 “We just have to remember who in God’s name we are. We are the United States of America, for God’s sake. There is nothing — nothing beyond our capacity — and I mean nothing beyond our capacity when we work together, like you all do.”
- President Joe Biden, National League of Cities 2024 Keynote Speaker -
 It was quite a week in "the other Washington" as several council members and I attended the 100th anniversary of the National League of Cities. For Councilmembers Amer, C. Taylor and T. Taylor, it was there first time representing Auburn, and I loved watching their enthusiasm as they tried to take it all in! For Deputy Mayor Brown and Councilmembers Baldwin and Trout-Manuel, I'm sure it felt familiar as they greeted colleagues and decided which sessions to sit in on. All of your councilmembers are dedicated to our City, and are constantly listening and looking for ideas, grants, etc. that can be brought back home. We also had some pretty amazing speakers this week including Presidential Historian Doris Kearns Goodwin, Secretary, U.S. Department of Transportation Pete Buttigieg, and President of the United States Joe Biden. Each of them was fascinating to listen to. Ms. Kearns Goodwin always has a few stories to share on historical figures, and this time she spoke of the March on Selma, and the important role it played in human rights. She didn't have to study this history; she was in the midst of it as she worked for President Johnson. Secretary Buttigieg talked about projects that are occurring and what is yet to come -- some of them 100 years old like the bridge between Oregon and Washington.
 President Biden's comments included his appreciation for local elected officials and how much of the work is accomplished at our level.
Other speakers reminded us to elevate non-partisan problem solving, and reminded us that pot holes are not democrats or republicans -- they just need to get fixed! We were asked to think about what do we want constituents to say 100 years from now about the actions we take now. We were reminded to surround ourselves with people who are experienced and can argue with us. Sound a little odd? Absolutely not! We always need to hear opinions other than our own!
As members of the Association of Washington Cities, our delegation was able to visit with Senators Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell. We were fortunate to meet with them separately and heard about the appropriations bills that are finally being passed from last year! Senator Cantwell focused some of her comments on affordable housing, and building 200,000 new units -- 7,000 in Washington State. I asked her to consider additional funding to help cities hire more police officers and other first responders -- we all need help! She agreed and is working on ways to "Fend Off Fentanyl" she wants more detectives, officers and fire fighters to fight this ugly drug.
It was a great few days and allowed me to get to know our newest councilmembers a bit better. They are bright, enthusiastic, energetic, and are eager to work for you!
In 2024, Women’s History Month is focusing on celebrating women who advocate for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion. Women from every corner of the United States – including right here in Auburn – have spent their lives and their talents working to make our world a place where everyone is celebrated, safe, and can access what they need to live and thrive.
Marita Dingus
Raised on the west hill of Auburn and still making art there today, internationally-renowned artist Marita Dingus has been making and teaching about art for 40 years. In 1985, she earned an MFA from San Jose State University as a single mom. “You have to choose between buying art supplies and putting food on the table,” she says. “So when I was in graduate school, I worked for the Department of Ecology as a road crew supervisor and brought junk [home]. I was determined to make art out of junk.”
“I consider myself an African-American Feminist and environmental artist,” Dingus writes. “My approach to producing art is environmentally and politically infused: neither waste humanity nor the gifts of nature. I am primarily a mixed media sculptor who uses discarded materials. My art draws upon relics from the African Diaspora. The discarded materials represent how people of African descent were used during the institution of slavery and colonialism then discarded, but who found ways to repurpose themselves and thrive in a hostile world. I seek to use recovered materials, reconfiguring and incorporating them into pieces of art where possible and appropriate, and to mitigate waste and pollution in all my work. This is a creative challenge, but a commitment I incorporate into my professional and personal activities.” (Biography source: Black Arts Legacies and Traver Gallery)
Hear Marita in her own words talking about her life and dedication ensuring the visibility of Black faces in art with this short documentary produced by our very own City of Auburn staff, see more of her work online in her own online gallery, or see her work in person at her retrospective exhibit at the White River Valley Museum, “Where Castoffs Go to Heal and Grow.”
Exhibit is open until May 26.
 If weather forecasts hold, the Auburn Valley is set to experience highs in the 70s (!!!) this weekend, with Saturday being the peak for warm, blissful sunshine.
While our spring and summer events are still a couple of weeks away, here are some suggestions for some out-of-doors activities for you and your family.
Check out any of our amazing parks
Have you ever walked through Les Gove, Game Farm or Lea Hill Park and stumbled upon a game of pick-up frisbee, volleyball or pickleball? Or how about while walking the trails of Auburndale or Isaac Evans, discovered a trail less traveled by? City of Auburn Parks have so much to offer, and the best part? They're completely free.
Crow With Fries at Les Gove Park
Speaking of Parks, there's one of combustible origins
Flaming Geyser State Park, located along the Green River, is 480-acres of land ripe for hiking and walking. Though the geysers that gave the park its name have both been depleted, there's still much to discover along the over three miles of freshwater shoreline.
 Rather stay cool? There's plenty of shopping!
At our State of the City address last month, I spoke about the many downtown Auburn businesses such as White Willow Co., A Little Knitty and Sea Axe that are open and thriving. Consider taking a trip downtown and window shopping along Main Street and beyond. And after, driving a short distance to the Outlet Collection Seattle, which recently filled every single tenant space.
There's so much to explore right here in Auburn.
The inside of White Willow Co. in downtown Auburn
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