Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a web page.

Feb. 27, 2026

"Expect problems and eat them for breakfast."

-- Alfred A. Montapert --

Thank you for attending State of the City 2026!

To everyone who joined us for the 2026 State of the City address, “Planting the Seeds of Auburn’s Future,” thank you for showing up, for listening, and for being part of the conversation about where we’ve been and where we’re headed next. Seeing so many residents, partners, business leaders, volunteers, and Team Auburn staff gathered together was a powerful reminder of what makes this city so special.

As I shared that evening, what defines Auburn isn’t just what we build -- it’s how we build it, why we build it, and who will ultimately benefit from it. This past year tested us in real ways, and once again, Auburn showed up: prepared, compassionate, resilient, and committed to one another. From flood response and downtown transformation to public safety, human services, and community connection, the progress we celebrated belongs to all of you.

’m deeply grateful to our City Council, our dedicated city staff, our regional partners, and every resident who continues to plant seeds of hope, service, and pride in this community. The future of Auburn isn’t built by one person or one department -- it’s built together.

If you weren’t able to attend or would like to revisit the presentation, the full written speech and the complete livestream video are available online. I invite you to watch, read, and share as we continue planting the seeds of Auburn’s future and watching it flourish.

And don't forget to tag us @cityofauburnwa on social media, or use the hashtag #PlantingAuburn when planting those seed packets!

The U.S. Small Business Association is offering flooding disaster assistance loans

As we continue recovering from the December winter storms, I want to make sure you’re aware of an important resource that’s now available. The U.S. Small Business Administration has opened low-interest federal disaster loans for homeowners, renters, businesses and nonprofits in King County impacted by the December 5–22, 2025 storms.

These loans can help repair or replace damaged homes, personal property, business equipment and inventory -- and small businesses may also qualify for working capital assistance, even if they did not suffer physical damage. Interest rates are low, repayment terms are flexible, and payments are deferred for the first 12 months.

If you were affected, I encourage you to explore this option and see if it’s a good fit for your recovery. Learn more and apply online.

Honoring Chin National Day in Auburn

(Photo courtesy of Chin Youth Organization of Seattle)

On Saturday evening I joined a few hundred people to celebrate Chin National Day at Green River College. There were speeches given, beautiful songs were sung by Shin Bia, a Bamboo dance by Seattle Youth, and a wonderful fashion show featuring young children in cultural attire. The children stole the show, as they were so focused on “hitting their marks” on the stage and remembering their choreography!

(Photo courtesy of Chin Youth Organization of Seattle)

I had the honor of providing a welcome and to share Auburn’s appreciation for the Chin People. This was the 78^th Chin National Day, and everyone was excited to be there – together. I want to thank  Reverand John Bawm of the Auburn Church of the Nazarene for the invitation. His church has long been a welcoming place for the entire city – with special focus on their neighborhood (south Auburn). Since much of the ceremony was in Burmese. There were also prayers for their country of Myanmar as it is experiencing a brutal civil war.  

Auburn is now the pickleball capital of Washington!

Have you heard about the new pickleball club in Auburn? It is a fun new business that caters to players of all skill levels – Rally Pickleball Club! It is owned by Dillon Eugenio, Chris Pierce, Randy Fuller and Dave Willcox. I had the honor of touring the facility with Dillon, Randy and members of our Economic Development team Jenn Francis, Emerson Folker and Director of Community Development Jason Krum. 

The place was very lively at 2pm on a Thursday. There were lessons being given by the pros and there were challenge matches by those who were feeling a little daring. There are also areas for people to watch, play pool, video record and analyze a person’s skills, a pro shop and so much more. I highly recommend checking it out – the sport has grown incredibly in the past few years.

I remember playing pickleball back in the 80’s while I attended Green River Community College (now Green River College) – and while the rules haven’t changed, the quality of the equipment and the skills of the players have improved immensely. I’m hoping to go back and relearn the game.

This Black History Month, let's remember our community's trailblazers

Photographed is Myrtle Law

In 1956, just two years after the historic Brown v. Board of Education decision was passed, Myrtle and her husband Fred moved to Auburn where she took a job as an English teacher. She was the first Black teacher at Auburn High School and would continue to be the only Black faculty member at the high school until the 1990s. Her resilience and dedication helped pave the way for future educators in our region.

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)

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.

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.

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

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)

Comedy at the Course 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, March 27 ⏰ 7:30 p.m. 📍 Auburn Golf Course - Bogey's Public House | 29630 Green River Road SE 💲 Tickets ($22 regular, $19 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)      📅 Saturday, April 18 ⏰ 9 a.m. - Noon 📍 Auburn Community & Events Center | 910 Ninth St. SE 🎟️ Register

Have you tried the food tucks at 1314 Auburn Way N?

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. 

Auburn: putting the stamp on rubber stamps

(Image courtesy of White River Valley Museum)

Jutta Hood in front of her Auburn store, Rubble Marbles, 1999. While rubber stamps had previously been the domain of office and business supply stores, Rubber Marbles was one of hundreds of specialized rubber stamp stores that sprang up around the United States in the 1990s. These stores sold thousands of novelty stamp designs from customized name stamps to flying pigs. This rubber stamp craze came along with the rise in the hobby of scrapbooking, particularly the highly designed and artistic forms of scrapbooking that was popularized by crafting tool companies like Creative Memories.