 I want to thank those who joined a peaceful rally and prayer circle at City Hall on Monday to share ideas and strategies on how best to tackle crime in Auburn and in the region. Gatherings like this are often the first step in enacting real change across the spectrum by including a variety of voices and backgrounds toward a common goal, which should always be zero crime across the board. That's a lofty objective, but one I wholeheartedly support.
 In fact, the City of Auburn has always been – and remains – deeply committed to the safety and well-being of our community. Public safety is our top priority, and we continue to invest significant resources to ensure Auburn is a place where residents, businesses, and visitors feel secure.
This year, we’ve strengthened that commitment by hiring 18 police officers, expanding support for prosecution services, and community-based programs. These efforts reflect our belief that public safety is not only about enforcement, but also about building pathways to accountability, healing, and prevention.
Our collective investments show results. Violent crime in Auburn has declined 36% compared to this point last year, and we will continue working to drive those numbers down even further. At the same time, we have invested 42% of our City’s General Fund operating budget – over $120 million annually – directly into police, prosecution, and related safety programs. This commitment reflects our ongoing dedication to making Auburn a safe and thriving community for all.
 Additionally, new initiatives such as our Flock safety cameras have propelled our city forward with new and innovative tools and technology to keep our community safe. Since their installation last year, they’ve proved valuable in solving many types of crimes, from auto theft to assault. Our City Council recently approved installing additional traffic safety cameras in selected and specific locations to minimize collisions and slow traffic.
Our Human Services Department and the Anti-Homelessness team continue to prioritize connecting Auburn’s homeless with valuable and life-saving services. So far this year, they’ve housed 121 individuals and continue to be a beacon and example for other municipalities to follow.
Public safety will always be at the heart of our work. While there is still more to do, Auburn is moving forward with a clear vision: reducing crime, strengthening trust, and ensuring every member of our community can feel safe and supported.
If you would like to continue the conversation, this fall we’re holding a series of public-safety focused town halls across the city, beginning Tuesday, Sept. 23 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at Evergreen Heights Elementary School (more information below).
All are welcome to join. You can find the full list of events on our website’s home page news section at auburnwa.gov.
Save the dates below and we'll see you soon in your neighborhood!
 It’s time for another round of Community Conversations – and this time, we’re going big with a series of townhalls!
We’ve listened to your ideas and concerns, and now we’re ready to talk, share solutions, and work together for Auburn’s future.
Join us at one of several sessions across the city this fall -- from schools to City Hall -- to connect, ask questions, and make your voice heard. Light refreshments will be provided, and everyone is welcome.
Save a date (or dates) and we'll see you around town!
📅 Sept. 23 - Oct. 29
⏰ 6 - 8:30 p.m.
📍 All Around Auburn
💲 Free
 You may have seen a pair of articles released this week in the Seattle Times and Puget Sound Business Journal, each referencing a letter written by Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell, urging the King County Regional Homeless Authority (KCRHA) to find additional funding that isn't so reliant on Seattle and King County. Part of that solution, Harrell argues, should come from King County cities that so far have not invested in the agency, and you guessed it, that includes Auburn.
 As I told the Business Journal on Wednesday, Auburn supports and welcomes a regional approach to ending homelessness -- we just need to see real results before investing millions of our taxpayer's dollars.
Auburn is already stepping up in meaningful ways. Each year, the City invests around $4.7 million in programs aimed at reducing and preventing homelessness. Those investments have real, measurable outcomes: so far this year, we have successfully housed 121 people. We also operate a 46-bed shelter -- the only men’s shelter in South King County -- and a safe parking program for individuals living in vehicles. This shelter is situated adjacent to a day center that offers showers, laundry facilities, and connections to housing, employment, and other essential services.
 In 2023, we doubled down on this commitment by purchasing the entire strip mall that houses the shelter and day center for $6.2 million, ensuring we can continue to provide these services well into the future. Other cities are now looking to Auburn as a model, reaching out to learn how they might replicate our programs.
We know what works, and we hold ourselves accountable -- and we expect accountability from everyone involved in this work, from funders to service providers to the individuals receiving services. As I said in my interview, we don't believe in simply handing out blankets, tents, and food. We believe in helping connect people to the benefits and services they’re eligible for -- veterans benefits, Social Security, even helping them secure state ID cards or driver’s licenses -- but we also expect them to take responsibility for their part in the process.
Every individual involved in this process needs to be held to some level of accountability, whether it's the funders, service providers, the city, or those receiving services. Auburn remains committed to regional solutions, but we must focus on results and systems that truly help people exit homelessness for good.
 The weather couldn't have been more perfect at this year's Hops and Crops Music and Beer festival at Mary Olson Farm!
(Click photo to view video)
If you weren't able to attend, relive the fun by watching the recap video on our socials, and while you're there, check out our spotlight videos on breweries, cideries and meaderies leading up to the event.
 One of my favorite ways to celebrate the season is by coming together as a community -- and our Multicultural Holiday Festival is the perfect opportunity to do just that!
This is Auburn’s 3rd Annual Multicultural Holiday Festival, and it’s truly a celebration of the rich diversity that makes Auburn such a special place to call home. You’ll find beautiful decorative displays showcasing traditions from cultures around the world, a red carpet fashion show featuring cultural dress, incredible performances from local cultural groups, and of course, delicious food trucks to enjoy.
This event is such a wonderful reminder that Auburn’s strength is in its people, and I can’t wait to see you there as we celebrate together.
And a special thank you to our sponsors, Wellpoint, the Blue Ribbon Committee, and of course, our Community Health Consultant Pat Bailey for helping make this event possible!
📅 Saturday, Sept. 27
⏰ 3 - 6 p.m.
📍 The Commons at Auburn High School | 711 E. Main Street
💲 Free
 This news release is borrowed from our partners at the Washington State Department of Transportation.
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People traveling on westbound State Route 18 through Auburn should expect a weekend-long series of lane, ramp and directional closures beginning Friday night, Sept. 19, as part of a pavement repair and bridge joints project.
The closures along westbound SR 18 will occur in two stages between 9 p.m. Friday, Sept. 26, and 5 a.m. Monday, Sept. 29. Contractor crews working for the Washington State Department of Transportation will use the closures to replace worn expansion joints on the C Street Southwest bridge.
People should expect delays on westbound SR 18 during each stage, especially during peak travel times. Eastbound SR 18 through Auburn will remain open throughout the Sept. 26-29 weekend, but all eastbound lanes are tentatively scheduled to close Oct. 3-6.
Work both weekends requires dry weather and may be rescheduled if rain is forecast.
Sept. 26-28 westbound SR 18 first stage
From 9 p.m. Friday, Sept. 26, to 1 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 28, the right lane of westbound SR 18 will close between M Street Southeast and C Street Southwest.
The Auburn Way South/SR 164 on-ramp to westbound SR 18 will close at the same time. A signed detour during the ramp closure will use city streets to the Third Street Southwest on-ramp to westbound SR 18.
Sept. 28-29 westbound SR 18 second stage
From 2 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 28, to 5 a.m. Monday, Sept. 29, westbound SR 18 will close at Auburn Way South/SR 164.
All westbound vehicles will exit at the Auburn Way South/SR 164 off-ramp and use the on-ramp to return to westbound SR 18. Police officers will direct people through the intersection between the on- and off-ramps.
Oct. 3-6 eastbound SR 18 closure
All eastbound SR 18 lanes are tentatively scheduled to close from 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 3, to 5 a.m. Monday, Oct. 6, to replace the bridge expansion joints along that section of the C Street Southwest bridge. The eastbound SR 18 on-ramp from C Street Southwest and the off-ramp to Auburn Way South will close at the same time.
All eastbound SR 18 vehicles will need to use the off-ramp to C Street Southwest and may follow a signed detour using city streets to the Auburn Way South on-ramp to eastbound SR 18. Police officers will help direct traffic through intersections along the detour.
Real-time travel information is available via the WSDOT mobile app, the WSDOT travel map or by signing up for WSDOT's email updates.
Hyperlinks within the release:
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WSDOT keeps people, businesses and the economy moving by operating and improving the state's transportation systems. To learn more about what we're doing, go to www.wsdot.wa.gov/news for pictures, videos, news and blogs. Real time traffic information is available at wsdot.com/traffic.
 As we move into the rainy season, our crews are taking advantage of the dry weather to complete critical work along C Street SW. Over the next few weeks, drivers may notice traffic impacts during the morning and evening commute between the SR 18 interchange and 15th Street SW.
We know these delays can be frustrating, but this work is essential to improving safety and reliability on one of Auburn’s busiest corridors. Thank you for your patience and understanding as we work to get these projects wrapped up before the rain sets in.
Stay informed:
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