 Monday's City Council meeting will be bittersweet. While we'll celebrate the amazing accomplishments Deputy Mayor James Jeyaraj and Councilmembers Bob Baggett and Robyn Mulenga have made in service to the City of Auburn, it will also be the last council meeting with us all together before the next council begins in January.
So let's celebrate!
Deputy Mayor James Jeyaraj
 James Jeyaraj joined the city council on Jan. 1, 2020.
James has been active in the Auburn community as a member of the City of Auburn Parks and Recreation Board, as a volunteer at various community events and as a political activist.
James and his wife, Deborah, chose to live in Auburn after moving from Spokane because they believe it is an amazing city with so much economic opportunity for our residents and businesses. James enjoys spending time with friends and traveling, when time permits.
Councilmember Bob Baggett
 Robert (Bob) Baggett joined the city council on Jan. 1, 2016.
Bob served as Deputy Mayor in 2018. Bob has represented our city on several regional boards and committees including Board Member of the King County Emergency Management Advisory Committee; Member of the Tacoma-Pierce County Board of Health; Board Member of the Pierce County Cities and Towns Association, and for many matters at the local, county, state, and federal levels.
Bob currently serves as Vice-President on the Board of Directors of an Auburn homeowner's association (HOA), and has held the position of President of two other HOAs for more than 20-years. He also serves as a Board Member of the Auburn Noon Lions, as well as a Zone Leader, and is a past Board Member of the YMCA.
Bob and his wife Pattee have been active citizens of Auburn for more than 25-years, and they are the proud parents of four grown children, nine grandchildren, and two very spunky great-grandsons named Grayson and Brandon.
Councilmember Robyn Mulenga
 Robyn Mulenga joined the city council on Jan. 1, 2020.
Robyn enjoys serving the community and served as a School Board Director for the Auburn School District for four years prior to being elected as a City Councilmember.
She has lived in Auburn for over 16 years. She attended Pacific Lutheran University and works as a program analyst for the federal government. Her oldest son recently graduated from Stanford, and her youngest son just began attending Stanford this fall (he also served for several years on the Auburn Jr. City Council).
I hope you can join us virtually or in person Monday to say farewell to these amazing councilmembers!
📅 Monday, Dec. 18
🕐 6 - 6:30 p.m.
📍 Auburn City Hall Council Chambers, 25 W. Main Street
(From left) Councilmember-elects Hanan Amer and Tracy Taylor, Councilmember Cheryl Rakes, Mayor Nancy Backus and Councilmember-elect Clinton Taylor
Saturday was a very full day for our newly elected councilmembers Cheryl Rakes, Tracy Taylor, Hanan Amer, Clinton Taylor, and me. We traveled to Olympia early in the morning for an Association of Washington Cities (AWC) Elected Officials Essentials workshop. It was over six hours of information and interactive learning. The role of an elected official is not easy, and there’s much to learn to be effective. AWC hosts this workshop every other year to help those just coming into office, or for those who have been serving and just want a refresher, to help them get ready for the first day of their new terms in office. I’m excited to begin work with our newest councilmembers, and hope that you will engage with them whenever you get the chance!
On Tuesday night, Councilmember Mulenga was recognized for her service on the Valley Regional Fire Authority Board of Governance by Chief Brad Thompson.
 The end of the year is right around the corner, which means the last remaining annual holidays aren't far behind.
To celebrate as a city and come together under one roof, members of our community, City of Auburn employees, and their families, gathered at Junior Achievement of Washington (with Santa, of course!) to celebrate with cookies, crafts, hot cocoa and holiday cheer.
 In my family, we celebrate Christmas, but I know how varied and diverse Auburn is! Which is why I want to wish everyone in Auburn a happy Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Winter Solstice and more.
The theme of Thursday's holiday bash was flannel and sparkle, with a few ugly Christmas sweaters mixed in just for the fun of it!
I'm so thankful for the residents of Auburn who entrust us every day to take care of the City, and I'm thankful for all of our amazing staff and city council who make this City run. I am proud to call Auburn HOME!
Happy holidays, and thank you for being a part of Auburn.
 The votes are in, we're checking them twice, we're going to find out whose house is precise!
Voting on the best Gingerbread structure began on Friday, Dec. 1 and anyone and everyone in the Auburn community had a chance to voice their opinion until voting closed this afternoon. A winner well be announced on Monday.
 I wish we could have treats and cookies and cakes on display 24/7 year-round at City Hall, because the smells on the second floor have been amazing.
POLAR PASS 4v4 Soccer Tournament
Youth Tournament – Saturday, Dec. 16 | 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Adult Tournament – Thursday, Dec. 21 | 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Don’t miss this fantastic opportunity to combine your love for soccer with the enchantment of winter at The Polar Pass Cup 4v4 Soccer Tournament! This event promises to be a day filled with competition, camaraderie, and holiday cheer. Gather your team, get creative with your festive attire, and join us for a fun-filled day of soccer. We can’t wait to see you on the pitch! This event is open to everyone, just check the rules & waiver links online.
📅 Saturday, Dec. 16 and Thursday, Dec. 21
🕐 Various times
📍 Game Farm Park, 3000 R Street SE
🎟️ Register online
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The Journey's Annual Christmas Concert with special guests "Breath of Aire"
Come celebrate a traditional Christmas and the sounds of the season with music featuring Bronn Journey and his harp. Bronn brings a folksy style with spontaneity to an instrument commonly thought of as classical. Along with Bronn will be a small ensemble featuring strings, flutes, clarinet piano and percussion. Special guests will be the choir “Breath of Aire.” The concert of inspired music and lighthearted humor will be enjoyed by all ages. You will be pleased that you attended this yearly event, humming the sounds of Christmas, as you head on for home.
📅 Saturday, Dec. 23
🕐 2 p.m.
📍 Auburn Performing Arts Center, 720 4th Street
🎟️ Buy tickets online
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Festival of Trees 2023 - “Stay Golden”
The Festival of Trees is a community-based holiday exhibit at the White River Valley Museum. Each year the Museum selects a new community partner and theme. Partners decorate trees provided by the Museum that creatively incorporate the theme. Past partners have included local artists. ethnic heritage groups, and the King County Library System. This year we are turning to the business community to bring this awesome holiday tradition back to the Auburn community.
📅 Nov. 15 - Dec. 30
🕐 Museum hours (Wednesday - Sunday, noon - 4 p.m.)
📍 White River Valley Museum, 918 H Street SE
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 Thank you Lisa Sturgis and the rest of Junior Achievement Washington for allowing us to host our annual holiday party Thursday at your facility! Your venue is amazing and I know everyone had a wonderful time. Big thank you to Longhorn Barbecue for catering the delicious food!
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