 This week, I had the opportunity to attend theĀ Main Street Now ConferenceĀ in Tulsa, joining community leaders from across the country who are all focused on one thing: building stronger, more vibrant neighborhoods.
Over the course of a few days, I heard from experts and local leaders about how downtowns and neighborhood business districts are evolving. One conversation that really stood out focused on how we balance growth with preserving the unique character and culture that make places feel like home. Itās a challenge many cities are facing, and one that feels especially relevant here in Auburn as we continue to grow.
 There was also a strong emphasis on supporting local businesses, creating opportunities for community-driven development, and finding ways to ensure that investment benefits the people who already live and work in these areas. From financing tools to creative placemaking, the takeaway was clear: the most successful communities are the ones that stay rooted in their identity while planning thoughtfully for the future.
Conferences like this are a chance to step back, learn from others, and bring back ideas that can make a real difference. Auburn has its own unique story, but we share many of the same goals: thriving small businesses, welcoming public spaces, and neighborhoods where people feel connected.
Iām excited to take what Iāve learned and continue building on the great work already happening here at home!
(Click photo to watch podcast)
And it's all about a City of Auburn great -- our long-time Senior Center Manager, Radine Lozier, who is retiring in just a few months. If you know Radine, you'll know how sad that is to type -- Radine is a dear friend and one of the most talented and dedicated public servants I've ever known.Ā She is a breath of fresh air ā always with a smile on her face and love in her heart.
Radine Lozier began her career with the City of Auburn in June of 1986, right after graduating from Central Washington University with a degree in Gerontology. What started as her first āgrown-upā job became a lifeās calling. Over the past 40 years, Radine has helped create programs, community, connection, and care for generations of Auburn seniors and their families.
But if you ask Radine, sheāll be the first to tell you that while she spent her career serving older adults, they were the ones who taught her how to live. Through lifeās biggest moments -- joy, grief, celebration, change -- the people of the Senior Center have been part of her story, just as she has been part of theirs.
I hope you can tune into the full episode, available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.
 On Wednesday, I had the sincere pleasure of being invited to Mt. Baker Middle School to listen to a panel of amazing students who are part of theĀ AVIDĀ Program for the Auburn School District.Ā To say I was āblown awayā by their presence, enthusiasm and intelligence would not be doing them justice. TJ, Wraylyn, Avery, Greyson, Anthony (all 6thĀ graders), Mariana, Levi, Chloe, Johan (7thĀ graders), Lawea, Moses, Molly, Alyssa, Alina, Cinthya, Joseph, and Gimena (8th graders) were so poised, confident, and proud of their accomplishments.
Their teachers, Mr. Carter, Mr. Decker, Mr. Browne, Mrs. Digg, Mrs. Carnahan, and Mr. Lubash, fully believe in the AVID program and even more in the kids that they teach! I saw the pride in Principal Brownās eyes as I sat in the audience with parents of some of the students as they answered questions like āHow has AVID changed your confidence as a student?ā and heard answers that portrayed confidence where shyness, and lack of engagement may have once lingered.
They are enthusiastic about their futures ā and so am I! Too often, we hear about a small group of young people who cause chaos and commit crimes, and think that all kids are that way. I can assure you that our future is in great hands with students like the ones at Mt. Baker MS. Thank you to Adam Ladage, Director of Student Learning, for inviting me to hear the kids ā it truly brought so much joy to my day! Go Bulldogs!
It is with the greatest of sorrow that I share the passing of two beautiful souls who are being celebrated this weekend.
 Carrie Everett was Miss Auburn 2022 and a graduate of Auburn Mountainview High School. I first met Carrie as she was a founding member of Black Youth Leadership Coalition of Auburn where she led initiatives such as food and clothing drives, advocated for BIPOC education, participated in peaceful protests, and built meaningful connections with fellow organizers. It was during COVID, and I met with a group of students from AMHS outside at Les Gove. I was drawn to her passion, confidence, and sense of right and wrong. Her passion and faith were strong. I also was fortunate to work with Carrie while she competed for and was crowned Miss Auburn. Her joy for life was infectious, and her year representing Auburn was filled with action and her gift of song. Carrieās favorite quote is by Maya Angelou ā āPrejudice is a burden that confuses the past, threatens the future, and renders the present inaccessible.ā
 Amy Hatcher was everywhere in the Auburn community! She was a tireless volunteer and along with her husband John, made sure that people were fed a delicious meal from CafĆ© Pacific. Amy was a board member for theĀ "See Ya Later" Foundation, and a SYL WA Impact Award winner in 2023. Amy was also a recipient of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Medal of Distinguished Service for King County Council District 7. She would bring people together for fun and to have diaper drives to ensure precious babies were well taken care of as they continued to grow into beautiful blessings. Once a need was identified, Amy was there to jump in to help. Itās difficult to use past tense verbs to talk about Amy because there is still such a sense of her presence in our community. Her beautiful smile would light up a room, and she would greet you with open arms and a true desire to help in any way that she could. Amy, my friend, I know you fought a brave battle for the past three years, I pray that you may now rest, knowing your life continues to matter. Rest in Peace.
A Celebration of Life will be held this weekend at Foss Waterway Seaport.
(Click photo to watch video)
Lakewood's Manic Meatballs, famous for their Swedish meatballs and mashed potatoes (among so many other things) is headed to Auburn for a pop-up drive-through Viking Feast later this month!
On Friday, April 25, from 5:30 to 6 p.m., they'll be stationed at the Auburn Safeway, 101 Auburn Way S., to test demand and scout the area. A limited number of Viking Feasts will be sold, so come early!
All Viking Feasts at this stop will have Manic Meatballs, Mashed Potatoes, Shells & Cheese, Baked Beans and Cucumber Salad (no substitutions). I bought my ticket ā have you?
This is their first-ever pop-up, so let's show them some love next Friday!
More info about the pop-up on Manic Meatball's website and Facebook page.
 Clean Sweep is almost here and I hope youāll join us this weekend as we come together to care for the places we all love!
If youāve already registered, thank you! If not, thereās still time to be part of it. You can show up the day of and weāll get you connected with a team and a project that needs an extra set of hands.
 Clean Sweep is one of my favorite Auburn traditions. Itās more than just a day of service -- itās neighbors meeting neighbors, families working side-by-side, and a shared commitment to keeping our city beautiful, welcoming, and cared for. Thatās the perfect definition of community where everyone plays a role in the success and sustainability!
Whether you can give an hour or the whole morning, it all makes a difference. Iām looking forward to seeing so many of you out there -- gloves on, ready to make an impact!
I'll see you at the Community and Events Center at 9 a.m. for the breakfast and group photo! Let's make it even bigger than last year's!
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Saturday, April 18 ā° 9 a.m. - Noon š Auburn Community and Events Center | 910 9th St. SE
 I invite you to join us for Auburnās Arbor Day celebration on Tuesday, April 21 at 11 a.m. at Les Gove Park (910 9th St SE)!
Together with our partners from the Auburn Garden Club, Auburn Tree Board, Auburn Park Board, and the Washington State Department of Natural Resources, weāll plant a Western Hemlock tree as part of this special tradition. Itās a simple act, but one that I think represents growth -- kind of like that State of the City I gave back in February? Now we are LITERALLY planting Auburn's future.Ā
I'm also proud to officially proclaim April 21, 2026 as Arbor Day in Auburn and recognize our continued designation as a Tree City USA. This honor reflects our communityās commitment to caring for our urban forest and investing in a greener, healthier Auburn for generations to come.
Trees do so much for us -- cleaning our air, reducing energy costs, supporting wildlife, providing much-needed shade, and adding beauty to our neighborhoods. More than that, they remind us to slow down, take root, and invest in the long-term well-being of our city.
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Tuesday, April 21 ā° 11 a.m. š Les Gove Park | 910 9th St. SE
 Do you have an adorable pup at home? How about a cat that sits on your chest and purrs away all your stress? Or even a hamster who puts a smile on your face? Well then April 30 is for you -- it's National Therapy Animal Day!
Scientific research shows that interacting with therapy animals can reduce stress, relieve depression, slow heart rate, lower blood pressure and strengthen the immune system -- and anyone who's ever owned a pet knows that to be true!
Animal therapy teams play an essential role in improving human health and well-being, and the City of Auburn is grateful for the presence, contributions, and positive impact of our local Pet Partners therapy animal teams.Ā
Happy National Therapy Animal Day later this month!
 Pet lovers, mark your calendars because Petpalooza is right around the corner, and itās shaping up to be one of the most joyful days of the year in Auburn!Ā
Each year before the event begins, we start the morning with the always-popular Dog Trot 3K/5K Fun Run, a fun, family-friendly event where you and your four-legged companion can hit the trail together. Whether youāre walking, jogging, or just enjoying the fresh air, the course is flat, welcoming for all ability levels, and designed for both people and pups to have a great time. Water stations will be available along the way, and the race is professionally chip-timed for those who want to track their pace.
Participants receive a commemorative T-shirt, race bib, and medal -- and if youāre among the first 100 to register, youāll also take home a Petpalooza coffee mug. Itās a great way to start the day and be part of the energy leading into the main event.
After the Dog Trot, Petpalooza continues as a free community festival celebrating our furry (and not-so-furry!) friends. From agility and fly dog demonstrations to the crowd-favorite āUnleashedā Pet Contest, thereās something for everyone. Youāll also find vendor booths, pet adoptions, free and low-cost pet services, and plenty of activities to keep the whole family entertained!
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Saturday, May 16 ā° Dog Trot: 9:30 ā 11 a.m. š Game Farm Park | 3030 R Street SE
 I'm excited to share that planning is officially underway for Auburnās 2026 Juneteenth Celebration ā and we would love to have you join us!
Weāre currently accepting vendors for this yearās event. Apply using the following link:Ā ManageMyMarket.Ā Note: we're using the Manage My Market software to track Vendor Applications. Create and account and you'll be directed to the application for Juneteenth @ the Market. There is a $15 non-refundable application fee for Food, Craft and Commercial Vendors. Service Vendors and Non-Profit organizations may apply at no charge.Ā Please note, payment of the application fee and/or submission of the application does not guarantee vendors a place at the Juneteenth @ the Market event.Ā
Interested in performance opportunities? Submit your information using the following online application:Ā Juneteenth Performer Inquiry.Ā
Email us:Ā juneteenth@auburnwa.govĀ if you have any questions or need additional information.Ā
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Sunday, June 21 ā° 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. š Les Gove Park | 910 Ninth St. SE
 Public safety is always at the forefront of the work we do, and this weekās City Council Study Session offered an important opportunity to take a deeper look at how things are trending in Auburn.
On Monday, our Auburn Police Department presented its 2025 Annual Report, sharing data on everything from use of force to overall crime trends and officer activity. What stood out most is that, while our officers continue to respond to tens of thousands of calls each year, many key indicators are moving in the right direction. Calls for service have declined in recent years, and both person crimes and property crimes are down significantly compared to prior years.
Equally important is how our officers are doing the work. Use of force incidents remain a very small percentage of total interactions -- just a fraction of one percent -- and most cases involve minor or no injuries. This reflects a continued emphasis on de-escalation, training, and professionalism in the field.
The report also highlighted accountability and transparency. Complaints and misconduct findings remain extremely low when compared to the total number of contacts officers have with the public, reinforcing the departmentās commitment to high standards and continuous improvement.
These conversations matter. They help ensure weāre not only keeping Auburn safe, but doing so in a way that builds trust and reflects our communityās values. I encourage you to take a few minutes to watch the full study session presentation and see the data for yourself!
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