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This week, Councilmembers Clinton Taylor, Hanan Amer, and Lisa Stirgus have been attending the Association of Washington Cities (AWC) Annual Conference in Tri-Cities with over 400 other elected officials from throughout the state.
My first session on Wednesday was “Building a Positive Police Culture” to see if I could glean any nuggets of wisdom from the panel to bring home. I was pleasantly surprised to hear the recommendations they had are for things our department is already doing!
“Learn from yesterday to be better today.” was a quote from Chief Chris Guerrero, Kennewick Police
 I had the honor of presenting in a session titled “Those Most in Need: Serving Your Vulnerable Residents.” I was asked to share the program and philosophy that Auburn has related to homelessness. I had 30 minutes to share about two days ' worth of information, but I tried to share the main points that include Compassion, Accountability, and Community, and exactly how successful our approach has been. Compassion is critical, but so is accountability for everyone involved with homelessness - government, funders, service providers, AND those receiving the services. There was a great deal of interest in Auburn’s approach by the attendees. I gave out lots of business cards, and I think our team will be busy sharing our plan with other cities!
 I also attended “Strategies for Countering Gang-Related Crime” presented by police chiefs in Eastern Washington. Pasco has a Street Crimes Unit (SCU) that plays a central role in suppressing gang violence. It is data driven, with targeted investigations, and undercover operations. Their Chief said it is critical to have community and city support including consistent funding. There have been changes in gang activity in the past 10 years - there are more fluid gang structures, more social media influence, younger offenders, and easier firearm access.
Walla Walla Chief sees presence of multi-generational gangs, narcotics and human trafficking, gun violence, territorial disputes, connections to statewide and regional crime and the use of social media for threats and recruitment. The Flock Cameras are critical to assist in this work. What’s working? Focused deterrence and intelligence-led policing, early intervention, gang awareness training, school resource officers, community education, graffiti abatement, and partnerships with probation and parole.
 What can cities do? Invest in prevention and intervention, support proactive units, prioritize data and information sharing, build trust with the marginalized communities and support police recruitment and officer wellness.
The Yakima Chief shared much of the same information, but a surprising note about their funding methods, he said gangs now use cryptocurrency.
 Thursday morning found the Auburn delegation at the Economic Forecasting breakfast where we heard from President and CEO of Community Attributes, Inc. Chris Mefford. I’ve worked with Chris many times over the years -- most recently when he was also the CEO of Greater Seattle Partners. According to his presentation, we are down 20,000 jobs in the state of WA this year. There hasn’t been a decline since 2020 and prior to that in 2009. Both times before were during significant recessions. Chris didn’t have any specific reasons at this point, but said the data is still being analyzed and is forthcoming.
 I have been proud to represent South King County (District 13) on the AWC Board of Directors for the past two years, and I was honored to be re-elected to another two year term during the annual meeting on Thursday afternoon! AWC is comprised of all 281 cities and towns in the state of Washington, working together for the betterment of all - advocating at the state level for the rights of our communities.
 I’m finishing this as I sit in the airplane waiting to taxi out to the runway. I’ve got to be home for tonight’s first Party on the Plaza! I hope to see you there!
Join us in the heart of downtown tonight for Party on the Plaza -- a summer event series filled with live music, delicious food trucks, a beer and wine garden, and the perfect community vibe. Best of all? It’s free to attend!
Each event brings a different theme, so mark your calendar and plan your feast:
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📅 June 27 – Taco Festival | A night of bold flavors, salsa beats, and taco heaven. Plus FREE salsa dance lessons!
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📅 July 25 – Rock the Block | Amp up your summer with rockin’ tunes and street food favorites.
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📅 August 22 – Cheeseburger in Paradise | Say goodbye to summer with tropical vibes, burgers, fries, and cool treats.
Featuring mouthwatering eats from Dick’s Drive-In, La Costenita Cuisine, Paparepas, Tacos Cortes, El Koreano, Tabassum, Alaskan Dumplings, Boss Mama’s Kitchen, DelFino's, Bean Hut, and Swanky Scoop. Plus, a car show in August!
So grab your friends, bring your appetite, and let’s turn City Hall Plaza into the place to be this summer.
See you on the plaza!
📅 Friday, June 27
⏰ 5:30 - 8:30 p.m.
📍 City Hall Plaza | 25 W. Main Street
 The weather was perfect, the splash pad was flowing, the bands were playing, the inflatables were inflating, and the kids were reaping all of the benefits.
 KidsDay is one of the best days of the year to be a kid in Auburn, and this year's event really showcased why that remains the absolute truth. As you can see from photos, there was no shortage of smiles and laughter.
 You can view the full photo album on Facebook and mark your calendars for next year!
 I am excited to share the power of parks, arts and recreation in supporting strong, vibrant and resilient communities.
This year's theme -- “Build Together, Play Together” -- celebrates the many ways park and recreation can foster a sense of belonging in communities by providing welcoming and inclusive programs, essential services for all ages and abilities, and safe, accessible spaces to build meaningful connections.
Make plans to check out all the fun events and programs offered by Auburn Parks, Arts & Recreation during the month of July 2025. Click HERE for your FREE printable calendar.
For a complete list of parks, programs and events, visit auburnwa.gov/play.
 Next week is America's birthday and that of course means the return of the 4th of July Festival at Les Gove Park in Auburn!
 The event includes entertainment on two stages, a variety of craft artists, a car show, inflatable rides, euro-bungee trampolines, train rides and other fun activities for children. The event also offers a rock climbing wall, mini golf, bocce, food concessions, and so much more!
And while the event is free to attend, for just $10, you'll get unlimited access to most attractions. I'll see you Friday!
 📅 Friday, July 4
⏰ 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. (wristband sales start at 10 a.m.)
📍 Les Gove Park | 910 9th St. SE
💲Free ($10 wristband gives unlimited access to most rides)
The Fireworks are Spectacular at Emerald Downs
 The annual Fireworks Spectacular at Emerald Downs is back this year, with races beginning at 5 p.m. Thursday night.
If you can't attend, the fireworks show is of course free to watch at any spot around Auburn! A particular favorite is the West Hill looking east.
📅 Thursday, July 3
⏰ 5 p.m. | Dusk
📍 Emerald Downs | 2300 Ron Crockett Dr
💲 Tickets
A reminder about firework safety and legality in Auburn
A good rule of thumb:
- Fireworks that go up or blow up are ILLEGAL
- Legal fireworks can only be used from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. on July 4th
What's a legal firework? Party Poppers, Booby Traps, Snappers, Sparklers, Cylindrical and Cone Fountains, Illuminating Torches, Wheels, Ground Spinners, Flitter Sparklers and Smoke Devices.
For more information, check out our Fireworks Regulations page on our City of Auburn website.
 Or hopefully, on your coffee table, nightstand, or bathroom reading rack!
This magazine is packed full of stories that will be relevant to you this summer -- like all of the changes happening in downtown Auburn, from Main Street and Division Street closures, to Food Truck Tuesdays and Parties on the Plaza, and let's not forget downtown's newest bakery.
If you live outside the city limits or (accidentally, I hope!) threw your copy away, you can read the full version online, which is also available in Spanish, Ukrainian, and Russian.
 Below is a news release shared by our friends at Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) about important repaving work happening next month along Highway 18. This work will happen mostly overnight, but it's important to be informed so you can prepare and plan ahead!
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The ride through Auburn should get a lot smoother, as a project to repave a 3-mile stretch of eastbound State Route 18 and replace aging bridge expansion will begin after the Fourth of July holiday weekend.
Starting Monday, July 7, the project will grind and repave eastbound lanes of SR 18 from C Street to near the Green River. This includes repaving the eastbound lanes on the bridges over Auburn Way and F Street. Contractor crews working for the Washington State Department of Transportation also will repair pavement on the eastbound SR 18 on- and off-ramps at Auburn Way and replace worn out expansion joints along both directions of the C Street Southwest bridge.
This section of SR 18, which carries about 65,000 vehicles per day, was last paved in 2003, meaning the asphalt has outlived its expected 15-year lifespan. When the project finishes later this fall, people should feel a smoother ride and eastbound SR 18 will be preserved for years to come.
What to expect
Much of the paving work will take place weeknights between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m. with single-lane and ramp closures. A narrow section will require full closures of eastbound SR 18 for up to four nights to ensure worker safety.
Replacing the joints on the C Street Southwest bridge will need a series of weekend directional closures of SR 18 and nearby ramps from 9 p.m. Fridays to 5 a.m. Mondays. Eastbound SR 18 could close for up to four weekends, while westbound SR 18 may close for as many as three weekends. Both directions will not close at the same time.
Signed detours using city streets will be available during directional and ramp closures.
WSDOT will try to avoid scheduling work during the Washington State Fair, large events at White River Amphitheater and the Muckleshoot Resort Casino and other nearby community events. The work schedule is still being finalized, but people can check the project webpage and WSDOT’s Real-time travel map for updates.
Hyperlinks within the release:
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The project: wsdot.wa.gov/construction-planning/search-projects/sr-18-eb-c-st-sw-vic-green-river-paving-joint-replacement
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Real-time travel map: wsdot.com/Travel/Real-time/Map/
The Washington State Department of Transportation is making important upgrades to the toll system on SR 167, with changes expected to begin this fall.
As part of this work, the northbound HOV lane between Sumner and Pacific will be converted to a tolled express lane, improving traffic flow and consistency along the corridor. The updated system will also divide SR 167 into three toll zones, each with designated entry and exit points. Drivers will pay the toll rate posted when they enter, based on where they exit -- not on how many signs they pass.
If you currently carpool toll-free, you’ll need to take action. Carpoolers will now be required to have a Good To Go! account and a Flex Pass set to HOV mode. Motorcyclists will also need a Motorcycle Pass to avoid toll charges. Drivers without a Good To Go! account will be billed by mail for any tolled trips.
A limited number of free Flex and Motorcycle Passes will be available later this year to support the transition.
To learn more or set up an account, visit www.MyGoodToGo.com or call 1-866-936-8246.
We'll share graphics and more details soon to help you prepare for these changes.
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