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(From left) Councilmember Lisa Stirgus, Councilmember Kate Baldwin, Mayor Nancy Backus and Councilmember Brian Lott
On Monday evening, I had the honor of being sworn in for another term as your mayor, alongside City Councilmembers Kate Baldwin, Lisa Stirgus, and our newest member of the council, Brian Lott. I want to begin by congratulating each of them and thanking them for their willingness to serve. Public service is not always easy, but it is deeply meaningful, and Auburn is stronger because of leaders who step forward with integrity, care, and commitment.
Standing in Council Chambers this week gave me a moment to reflect on just how far this journey has taken me. I first came to the dais in 2003, appointed to fill my mentor Jeanne Barber’s council seat when she retired. Since then, I’ve served through that appointment, two elections, and five re-elections -- more than two decades of change, challenge, and growth for our city.
 Over those years, Auburn has grown to more than 90,000 residents, strengthened its regional voice in King and Pierce counties, and built meaningful partnerships with the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe, Green River College, and the Auburn School District. Our downtown continues to evolve, new businesses call Auburn home, and our community has shown time and again just how resilient it is.
We’ve also faced our share of difficult moments: public safety challenges, a global pandemic, devastating fires, and most recently, historic flooding. None of these were easy. But in every case, Auburn rose to the moment. Crime is down. Our police department is stronger than ever. From loss came new housing, new opportunity, and soon, a new theater and park. During the recent flooding, Team Auburn, our emergency responders, and our partners showed exactly what coordinated, compassionate service looks like.
 As I begin this next term, my focus remains clear: a safer Auburn, more affordable housing, a vibrant downtown, strong partnerships, and responsible use of public dollars. I’m excited and humbled to continue this work alongside our City Council, department directors, and the incredible employees who serve this community every day.
 Thank you to everyone who has supported me over the years -- friends, volunteers, colleagues, and especially my family. Your encouragement has made the good times better and the hard times easier.
I’m proud to be your mayor, and I’m truly looking forward to what the next four years will bring as we continue building Auburn’s future together.
Areas near S. 277th St. that flooding in mid/late December.
As we continue moving from response to recovery after the recent flooding, I want to make sure our neighbors know that help is available.
The Auburn Food Bank is offering food, supplies, and limited cash assistance for individuals and families impacted by flooding within the Auburn School District boundaries. Assistance for flood-impacted residents is available at the following times:
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Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday: 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. (for flood victims)
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Wednesdays: 9 a.m. – Noon (regular financial assistance hours, also available for flood-impacted residents)
- If unable to make those times, call and leave a message -- someone will call back when able to do so: (253) 833-8925.
In addition, the Auburn-Area Chamber of Commerce is offering cash assistance to businesses in unincorporated King County or that serve unincorporated King County. Flood and weather recovery grants can be accessed on the chamber's website.
Recovery takes time, and you are not alone in it! My thanks to the Auburn Food Bank and our community partners who continue stepping up to support our neighbors during this difficult period.
 I want to share an important transportation update from the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) so Auburn drivers aren’t caught off guard.
Beginning Monday, January 12, the SR 167 express toll lane will extend six miles further south to SR 410 in Sumner. While these changes were originally planned for earlier, they were delayed due to repair work. WSDOT is now moving forward, and active toll signs and cameras will be in place.
Here’s what to know:
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Only the left HOV lane is tolled. All other lanes remain free to use.
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Carpoolers can still use the lane toll-free, but must have a Good To Go! Flex Pass set to HOV mode. Without it, a toll will be charged.
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Motorcyclists need a Motorcycle Pass to avoid tolls.
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Toll signs may show multiple zones, but you only pay for the zone where you exit.
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Entry and exit are only allowed at designated dashed-line access points.
WSDOT is encouraging drivers to prepare now by opening a Good To Go! account and, if needed, ordering a free Flex Pass or Motorcycle Pass. More details, including how tolling works and how to get a free pass, are available at GoodToGo167.com.
The City of Auburn is simply passing along this information from WSDOT to help keep our community informed and prepared!
 The Winter edition of Auburn Magazine is out, and it’s full of updates, programs, and stories that show what’s happening across our city right now, and what’s coming this winter and spring!
 Inside, you’ll find highlights from our Senior Activity Center, a look at free arts and cultural programs coming to Auburn in 2026, and a feature on the REC Teen Center and the staff who support our teens every day. The magazine also includes important winter weather and road safety information from Public Works, updates on downtown pedestrian improvements, and recognition of the outstanding work happening at Mountain View Cemetery.
If you want a snapshot of how Auburn is growing, investing in people, and delivering services across the city, this issue is a great place to start. I encourage you to take a look -- it’s an engaging, informative read and a great way to stay connected to what’s happening in Auburn!
You can read the magazine in print directly from your mailbox, or online on auburnwa.gov.
 By the end of next week, we'll have an official invitation to send out, but now that the new year is official here, I wanted to get the event on your calendars first thing!
I'll be delivering my 2026 State of the City address at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 25 at the Muckleshoot Casino Events Center, 2402 Auburn Way S.
The address will look at all we've accomplished in 2025 and focus heavily on the things we're doing today and this year that will have long-reaching impacts on Auburn's future -- after all, it takes time for the seeds we plant now to grow.
If you receive this newsletter, you'll automatically receive this invitation, but in case you don't, you can sign up here. Keep an eye on our Facebook and Instagram pages as well!
 Be someone's hero next week and donate blood. The Bloodworks Bloodmobile will be located outside City Hall.
- Appointments are required for the best possible donation experience.
- Same-day appointments available at most locations.
- Photo ID required.
- For safety, we kindly request no visitors under 16 at our donation sites.
- Eat a hearty meal and drink plenty of fluids prior to donation.
Book your one hour appointment at bloodworksnw.org/giveblood
📅 Tuesday, Jan. 13
⏰ 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
📍 Auburn City Hall | 25 W. Main Street
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