 Starting May 12, we’ll kick off the Downtown Infrastructure Improvements Project with underground utility work at B Street Plaza and the demolition of the building at 125 E Main Street (which some of you may remember as the old Hills of Comics).
Then, beginning June 2, a full closure of East Main Street (between Auburn Avenue and B Street NE) and Auburn Avenue (between East Main and 1st NE) will go into effect through the end of August. But don’t worry -- access to downtown businesses and residences will stay open throughout the work, and I want to encourage all of you to continue to support our downtown businesses! The improvement work we're doing is important, and each and every one of our downtown shops could use some love during this construction period.
 This project will bring exciting updates: new water, sewer, and storm utilities, improved roadways and sidewalks, beautiful new street lighting, and better accessibility for everyone visiting downtown. It’s all part of laying the groundwork for even bigger things to come -- like the future performing arts theater you may have read about in our Winter 2025 issue of Auburn Magazine!
We know construction can be an inconvenience, and we’re committed to minimizing impacts as much as possible. Work will happen during the day (7 a.m. to 7 p.m.), and no night work is expected.
Want more info, maps, and updates? Head to our City website.
 May is #AANHPI Heritage Month! Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders have been creating American history since before the Constitution was penned. On Monday, Mayor Backus presented a proclamation of celebration to Ofa Helotu Langi and his amazing family.
Thank you, Ofa, and all Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders who call Auburn home -- our city is better because you're in it!
 While our Food Truck Tuesday continues to be a hit for downtown eaters, our Eat Local Auburn initiative is growing! We've got five local and area restaurants signed up, offering everything from a flat percentage off a meal, to a grab-and-go lunch special that's sure to hit the spot.
You can check out the full list of eateries on our Economic Development team's new website and button below.
 Keep the page bookmarked and plan ahead! You could get 5% off the menu at Happy Crab on a Monday, a $20 lunch special at J&J Islander Spot on a Tuesday, or a $13.99 lunch box at Chaska any day of the week! There's so much more to explore in Auburn when you #EatLocal.
I'll see ya for lunch!
 In Auburn, we love our police officers, which is why I was proud on Monday to proclaim next week, May 11-17, as National Police Week in the City of Auburn, commemorating law enforcement officers past, present and future for their faithful devotion to their responsibilities.
 Thursday, May 15 is also National Peace Officers Memorial Day, a day to honor all law enforcement personnel, who through their courageous deeds, have made the ultimate sacrifice.
 The City of Auburn includes a thriving community of older Americans who deserve recognition for their contributions and sacrifices to ensure a better life for future generations.
The City of Auburn is stronger when people of all ages work together, and nowhere is that more true than at our Senior Activity Center! So many great opportunities for folks to get involved, either as a patron or a volunteer.
Since 2006, when it was first recognized by Congress, Jewish American Heritage Month has been celebrated each year to honor the enduring legacy and profound impacts of Jewish Americans in our society.
Since our nation's birth, Jewish Americans have been an essential part of the American story, contributing greatly to the religious, cultural, political, economic and intellectual advancement of all people, even while in the face of discrimination and adversity.
The City of Auburn recognizes that American Jews have worked tirelessly to strengthen the promise of religious freedom and civil rights in the United States.
This month, we honor Jewish Americans -- past and present -- who have woven their experience and accomplishments into the fabric of our national identity.
 You may not have realized it, but this past week was Public Service Recognition Week and here in Auburn, we celebrated the best way we know how: with Hawaiian shirts, big smiles, and of course, plenty of ice cream!
Public service isn’t always glamorous. It’s long days, tough challenges, and a whole lot of behind-the-scenes work that doesn’t always get noticed. But every day, our city employees show up with heart, professionalism, and a real passion for making Auburn the best it can be -- whether it’s keeping our streets safe, our parks beautiful, our water clean, or our neighborhoods thriving.
 This week gave us the chance to pause and say a much-needed thank you -- to all of the incredible people who make our city run. From City Hall to Public Works crews to Parks staff and everyone in between, our employees are the heartbeat of Auburn, and their work touches every corner of our community.
 So, if you happened to see a few more Hawaiian shirts around town this week or spotted a group happily enjoying ice cream downtown -- that was just a small taste of the gratitude we feel for the folks who serve this city so faithfully.
To our employees: thank you for your dedication, your heart, and your unwavering commitment. And to our Auburn community: thank you for your continued support -- it means the world.
Here’s to the amazing people who make Auburn thrive. Let’s keep building something great, together!
 This past week, I had the distinct honor of attending the “Black April” 50th Anniversary of the Fall of Saigon, hosted by the American-Vietnamese War Memorial Alliance. Thank you to organizers Allen and Lan Jones, and to everyone who gathered to mark this solemn and important day at the Auburn Vietnam War Memorial in Les Gove Park.
April 30 marks a “Day of Mourning” for the South Vietnamese refugee community. It was on this day, fifty years ago, that Saigon fell, the Republic of Vietnam came to an end, and countless lives were forever changed. The ceremony reflected on the tremendous sacrifices made by freedom fighters, the pain endured by families separated or lost, and the resilience of those who found new beginnings far from the home they loved.
 Today, Vietnamese-Americans form an essential part of Auburn’s and Washington’s rich cultural fabric -- building communities, businesses, and families with a strength born from sorrow, perseverance, and hope. It was a privilege to stand alongside so many of you, to pray for those who were lost, and to honor the legacy that continues to grow today.
 I am humbled to have been part of this remembrance. We honor the memory, the courage, and the ongoing contributions of our Vietnamese-American community.
Thank you for allowing me to be a part of this important day of remembrance and resilience!
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