At a meeting held on Saturday, March 7, the City Council shared ideas on what they would like Mountlake Terrace to be 30 to 50 years from now, and steps to take in the next few years to build the path to get to that future.
Similar to the priorities that residents have identified in biannual surveys, Councilmembers identified a future where Mountlake Terrace continues to be known for its quality parks and safe, connected neighborhoods. Mountlake Terrace will also have a vibrant town center with jobs and services, residents are involved throughout the community, and adequate funding is in place for the maintenance of roads, facilities and other infrastructure.
Following the discussion of the future Mountlake Terrace, the City Council reviewed information on the near-term, including department work plans over the next few years, and necessary (but unfunded) improvements and repairs to city facilities and streets.
The Council also reviewed highlights from the 2019 community satisfaction survey, including a look at how the community’s priorities have changed little from the first survey in 2007. The survey noted that 87 percent of residents who responded rated Mountlake Terrace as an “excellent” or “good” place to live, while 81 percent rated their neighborhood in the same way. The community identified parks, safety and economic development as key facets to work towards in the near term.
A City Council Subcommittee, consisting of Mayor Pro Tem McCardle and Councilmembers Sonmore and Wahl, have been working on updating the Council’s Strategic Plan, and will continue this work to include priority items from the survey and Council discussion. That work will come back for full City Council review in the coming months.
The meeting concluded with Councilmembers sharing their top priorities. Some of the common themes included funding for critical infrastructure and facilities, parks, partnerships to address housing and social issues, providing city services, economic development and vitality, and diversity, equity and inclusion.
For more information about City Council meetings and agendas, visit www.cityofmlt.com/469 or call City Clerk Virginia Olsen at (425) 744-6206.
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