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Feb. 20, 2026

"The true meaning of life is to plant trees, under whose shade you do not expect to sit."

-- Greek Proverb --

Building the 2026–2027 budget from the ground up!

Thursday and Friday were busy days for your councilmembers and directors. We came together for teambuilding on Thursday. There were exercises to help us understand each other better, how to identify where we have common beliefs/opinions, and a session on “What should we start doing? What should we stop doing? And What should we continue doing?” There was also a question posed to each of us “Why do you serve?” That may have been the area where we had the most in common. Without question, one of the answers each of us shared was “The Community” of “The People”. No one said, “For the glory or for the money”!

Friday, we spent the entire day focused on how our budget works, the various funds that we have such as Governmental Funds (General, Special Revenue, Debt Service & Capital Projects)  to carry out the primary functions of government subsidized with tax revenue; Proprietary Funds (Enterprise & Internal Service) “businesslike” and supported 100% by user fees; and Fiduciary Funds (Agency & Permanent) money held in trust by the City, for non-City activities. We also are required to have Cumulative Reserves (think rainy day or savings account).

Now, for the future – this retreat was intended to get guidance from your councilmembers as the directors and I begin to create the 2026-2027 biennial budget. I have asked that we move to a Zero-based budget. Typically, when we’re creating a new budget, we simply roll over the prior biennial budget as the base and then add new programs or positions to it. This time, we aren’t rolling over – we are assessing the benefits and values of the programs that are currently in place, and do they still make sense to fund. A program that may have made sense 15 years ago and didn’t cost much to administer may not have the same impact today. Is there another program that makes more sense, serves more of our community, and perhaps costs less money? Essentially, what are we willing to fund first when money and resources are finite? That’s the process in this budget cycle. It’s not going to be easy, but we’re up to the task! I’m proud of the work that we are doing to ensure every dollar that we are entrusted with from you is spent in the best way possible.

The Auburn Golf Course opens for GOLF on Saturday!

A brand-new golf cart fleet arrived this week, temporary operations have been restored in the Pro Shop, and the course is ready to welcome players back. I want to thank our Facilities, Finance, HR/Risk, Fleet, and Golf teams for working hand-in-hand with insurance partners to move recovery forward quickly and responsibly.

Restoration work will continue over the next several months. We are making progress on repairing the clubhouse basement, replacing the pump house, and preparing for Bogey’s to fully return to the restaurant space. In the meantime, Bogey’s will partner with the course to offer temporary food and beverage service during high-use times so golfers can still enjoy the full experience.

Reopening the course is another important step in Auburn’s broader flood recovery. I look forward to seeing our community back out on the greens, enjoying a round, supporting a local asset, and celebrating progress together.

We’ll continue to keep you updated as full restoration moves ahead.

Last chance to register for State of the City -- seats are limited!

Please join me for the 2026 State of the City address -- an evening to reflect on the year behind us and look ahead to the priorities, partnerships and investments shaping Auburn’s future.

The State of the City is an important opportunity to hear from us directly about where we’ve been, where we’re headed, celebrate community progress, and stay engaged in the decisions that impact each and every one of us!

Wednesday, Feb. 25
📍 Muckleshoot Casino Events Center | 2402 Auburn Way S.

5:30 p.m. – Doors open & reception
Enjoy refreshments and connect with neighbors, community leaders, and City staff. Please note that for adults ID is required to enter the facility.

6 p.m. – Mayor’s Address

🎟️ Free to attend (plus-ones encouraged!)
Please reserve your seat by 5 p.m. Friday, Feb. 20. Additional details, including parking, are available in the RSVP link.

Be the best prepared in your neighborhood! CERT registration is open

One of the best ways we can look out for one another in Auburn is by being prepared, especially when emergencies happen. That’s why I’m excited to share that registration is now open for our next Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) class!

CERT training gives everyday residents the tools and confidence to help themselves, their families, and their neighbors during and after disasters. From basic first aid to disaster response and team coordination, this free course helps turn concern into action.

Classes will meet Wednesday evenings from April 29 through June 13, 2026, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the Auburn Emergency Operations Center. Participants will also take part in two Saturday drills on May 23 and June 13 to practice real-world skills.

(Click photo to watch video)

Graduates receive a backpack filled with safety gear -- including a hard hat, reflective vest, goggles, and more -- to keep. All you need to bring is a pair of sturdy shoes and work gloves!

The best part? It's completely free!

If you’ve ever thought about getting more involved, learning new skills, or being ready to help when it matters most, I encourage you to sign up.

📅 April 29 - June 13
⏰ Various times
📍 Auburn Emergency Operations Center | 1 East Main St. Suite 380
🎟️ Register

Black History Month continues at the City of Auburn

This Black History Month, let's remember the community members who walked our very own streets! Meet Julia Fields (center image). Julia was the only Black student at Auburn High School in the late 50s and served on the Girl’s Club cabinet. Though racism was still embedded culturally, the Pacific Northwest had fewer laws that explicitly excluded Black folks from public life than other parts of the country. This meant that in our region, students attended school together regardless of race. In this photo, Julia was crowned Tolo Queen in 1958!

Below is the Black History Month I signed on Monday and read at the Auburn City Council Meeting. The City of Auburn is proud to honor the history and contributions of Baclk Americans in our country and our community, and we continue to work toward becoming an inclusive community in which all residents -- past, present and future -- are respected and recognized for their contributions and petnetial contributions to our community.

Comedy at the Postmark MOVED TO: Postmark Center for the Arts! Comedy at the Course will keep you laughing all night long as three comedians work to twist your funny bone. Ages 18 and over only. 📅 Friday, Feb. 20 ⏰ 7:30 p.m. 📍 Postmark Center for the Arts | 20 Auburn Ave. 💲 Tickets ($22 regular, $19 senior)

Make and Mingle @ Postmark Stop by the Postmark for our Make & Mingle session! Join us for a cup of coffee with whatever art project you might be working on. A free, no-pressure environment for artists and creatives to gather... you can talk with other artists, ask for feedback or critique from on-site staff if available, bring your sketchbook to work out ideas, or just quietly draw in the gallery or work on your art! Intended for ages 18+. 📅 Wednesdays ⏰ 10 a.m. - Noon 📍 Postmark Center for the Arts | 20 Auburn Ave.

State of the City with Mayor Nancy Backus Please join Mayor Nancy Backus Wednesday, February 25 for her State of the City address at the Muckleshoot Casino Events Center (2402 Auburn Way S.) 5:00 PM - Door's open and reception: Enjoy refreshments and connect. 6:00 PM - Mayor's Address begins. Please reserve a seat below (for free!) by 5:00 PM the day before. More details (including parking) in the RSVP link. Free (plus-ones encouraged!) 📅 Wednesday, Feb. 25 ⏰ 6 - 7:30 p.m. 📍 Muckleshoot Casino Events Center | 2402 Auburn Way S. 🎟️ Register

Drop-In Drawing @ Postmark Come stop by for our new Drop-In Drawing sessions at the Postmark! A free, no-pressure environment for artists and creatives to drop-in to draw from a still life or the gallery. Stay for whole two hours or only 10 minutes. Bring tools to either shade or color with, and your own sketchbook or drawing pad. There will be on-site help for critique/questions/advice. All are welcome. Ages: 15+ Registration: $0 Instructor: Postmark Staff 📅 Fridays ⏰ 10 a.m. - Noon 📍 Postmark Center for the Arts | 20 Auburn Ave.

Drop-In Painting With Amy Sie @ Postmark Amy Sie is offering Drop-In Gongbi Painting sessions at the Postmark! A free, no-pressure environment for you to start a new painting, or work on an old one. Please bring your own tools and materials for watercolor painting. On-site help for critique/questions/advice. All are welcome.  Ages: 18+ Fee: $0 Instructor: Amy Sie 📅 Fridays ⏰ 10 a.m. - Noon 📍 Postmark Center for the Arts | 20 Auburn Ave.

Buddy Ritchie & The Bopper - Honoring the Day the Music Died This tribute pays respect to three entertainers who were taken from us way too early in their young musical careers, Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and J.P. “The Big Bopper” Richardson. Backed by five professional musicians, this show will keep your toes tapping and make you want to dance in the aisles to songs like That’ll be the Day, Peggy Sue, La Bamba, Chantilly Lace and much, much more. 📅 Saturday, Feb. 28 ⏰ 7:30 p.m. 📍 Green River College - Student Affairs Building | 12401 SE 320th St. 💲 Tickets ($27 regular, $25 student)

Linda FM & Bandwidth Get ready for an epic night of music and entertainment straight from your FM dial! This music variety show is packed with incredible talent and diverse musical styles. Connect with others, celebrate music, and savor unforgettable memories when American Top 40 on the FM dial dominated the airwaves. Join Linda FM and Bandwidth for a great evening of wonderful music! 📅 Friday, March 6 ⏰ 7:30 p.m. 📍 Postmark Center for the Arts | 20 Auburn Ave. 💲 Tickets ($22 regular, $19 student)

Blood Drive at Auburn City Hall  Be someone's hero today 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, March 10 ⏰ 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. 📍 Auburn City Hall | 25 W. Main Street 🎟️ Register

Artifact ID Ever wonder what that strange thing was you found in grandma’s attic was? Sign up below to have your curious artifacts identified by Curator of Collections Hilary Pittenger. Must RSVP to attend - Register Online 📅 Thursday, March 12 ⏰ 1 - 2 p.m. 📍 White River Valley Museum | 918 H St. SE 🎟️ Register

Auburn Community Players: Legally Blonde The Auburn Community Players present a fabulously fun award-winning musical based on the adored movie, Legally Blonde The Musical, follows the transformation of Elle Woods as she tackles stereotypes and scandal in pursuit of her dreams. Action-packed and exploding with memorable songs and dynamic dances - this musical is so much fun, it should be illegal! 📅 Friday, March 13 - Sunday March 15 ⏰ Various times 📍 Green River College Student Affairs Building | 12401 SE 320th St. 💲 Tickets ($25 regular, $22 student/senior)

The Legacy of the Chinese Exclusion Act Join author Trish Hackett Nicola as she brings life to the case files of Chinese laborers and their families that were impacted by the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 in her new book Chinese in Washington: The Legacy of the Chinese Exclusion Act. 📅 Saturday, March 14 ⏰ 2 - 3 p.m. 📍 White River Valley Museum | 918 H St. SE 🎟️ Register

Spring Fling Family Dance Little ones ages 5-11, grab your VIP and join us for our Spring Fling Family Dance! Dress your best as we dance the night away. Visit one of our activity tables for a temporary tattoo, 360° photo, beaded keychain creation, or spend the whole night out on the dance floor. Light refreshments and dessert will be available. Vegan and gluten-free option available. Pre-registration required for all attendees. Registration includes 1 adult and 1 child. Availability to add additional adults or children. $36/$45 – additional attendees $12/$15 Call 253-931-3043 to Register Now! 📅 Saturday, March 14 ⏰ 6 - 8 p.m. 📍 Auburn Community & Event Center | 910 9th Street SE

Auburn Community Players: Legally Blonde The Auburn Community Players present a fabulously fun award-winning musical based on the adored movie, Legally Blonde The Musical, follows the transformation of Elle Woods as she tackles stereotypes and scandal in pursuit of her dreams. Action-packed and exploding with memorable songs and dynamic dances - this musical is so much fun, it should be illegal! 📅 Friday, March 20 - Sunday March 22 ⏰ Various times 📍 Green River College Student Affairs Building | 12401 SE 320th St. 💲 Tickets ($25 regular, $22 student/senior)

Cultures of the Valley Family Day Free Family Event! Learn more about some of the cultures that call the valley home in the first of two Family Day programs during our exhibit Shaping the Valley. Join us as we explore Japanese and Marshalles cultures through fun activities and crafts. Be sure the visit again in May to learn about more cultures that make the Valley great! All ages welcome! View more info at www.wrvmuseum.org. 📅 Saturday, March 28 ⏰ Noon - 4 p.m. 📍 White River Valley Museum | 918 H St. SE

Peter Cotton Trail Friday, April 3 - Monday, April 6 Hop through Auburn's parks and trails in search of the elusive bunnies who will be hidden in various locations around Auburn. Find 10 bunnies, submit a scorecard, and get entered for a chance to win some awesome prizes! This family-friendly event is perfect for all ages, including seniors and those in the specialized recreation community. It's a great way to get outside, stay active and enjoy the outdoors! More info on auburnwa.gov. 📅 Friday, April 3 - Monday, April 6 ⏰ Dawn to dusk 📍 Various parks

Gotta Catch 'em All Spring Break Drop-in Days Create your own set of Pacific Northwest Pokémon cards! Each day we will learn about native creatures from our area and create new Pokémon cards. Be sure to visit each day as we focus on different animals each day! 📅 Wed. April 8 - Fri. April 10 ⏰ Noon - 4 p.m. 📍 White River Valley Museum | 918 H St. SE

13 Til Midnight - Taylor Swift Tribute Are you a Swifty? Then we have the show for you! 13 Til Midnight is the Taylor Swift Tribute Band! Performing songs from a wide range of Taylor's albums and eras, from the hits to fan favorite deep cuts. They have something every Taylor Fan! 📅 Saturday, April 11 ⏰ 7:30 p.m. 📍 Green River College Student Affairs Building | 12401 SE 320th St. 💲 Tickets ($25 regular, $22 student/senior)

Blood Drive at Auburn City Hall  Be someone's hero today 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, April 14 ⏰ 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. 📍 Auburn City Hall | 25 W. Main Street 🎟️ Register

Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Class Registration Class will be held on Wednesday evenings April 29, 2026 through June 13, 2026 from 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM. There will be two Saturday Drills: May 23, 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM June 13, 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM CERT training is designed to teach community members how to help themselves and the people around them during and after a disaster. The Auburn CERT class is offered free of charge. Class graduates will receive a backpack, hard hat, a reflective vest, safety goggles, and other gear to keep. Participants are asked to provide their own work gloves and sturdy closed-toe shoes. Register for the class here: www.auburnwa.gov/CERT For more information please call 253-876-1925 or email emergencyprep@auburnwa.gov. Cost: $0 Full info available at www.auburnwa.gov/CERT 📅 Wednesday, April 15 ⏰ 6 - 9:30 p.m. 📍 Auburn Emergency Operations Center | 1 E. Main St. 🎟️ Register

AT Large Join us for a night of wonderful music with these two award winning musicians from Sequim, WA. This duo combines Amanda Bacon’s amazing vocals with Todd Ortloff’s musical talents on the piano. Amanda & Todd will dazzle you with their flawless harmonies and fabulous stage presence. Come spend and evening with AT Large! 📅 Friday, April 17 ⏰ 7:30 p.m. 📍 Postmark Center for the Arts | 20 Auburn Ave. 💲 Tickets ($22 regular, $19 student)

Clean Sweep Auburn’s 2026 Clean Sweep will be held Saturday, April 18. This event is held in honor of Earth Day. Projects will focus on clean-up, environmental restoration, and beautification efforts in and around Auburn. Volunteer groups will work on light clean-up and maintenance; landscaping, painting, weeding, and planting in and around downtown and at various park sites; and a handful of other projects as needed Volunteers can either choose to participate in a specific project or can ask to be assigned to any project, in which case your group will be assigned where the most volunteer support is needed. Service clubs, social service agencies, faith-based groups, scouting troops, businesses, families, and individuals are being asked to come together and work on these projects.  Please plan accordingly to bring your own source of water for the 3-hour event.  The morning agenda for Saturday, April 18 is as follows:  7:30 - 8:30 AM …… Optional Check in - Auburn Community & Events Center 7:30 - 8:30 AM ……Optional Welcome Breakfast - Auburn Community & Events Center 8:45 - 9:00 AM ......Check in at project location - emailed in advance ***Be sure to bring your own water to your project*** 9:00 - 12:00 PM ......Volunteers commence project tasks  Online Registration closes Wednesday, April 15 at 5:00 PM.  Registrations will not be accepted April 16 or 17. Volunteers interested in participating but have not registered, can register on-site at park locations TBA. Important Links: Online Registration Form Registration Form (PDF) Group Waiver (PDF) 2026 Fact Sheet (PDF)

It was time to swap out the flowers in the pots at City Hall -- just in time for State of the City this week!

Auburn is rich with history — from historical Main Street to the artifacts preserved throughout White River Valley Museum — I am excited to share these stories with all of you each week. 

84 years ago, Auburn's Japanese Americans were imprisoned

(Image courtesy of White River Valley Museum)

Auburn’s Shigeyuki “Sam” Iseri at Tule Lake Concentration Camp, c. 1945. Following the signing of Executive Order 9066 on February 19, 1942, 120,000 Japanese Americans were unjustly incarcerated by the United States government during World War II, including 1,400 residents of Auburn, Enumclaw, Kent, and Renton, such as Shigeyuki and his family. This number was in addition to the over 17,000 Nikkei arrested and imprisoned in 1941 following targeted government surveillance of Japanese-affiliated cultural institutions, including Buddhist temples, judo teams, and flower-arranging clubs.