Mountlake Terrace City Council launches permit portal and welcomes 60 new businesses

The Mountlake Terrace 2025 State of the City meeting, held on May 24, 2025, focused on the city’s recent developments and future initiatives. The meeting began with an overview of the new permit portal, designed to streamline interactions with city government for various permits and licenses, including building, land use, and business licenses. This portal allows residents to apply and receive real-time updates at any time.

The economic development team reported significant progress, including the hiring of a new economic development manager who will serve as a key contact for potential investors. Since the last State of the City address, Mountlake Terrace has welcomed 60 new businesses, spanning sectors from hospitality to health and wellness, marking a notable achievement for the community.

The city manager highlighted the positive impact of the light rail station that opened in August 2024, which has improved accessibility for residents, particularly students commuting to the University of Washington. The city council has also adopted an economic development strategic plan, developed with extensive community input, which aims to enhance economic opportunities in Mountlake Terrace.

Additionally, the meeting acknowledged the contributions of various city commissions, including the arts advisory and diversity, equity, and inclusion commissions, emphasizing their commitment to the community's future. The city has seen a turnover in leadership, with new hires in key positions such as finance director and public works director, enhancing the city's operational effectiveness.

Several community engagement initiatives were introduced, including the Community Conversations program, which fosters authentic relationships with residents by encouraging dialogue beyond project-specific inquiries. The Terrace Talks program, a quarterly town hall meeting, allows residents to ask questions about city operations, with the next session scheduled for June 11, focusing on middle housing.

The Mountlake Terrace Community Academy, launched this year, aims to educate residents about city government operations. The program received immediate interest, with 30 participants signing up within three days. It covers various aspects of city governance and aims to empower residents to engage more actively with local government.

The meeting concluded with Mayor Kyoko Matsumoto Wright discussing ongoing projects and future goals, reinforcing the city’s commitment to transparency and community involvement. Overall, the State of the City meeting highlighted Mountlake Terrace's growth, community engagement efforts, and strategic planning for a prosperous future.