembrance of the people who died while serving in the country's armed forces.

After initial success last year, “I Am Edmonds” available again

(Edmonds, WA) - The Edmonds Diversity Commission seeks to counter social distancing by reopening the “I am Edmonds. This is my Story” project, with the aim of encouraging meaningful community connections during these challenging times. With the Diversity Film Series cut short, the 4^th of July Parade and many community events canceled, reopening the Diversity Commission’s Facebook page “I am Edmonds” will provide a virtual platform for community members to express themselves creatively and come together in hope. read more

Friday, May 15, 2020 ~ Flags are at Half-Staff in honor of Police Officers Memorial Day. Presidential Proclamation

Position will develop program to effectively connect local residents to services

(Edmonds, WA) - After an extensive hiring process and regional search, the City of Edmonds is pleased to announce the hiring of Mindy Woods as the City’s first Human Services Program Manager. This new half-time position was the result of a proposal by City Councilmembers last year which led to its inclusion in the 2020 budget to support Edmonds residents in need and get them connected to public and private services.

Mindy is no stranger to Edmonds. A local resident, she currently serves on the City’s Diversity Commission and, in some ways, has functioned as a volunteer, go-to connector for many groups and organizations. In addition, Mindy serves on numerous human services-related boards and volunteer organizations locally, regionally and even nationally. She is very well connected in the greater Edmonds community, all of which made her a natural choice for this position. read more

Low-noise, wayside track horns will lose power during project work

(Edmonds, WA) - The City of Edmonds Dayton Street Pump Station project enters a new phase Tuesday, May 12 – Thursday, May 21 when crews will install a new storm line across Dayton Avenue at Railroad Avenue.

The work requires crews to cut into an old abandoned waterline that holds the power to the new low-noise, wayside track horns that signal freight and passenger trains as they cross Dayton Street and Main Street.

Contractors estimate they can complete the work in 10 days, and then will reconnect the wayside horns.

During the construction period, in accordance with federal safety guidelines, all trains will sound their train horns day and night as they approach and leave these intersections. The City is working with the contractor to see if they can reconnect the wayside horns at night. Residents should consider keeping their windows closed at night to muffle the noise. press release

Most areas reopen with changes, other facilities remain closed
 
(Edmonds, WA) – In alignment with Governor Jay Inslee’s “Stay Home - Stay Healthy” order and phased reopening, on May 5 the City of Edmonds will reopen park facilities that have been closed recently. These include the Fishing Pier, Marina Beach Park and parking lot, and the Brackett’s Landing North parking lot. Due to COVID-19, however, social distancing and safety guidelines will still need to be observed by parks visitors.

“I am happy to share that we got the go-ahead to open some of our most popular open spaces in Edmonds,” said Mayor Mike Nelson. “They will look a bit different. These are the steps we need to take for the health and safety of our residents and visitors, and to improve access for those who have difficulty walking.” read more

With construction limited or slowed due to COVID-19, the City is hard at work to help builders know which projects in Edmonds can move forward and to plan for the extra time needed to complete projects. Find out more here.

Mayor Urges Elected Officials to Follow Governor’s Orders

(Edmonds, WA) –Like many of you, I was disappointed following the April 21^st Governor’s Economic Recovery presentation because he did not say what we all really were hoping to hear: “The virus is dead. Washingtonians, go back to work and live your lives!” But, of course, he could not say that. read more

Committee to focus on clean air, clean water, clean land

(Edmonds, WA) - Mayor Mike Nelson announced the formation of the Mayor’s Conservation Advisory Committee today to help fulfill his commitment to preserving our environment and enhancing the quality of life in Edmonds. read more

Your creative energy and toilet paper tubes could earn you a Revelations Yogurt gift card

The Edmonds Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department announces an Earth Day contest and asks that you bring your creative energy to re-use your toilet paper tubes. Perhaps you will create an animal or a bracelet? A favorite character or even something you find in nature. Will your creation have movable parts? Share your creativity with Edmonds by entering your work of art into the contest.

Media Release | Sample Artwork

Same name – new, smaller, safer design

(Edmonds, WA) - The Edmonds Historical Museum and the City of Edmonds are pleased to announce the annual Garden Market will open on May 9, 2020. It won’t look the same. Due to the COVID-19 public health emergency, the Market will adhere to the health/safety requirements of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Snohomish County Health District, and the City of Edmonds. read more

Click Here to see more info on the City of Edmonds COVID Financial Plan

Pilot Project Starts Friday, April 17^th, Noon
 
(Edmonds, WA) - Edmonds Mayor Mike Nelson, with support of Acting Edmonds Police Chief Jim Lawless, announced the limited closure of Sunset Avenue North to through traffic and parking as of Friday, April 17, 2020 at Noon. Sunset Avenue will be closed from Edmonds Street to Caspers Street. Local traffic – motorists bound for residences along this stretch of Sunset – is permitted. 

“Due to increased crowds, people have been walking in the street to maintain six feet social distance, while drivers are passing through on this already narrow road. With the nicer weather, increased numbers of vehicles and pedestrians were leading to a situation where it seemed like just a matter of time before someone got hurt,” said Edmonds Mayor Mike Nelson. 

We expect to see even bigger crowds on the walkway as the weather turns nice. 

This limited closure goes into effect Friday at Noon and is considered a pilot project. It may be altered based on what happens in the coming weeks.

Press Release

City Council Must Still Confirm

(Edmonds, WA) – Edmonds Mayor Mike Nelson announced today that Acting Edmonds Police Chief Jim Lawless will be the City’s next permanent Police Chief, pending City Council confirmation.

“One measure of a person’s worth is how they perform during a crisis,” Edmonds Mayor Mike Nelson said. “This has been a crisis like no other. Acting Chief Lawless has been a steady, firm hand during a time of uncertainty. I can’t imagine a person better suited for this job than Jim.” read more

Keep this Edmonds tradition alive and adopt one of 141 flower baskets or one of 68 corner parks.

(Edmonds, WA) - The City of Edmonds’ popular Adopt-A-Flower Basket or Corner Park program of 2020 is officially underway and filling up quickly! Your donation helps to support the City’s annual Flower Program which enhances the beauty of Edmonds. read more | Edmonds Flower Program

Three Local Non-Profits to Receive Funds
 
(Edmonds, WA) Recognizing the enormous impact COVID-19 has had on local businesses, our senior population and our most vulnerable residents, Edmonds Mayor Mike Nelson announced the creation of a Community and Economic Relief Fund from which the City of Edmonds will make available $200,000 to nonprofit community organizations. read more

Grants Awarded for Arts, Culture or Other Events

(Edmonds, WA) Looking ahead to 2021, the City of Edmonds has opened up its annual application period for Tourism Promotion Grants for events, programs and activities scheduled for next year. The grants are funded by the City’s lodging tax revenue, based on the recommendations of the Edmonds Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC). These recommendations, reviewed and approved by City Council in the annual City of Edmonds budget, include awarding grants to organizations that produce and promote arts, culture or other events or programs that bring visitors to Edmonds. Applications for 2021 are now available and will be accepted until 4:30 pm, May 29, 2020. read more

On March 24, 2020, the Governor issued Proclamation 20-28 (Open Public Meetings Act and Public Records Act) to, among other things, temporarily prohibit in-person public attendance at meetings subject to the OPMA. To ensure that the public has the necessary means to continue their critical oversight role of Edmonds City Council meetings, the City will continue to live-stream its Council meetings on its website and Government Access Channels 21 (Comcast) and 39 (Frontier). In addition, the City is temporarily providing for call-in capability for the public to listen by phone. The dial-in number is (712) 775-7270. Enter Access Code 583224 to be connected. Furthermore, an additional email address has been created for the public to submit audience comments to the City Council: publiccomment@edmondswa.gov. These additional measures will be in place during the period in which in-person attendance is not allowed under the Governor’s order.

Business Violations of the Stay-at-Home Order can be reported here: https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/09349a1c56844b539fea1c2cabd16d56

More info at: https://coronavirus.wa.gov/spread-facts

To report an individual(s) violation call 425-407-3999

(Edmonds, WA) – The City of Edmonds, partnering with local business leaders and business organizations, is proud to announce a new, easier way to keep Edmonds residents informed and businesses in business. Today, the City unveiled a new site, LoveEdmonds to connect home-bound residents to business and services that are providing take-out, delivery, online shopping, gift cards and/or “shop-forward” options. read more

EDMONDS HIRES NEW PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER

(Edmonds, WA) - The City of Edmonds is pleased to announce the hiring of a new half-time Public Information Officer/Communications Strategist. Jamie Holter started Tuesday, March 17, 2020.

Jamie has worked in state and county communications for more than 15 years and is thrilled to bring her wealth of experience to our City. read more

Meeting Set for 3 p.m. Friday, March 27, 2020

(Edmonds, WA) – Edmonds Mayor Mike Nelson has called a special Edmonds City Council meeting for 3 p.m. on Friday, March 27, 2020. He will ask Council to consider two actions. One will be to revise the amendments to Edmonds City Code (ECC) Chapter 6.60 (“Disaster Preparation, Emergency Coordination, and Civil Emergencies”) approved by City Council in Special Session last Sunday, March 22, 2020. Related to that Chapter, the Mayor will specifically ask for Council support for an amendment to Section 6.60.090 (which lays out items that could potentially be invoked by order of a mayor in case of emergency) by removing Subsection G related to carrying or possessing firearms with intent to do bodily harm. 

He will also ask Council to temporarily lift the plastic bag ban at ECC Chapter 6.80 to allow grocery stores to use plastic bags for the safer handling and take-out of merchandise. 

This meeting will be conducted virtually and live­-streamed on the city’s website and on TV21. Council Chambers will not be open, in compliance with Governor Inslee’s temporary, partial suspension of the Open Public Meetings Act to prevent the gathering of people in a single location.

Members of the public are welcome to comment via email at council@edmondswa.gov | Press Release

(Edmonds, WA) - In continued observance of City Council’s earlier decision, and in compliance with the Mayor’s Stay at Home order, tonight’s Edmonds City Council meeting will be conducted virtually and streamed live on the City’s website. Council Chambers will be open to the public, as is required by law. We ask that visitors sit at least six feet apart. Neither the Mayor nor Councilmembers will be in Chambers. 

Public comment for the meeting may be sent to City Council via email at council@edmondswa.gov. read more

Press Conference at 2:30pm in Plaza in Front of Public Safety
Complex, 250 5^th Avenue North, Edmonds 

(Edmonds, WA) - Mayor Mike Nelson, joined by Interim Police Chief Jim Lawless, will hold a press conference at 2:30pm today regarding his Order, issued yesterday, on COVID-19-related precautions and stay-at-home order now in effect. The press conference will be held outside in the plaza in front of the Edmonds Public Safety Complex.

Members of the press are encouraged to attend instead of making direct contact to the Mayor’s Office today. After remarks by both Mayor Nelson and Interim Chief Lawless, questions from the press will be entertained. 

For continuing information about the status of local COVID-19-related developments, you may visit the City’s website at: http://www.edmondswa.gov/coronavirus.html

Edmonds Mayor Mike Nelson outlines latest covid-19 RESPONSE plans

Measures and Proposals to Support People and Business

(Edmonds, WA) - Mayor Mike Nelson today shared updated information about how the City of Edmonds will function during these unpredictable times. “We are looking at conventional and unconventional ways to support our residents and our businesses,” said Mayor Nelson. “With the support of our City staff and our City Council, I am eager to move forward with some tangible, immediate solutions.” read more

Measures and Proposals to Help Local Business and Reduce the Spread of COVID-19

Mayor Mike Nelson today issued a series of decisions to support local residents and business owners, a tough decision regarding local parks, and a reminder to use 911 for life-safety emergencies only. “We are doing our very best to manage our community’s needs for support and safety during these fast-changing times,” said Mayor Nelson. Press Release

Edmonds,WA – Mayor Mike Nelson announced more closures of City facilities in response to rising cases of COVID-19 in our community and to help slow the spread of the virus.

Starting Tuesday, March 17^th, and until further notice, all facilities at City Hall and Public Works will be closed to walk-in customers. The Development Services Department will provide permit assistance by appointment only. Staff in all departments will continue to support residents via email and telephone for all other services.

The Frances Anderson Center, Meadowdale Clubhouse, and Edmonds Plaza Room will remain closed. All classes and rentals are now canceled through April 27^th.

All City-sponsored, non-essential, meetings or gatherings will remain canceled until further notice.

The Edmonds Municipal Court will remain open but will announce changes in their services shortly.

“I understand these closures may be an inconvenience, but we must prioritize the public’s safety during these exceptional times,” commented Mayor Nelson.

Members of the public will continue to be able to attend City Council meetings in Council Chambers to offer comment and/or listen to the proceedings.

Press Release

(Edmonds, WA) – Following a press conference today with Snohomish County and Snohomish Health District officials, Edmonds Mayor Mike Nelson has signed a proclamation declaring a state of emergency in the City of Edmonds in response to increasing impacts of the COVID-19 (coronavirus) outbreak in Snohomish and King Counties. The emergency declaration will allow for suspension of normal procedures related to procurement and work assignments, may facilitate potential receipt of state or federal funds, and will allow the city maximum flexibility to respond to this developing situation. Press Release | Proclamation

Housing Survey Results Arrive

 

 

       For more detailed survey information, see the City’s website at:

       https://www.citizenshousingcommission.org/.

 

Information came from 907 respondents (equal to a little over 2% of the City’s population). While such online surveys are not statistically valid, they are considered to be useful tools for getting a sense of opinions.

 

(Edmonds,WA) – “Today I am announcing the activation of the City of Edmonds COVID-19 Response Group,” said Mayor Nelson.

“This group, comprised of select city staff and a hospital representative, is tasked with preparing and responding to likely impacts to our City from the Coronavirus. This includes protecting the public and staff, ensuring critical City functions remain operational, and providing timely communications to the public.”

Since January, key emergency management staff have been monitoring the crisis and have been updating the City's emergency plans and preparations. 

In addition to the response group, our City’s website has been updated with online resources from the Snohomish Health District. These online resources are to help mitigate the spread of the illness and to support the response efforts by sharing reliable information. The online topics include guidance for persons who are high risk for serious illness, businesses and employees, child care providers, and common questions about the Coronavirus.  

The Snohomish Health District and its medical professionals are the lead government agency in our county for this outbreak. Regularly updated COVID-19 information from the Snohomish Health District can be found here: https://www.snohd.org/484/Novel-Coronavirus-2019

press release

For Immediate Release

Date: February 27, 2020
Contact: Frances Chapin | frances.chapin@edmondswa.gov | 425-771-0228

Call-to-Artists for Edmonds Civic Park Public Art

The City of Edmonds Arts Commission seeks an artist or artist-led team to design, fabricate and install artwork for the 6^th Avenue North entry plaza to the new Edmonds Civic Park. Two possible locations have been identified and the selected artist/artist team will be expected to prioritize one location for a welcoming, signature artwork. The artwork budget is $90,000 and professional artists residing in the Pacific Northwest region including WA, OR, CA or British Columbia are eligible to apply. Application deadline is March 17, 2020. An on-line application through Submittable is required: https://cityofedmondsartscommission.submittable.com/submit

Civic Park is an eight-acre park in the heart of downtown Edmonds that straddles the boundary between residences, civic amenities and the downtown commercial district. It is located within the recently designated State Certified Edmonds Creative District. The site is a former school district track and field that has been used for community recreation for over 50 years. Recently acquired by the City, an extensive public master planning process was implemented to design an aesthetic and more inclusive downtown park. The planned development of Civic Park in 2020-21 embraces this downtown park’s potential to contribute to a sense of community identity and civic pride while promoting active, healthy lifestyles, energizing the local economy, and bolstering the city’s growing reputation as a destination on Puget Sound. The artwork will serve as a welcoming feature to this primary entry point to the park.

See the website above for the call-to-artists or contact City of Edmonds Arts & Culture Manager
Frances Chapin at frances.chapin@edmondswa.gov General information on Civic Park development is available at http://www.edmondswa.gov/parks-recreation-departments/civic-center-master-plan.html. Information about Edmonds Public Art program is available at http://www.edmondswa.gov/public-art.html.

IMPORTANT UPDATE ~ DUE TO THE CORONAVIRUS OUTBREAK IN JAPAN THE 2020 STUDENT EXCHANGE HAS BEEN CANCELED.

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.  Students 14-18 years of age 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. For ten students each summer, it is the adventure of a lifetime. read more | student application (deadline Friday, March 6, 2020).

Housing Survey Ready

A housing survey has been prepared to get community input on issues that relate to topics the Edmonds Citizens’ Housing Commission may address this year.

The housing survey is online at: https://www.citizenshousingcommission.org/, with translations in three languages besides English. Everyone is welcome to take the survey. It is open until February 21.

Survey results will be shared with the Housing Commission and public. Also, community meetings and activities in the coming year will provide for more dialogue and engagement.

The Housing Commission is a 15-member body appointed in 2019 by the City Council (with one member appointed by the Mayor). The Commission’s mission, as adopted in a City Council resolution, is to:

“Develop diverse housing policy options for Council consideration designed to expand the range of housing (including rental and owned) available in Edmonds; options that are irrespective of age, gender, race, religious affiliation, physical disability or sexual orientation.”

Recommendations from the Commission are due to the City Council by the end of 2020. The recommendations are advisory. They will get additional public input and be considered by the Council in 2021.

Information on the Housing Commission’s work is online at: https://www.citizenshousingcommission.org/.

(Edmonds, WA) Open House on Housing to Be Held

A public open house to share information and get input on the work of the Edmonds Citizens’ Housing Commission will be held Wednesday, February 12, from 6:00 to 7:30 pm at the Edmonds-Woodway High School Great Hall, 7600 212th St SW.

For the February 12 open house, attendees are encouraged to use the high school’s south parking lot off 76th (across from the hospital) and enter the building from that parking lot.

The Housing Commission began monthly public meetings this fall. This is the first open house about the Commission’s work. Prior monthly meetings were video-recorded and posted online at: https://www.citizenshousingcommission.org/. The meetings are held on the second Thursday of each month, starting at 6:30 pm in the Brackett Room, third floor of City Hall. The public is welcome to attend the meetings in person or view them online.

Based on an adopted City Council Resolution, the Commission’s mission is to: “Develop diverse housing policy options for Council consideration designed to expand the range of housing (including rental and owned) available in Edmonds; options that are irrespective of age, gender, race, religious affiliation, physical disability or sexual orientation.” The recommendations are due to the Council at the end of 2020.

Then in 2021, the City Council will further consider the Commission’s recommendations. This will include public input and, if appropriate, additional analysis by the Planning Board and others.

Mayor Mike Nelson said, “Our Citizens’ Housing Commission members have a lot of different experiences and ideas and they want the whole community to share their ideas too.”

The Commission has fifteen members and eight alternates, all residents of Edmonds. It was created in 2019 from a citywide application process that resulted in each City Council member appointing two Commissioners and one alternate and the former Mayor appointing one Commissioner and one alternate. None of the appointees were members of any other City board or commission.

The Housing Commission’s early meetings focused on enabling the new members to gain a common understanding of housing issues in Edmonds, as well as city processes and legal framework. Additional public events will be held during the coming months.More information about the Commission is on the city website: https://www.citizenshousingcommission.org.  

(Edmonds, WA) Mayor Mike Nelson has announced the launch of a recruitment process to fill the position of Chief of Police for the City of Edmonds. Mayor Nelson intends to engage the services and expertise of a reputable recruitment firm to lead the search process. Mayor Nelson stated, “We will have an inclusive and transparent search process that considers the very best internal and external candidates. We intend to have participation from a wide variety of community stakeholders, including police employees and members of the public.” read more

Due to weather and road conditions all City of Edmonds buildings closed at 3 pm on Wednesday, January 15th. Weather permitting, we will reopen on Thursday, January 16th. City road crews are out sanding and deicing roads. Please travel safely!

 

JANUARY 14, 2020 ~ tonight's meeting of the Edmonds City Council has been canceled due to projected snowfall. The meeting has tentatively been rescheduled to next Thursday, January 23rd. Please watch for further updates.

Debora Munguia Will Serve Edmonds in Olympia

(Edmonds, WA) - After several years of outstanding service by Olympia lobbyist Jennifer Ziegler, who is cutting back her workload in 2020, Mayor Earling has engaged the services of Olympia-based Debora Munguia to provide government relations and lobbyist services in 2020. read more

Edmonds Marsh Daylighting Project Awarded $450,000 for Design Work

(Edmonds, WA) – The City of Edmonds is excited to have received a notice of an award of $450,000 in grant funding from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation’s (NFWF) National Coastal Resiliency Fund to further design of the Edmonds Marsh Daylighting Project, which seeks to reestablish the hydraulic connection between the Edmonds Marsh and Puget Sound and restore significant fish and wildlife habitat that has been lost over time. read more 

The Edmonds Citizens’ Tree Board has several member positions plus an alternate member position that may be available in January 2020. The City is seeking applications for these positions.

The Citizens’ Tree Board actively encourages the planting, protecting, and maintaining of trees for long-term community benefit. Tree Board meetings are held the first Thursday of each month, starting at 6 p.m. in the City Council Chambers, Public Safety Complex, 250 5th Ave. N, Edmonds. Members may assist with special events, such as tree planting for Arbor Day.

More information about the Tree Board is on the Tree Board website
Board members must live within the Edmonds city limits. Interests or backgrounds in urban forestry, horticulture, and habitat enviroscaping are encouraged but not required

Each councilmember appoints one Tree Board member to a term that matches the term of the appointing councilmember. The alternate member is appointed by the council president to a one-year term. All appointments must be confirmed by a majority of the full city council.

The application form is available as follows:

Online at:          www.edmondswa.gov Go to Boards and Commissions under the government tab and click on current openings

Other:  

E-mail:          jana.spellman@edmondswa.gov to have an application e-mailed to you.

At City Hall:   First and Second Floor Reception desks 121 5^th Ave N Edmonds, WA.

Call:              425.771.0220 to have application mailed to you.

Applications must be submitted to the City by 4:30 p.m. on Monday, December 9, 2019.



See application form for submission information.

Passage of I-976 May Mean up to $700,000 Hit to Transportation Budget

(Edmonds, WA) - A STATEMENT BY MAYOR EARLING:

After clear passage by Washington voters of Initiative 976, aimed at rolling back automobile license tab fees to just $30, the impacts to Edmonds, the Puget Sound Region, and the State are just starting to be estimated. One thing is certain: cutbacks across the board and around the state may need to become a reality. read more

City and Ed! announce third annual amateur caroling contest in downtown Edmonds. For more information click here.

Reminder: New food service ordinances take effect January 1, 2020. Ordinance #4145 adopts a city-wide ban on use of noncompostable single use plastic utensils by food service businesses. Ordinance #4139 adopts a ban on the use of non-compostable food service containers by food service businesses wtihin the City of Edmonds. For more information, click here.

APPLICATION DEADLINE CORRECTION ~ deadline date for applications is Friday, January 24, 2020

Chaperones to lead a group of 10 local students ages 14-18 on this two week exchange

(Edmonds – WA) Every summer students from the Edmonds area visit our Sister City of Hekinan, Japan for a two week stay. Edmonds Sister City Commission is accepting applications for educators interested in co-leading this trip during the last two weeks of July 2020. Chaperones stay with a host family in Hekinan and travel costs are paid by the Commission. This program has organized exchanges between the two Sister Cities for over 500 middle and high school aged students. Press Release | Application