Development News for Bothell, Washington

Council Considers Representation in Employer Roundtables and Inter-City Meetings

The city manager provided an update on various items, including participation in a convening on enrollment and birth rate correlations, and presented two opportunities for council representation: an employer roundtable on June 16th and a potential joint meeting with the city of Mill Creek. The council discussed potential representation for these events, with several members expressing interest in the Mill Creek meeting. The manager also mentioned the upcoming Association of Washington Cities (AWC) conference and its annual meeting, noting that no council members are currently available to attend the main conference, but online attendance for the annual meeting is possible. Council members Angulari, Miles, and Dodd expressed interest in attending the Mill Creek meeting. The city manager's office will coordinate scheduling for those interested in the Mill Creek meeting.

City Council Approves Purchase of Downtown Parcel for Redevelopment

The city council is considering the purchase of a second downtown parcel, identified as King County parcel number 08260596, from TRF Equities Both LLC for $1.6 million. This acquisition, combined with two adjacent city-owned parcels (Triangle Junction and another property), will create a consolidated lot of nearly 1.4 acres suitable for redevelopment. A Phase 2 environmental site assessment indicated no significant environmental cleanup is needed on the property itself, although groundwater at the western edge exceeded cleanup levels for dry cleaning solvent, likely related to an adjacent site. The city plans to use its general fund balance for the purchase and will later seek authorization to issue taxable bonds for reimbursement. The goal is to redevelop the combined parcels within two to four years, with an estimated combined value of over $9 million.

Community Members Share Perspectives on Pride Month, Services, and Job Training

During the public comment period, community members spoke on various issues. A volunteer with Pride Across the Bridge expressed gratitude for the Pride Month proclamation and requested more visibility opportunities for the queer community outside of June, highlighting the need for improved public transportation and safe spaces. Amy Baker from Kindering Both discussed the organization's services, including child care consultation and support for families experiencing homelessness, noting that 96% of children served by their consultation program avoided expulsion. Erikica Hort and Juan Arie from Americans for Equality presented their nonprofit's work in bridging career gaps through free technical and non-technical skills training, resume writing, and internship programs, seeking city partnership. John Combmes thanked the council for recognizing Pride Month, emphasizing its importance for community well-being and inclusion. Melvin Prello and John Vaninkort, also from Americans for Equality, shared personal success stories of how the program helped them find employment and advance their careers. Arlina Yazy, a new resident, commended the city's values and welcoming atmosphere.

City Council to Consider Annexation into Shoreline Regional Fire Authority

The city council is considering a resolution to direct the city manager to prepare a resolution seeking annexation into the Shoreline Regional Fire Authority (RFA). This follows discussions and a joint meeting regarding the potential consolidation of services. The RFA board has indicated a willingness to accept the city's annexation, with a proposed governance model that includes three representatives from the city, three from the former Shoreline Fire Department boundary, and three from the former Northshore Fire Department boundary, totaling a nine-member board. The process includes community engagement, a public hearing in July, and a potential ballot measure in November. Key financial considerations include the transfer of property tax collection and the city's ownership of newly built fire stations, which would be subleased to the RFA. The city manager's office will prepare the resolution for council consideration next week.