Mayor Karen Howe gives State of the City Address on April 8
On April 8, Sammamish Mayor Karen Howe outlined current conditions and future goals in the City’s first State of the City Address since the COVID-19 pandemic.
In her speech, Howe described the City’s Comprehensive Plan (CP). The CP is the council’s 20-year approach to meeting City goals. The goals include bettering transportation and fostering diversity, among others.
“The Comprehensive Plan lays out ten vision strategies, all of which were developed with the community during workshops, events, and other engagement efforts where the community shared with staff their vision and priorities for the future,” Howe said.
Howe highlighted the City’s work around transportation. Over the past year, the council developed the Transportation Master Plan (TMP). The TMP’s goal is to reduce carbon emissions. Future steps to achieve this goal include increasing Bus Line 269 stops and developing a Bike and Pedestrian Mobility Plan.
Howe also addressed steps the council has taken to celebrate diversity. She covered the adoption of the Racial Equity Commitment and Vision Statement and the hosting of several cultural events.
Howe expressed that the City values equity and inclusion and will continue to do so. She credits diversity as one of Sammamish’s greatest strengths and underscored the council’s continuous support for vulnerable populations in the city.
“We also continue to fund key services for the most vulnerable in Sammamish because we know these neighbors live in our community, and we see them,” Howe said.
Aside from reviewing the CP, Howe also discussed the Climate Action Plan (CAP) and the development of the Sammamish Town Center.
On the CAP, the City aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Plans include changing city-owned vehicles to more environmentally friendly options and encouraging homeowners to go electric.
“The city is a partner in Energy Smart Eastside to help homeowners convert to heat pumps and solar to reduce residential greenhouse gas emissions, which accounts for 88% of our overall emissions. We need residents to be a partner to achieve our goals in reducing [greenhouse gases],” Howe said.
The City adopted the vision for the Town Center in 2008 and updated it in 2020. Howe explained that this development will support the City’s environmental goals, safeguard wildlife, and improve accessibility.
“We are updating the Town Center Plan to address current conditions and realities to achieve this vision. Town Center provides an opportunity to achieve our shared goal that everyone has a place to live in Sammamish as we invest in our community through new employment opportunities and diversify our tax base,” said Howe.
Finally, Howe addressed the City’s financials and the reasons behind the utility tax passed last month.
“The task force and our community repeatedly identified how much they value city services. Whether it’s parks to public works to code enforcement, residents of Sammamish appreciate the work done each and every day on the behalf of the community,” Howe said.
Howe acknowledged the difficulties with conflicting views when discussing revenues. To ensure all voices are heard, Howe urged the community to come together to work with council members to contribute to the future of Sammamish.
“This council reads every email, listens to all of your public comment, and we do listen, and your contributions do have an impact. You should know that you are being heard, even though maybe we didn’t vote the way that you would have preferred: we did hear you, and your voice is important,” Howe said.
