Congresswoman Suzan DelBene met with Mountlake Terrace civic and community leaders Friday to learn more about the Main Street Project and Town Center planning, and how the city is investing in economic development and housing diversity in advance of light rail service commencing next year.
The Congresswoman and city leaders share a vision for the potential of Mountlake Terrace, building on current investments to close funding gaps. She recognizes the city’s “incredible transformation,” she said.
“Thank you to the Mayor and City for such a warm welcome. It was great to see federal investments working and where we can partner to serve our community,” said Congresswoman Suzan DelBene. “I look forward to representing Mountlake Terrace as part of Washington’s First Congressional District for years to come.”
DelBene’s tour started at the Mountlake Terrace Transit Center, where light rail infrastructure is coming to life along I-5. City staff shared with her the progress on Main Street Revitalization and its connections for mass transit.
“We are honored to have the Congresswoman and her staff here today,” Mayor Kyoko Matsumoto Wright said. “Mountlake Terrace is growing and changing, and we’re planning thoughtfully while implementing key, long-term construction projects. Building our future requires strong collaboration with our local community, regional and state leaders, and of course, our federal congressional delegation.”
Our city and state and federal partners have allocated roughly $52 million into Town Center, a collaborative and ongoing effort that encompasses Main Street and the Transit Connection Corridor Project.
Main Street Revitalization consists of three key phases, with the reconstruction of 236th Street SW completed in 2021. This year, the city is working on design and permits to bring similar upgrades to the central stretch of 56th Avenue W. The third phase will create a retail-oriented, pedestrian-friendly corridor along 57th Avenue W.
From Main Street, the federal delegation headed to Ballinger Park, where the city has invested millions in habitat restoration and waterfront recreation, with the next big project starting on Hall Creek later this year.
The Congresswoman and her team also saw the newly redeveloped Mountlake Terrace Civic Campus and met with Police Chief Pete Caw to discuss criminal justice initiatives.