[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6214168,"mediaKeyId","3671328-56757f79c5561881661a368d4378ba86","parentId",3671328,"title","Mill Creek finance team wins GFOA budget award; city reports steady revenues and increased passport activity","audioSeconds",425,"startMs",3114000,"endMs",3539000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3671328-56757f79c5561881661a368d4378ba86&start=3114&end=3539","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3671328-56757f79c5561881661a368d4378ba86/thumbnail_3114000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6214168/Mill-Creek/Snohomish-County/Washington/Mill-Creek-finance-team-wins-GFOA-budget-award-city-reports-steady-revenues-and-increased-passport-activity","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6214168-e9d573ff971fe7afeedd72cfd6d5dad7/orig.mp4?Expires=1770445678&Signature=STE-PaiOMiFdoDRRlAKmN~GaeKmsTUw4DnKIJKFbOEqbA-q-S9Ievl8OYK32TITlewmHP6HH6aJyfQguyAp8FvLC7-TRTGJEU9cjrNszShtSaU7bavL928KishJBdwy4D7cGi-gmZS1YGIcsy4m~G507VlUxJv7-6X4W7Eeni2UmQgraBKPZv8zJ3NdDwcm8tNHLmuTXUVX76d6jKgmDkzUb8-DUGM0GUeS4V16i-1ZZ-m94dd2ZfvmQoMi3fobrPdEpyiJ6XBORwJdpA9fLEz6TLE7LbDqAK8~zip8idyaq8xJoTAYVseDl1EjBv6RbntGwFOMj3q~zgUGvMG8FEw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Mill Creek, Washington","date","2025-06-04T14:11:38Z","article","City staff announced a Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) budget award and presented financial results for the period ending April 30 during the June 3 Mill Creek City Council meeting.

City Manager reported the finance team (named staff: Irmina, Annie, Jody Anderson, and Dana Volk) received recognition for budget document quality from GFOA, which the manager described as the highest form of recognition in governmental budgeting.

Finance staff then presented revenue and expenditure highlights for the period through April 30. General fund revenues and expenditures were both below the benchmark for the biannual period, with approximately 17% of activity recorded. Property tax timing contributed to a general fund shortfall relative to expenditures for the period; sales tax collections were essentially flat year over year (about a 1% increase). Staff said some revenue categories were stronger: recreation fees and passport application revenue increased (the city processed about 6,200 passport applications in the four‑month period, roughly 1,100 more than the previous year). Fines and penalties also increased, which finance staff linked to policing activity and more traffic contacts reported by the police department.

Expenditure notes: Salaries and employee benefits make up about 66% of the city's expenses and were tracking with established budgets; meanwhile police‑related expenses such as jail costs and prosecution are being monitored given increased activity.

Taper: Staff congratulated the finance team and said they would continue to monitor revenue trends and police‑related costs.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Council Regular Meeting - 03 June 2025","oneSentenceSummary","City manager and finance staff reported a Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) budget award for Mill Creek's finance team and provided April financials showing timing effects for property tax, flat sales tax, higher recreation and passport revenues, and increased court/jail costs linked to police activity.","taxTitle","Mill Creek, Snohomish County, Washington","taxId",71062,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6214173,"Mill Creek proclaims June 2025 Pride Month; organizers invite community picnic",223,102000,325000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3671328-56757f79c5561881661a368d4378ba86&start=102&end=325","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3671328-56757f79c5561881661a368d4378ba86/thumbnail_102000.jpg","/articles/6214173/Mill-Creek/Snohomish-County/Washington/Mill-Creek-proclaims-June-2025-Pride-Month-organizers-invite-community-picnic","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6214173-0b6a099f0ff5fb8500b3d23b2a6a03e4/orig.mp4?Expires=1770445678&Signature=PiyqLgYW4Yq1EVasdtPZFjb1akp7D2-RGCqlfRL0Z9SVl98DE1J5gWVUN-h~RLpJzxVhYC8BKMPiuX~KtIy3njzBSOMb2iAoRtVtFnI-EcegSM6Ob5ob-kxv~2ob5RFAwB4~uISPtob5HuQGdpZ2v5feZFy4ixzS-O5e-PGrUTuo0EeQUC-6AyjslYzMxStcckl4PGTNjWyNadi2m~oqtgiyTqOlS8YUu2me-H0NcvfgR4wLnQ97fylJ9RN3OfVskwitsY6xDPhF2XF1yI7EqXB1xNmEXcAF3ruYd6iv94tPw6-ioU7PkWatZRVc81pONJtThpBKy8mz3KEWyESj8Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Mill Creek City Council proclaimed June 2025 as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month and received public comments from organizers of Mill Creek Pride during the June 3 meeting.

\"My name is Selena Oba, and I'm here tonight as a proud Mill Creek resident,\" Oba told the council during public comment, identifying herself as a board member of Mill Creek Pride and speaking as a parent. \"This is the first time that Mill Creek Pride has ever stood before the city council, and I'm here with my child ... because I want them to witness this milestone, where our city publicly says you are seen, you are valued, you belong, and you are part of this community.\"

Oba invited council and residents to the first Mill Creek Pride Picnic, set for June 14, and provided a volunteer sign‑up URL (millcreekpride.org) for organizers. The mayor read a city proclamation at the meeting that recognized Pride Month, referenced the Stonewall uprising and the national trend of Pride observances, and declared June 2025 as Pride Month in Mill Creek.

Why it matters: The proclamation is a formal recognition by the city and provides public acknowledgment for the local LGBTQ+ community and allies. Organizers emphasized ongoing work beyond the proclamation and encouraged community participation in the upcoming picnic.

Taper: The council acknowledged the comment and proclamation; staff noted there would be another opportunity during the meeting for public comment at the end if anyone else wished to speak.","A local LGBTQ+ group, Mill Creek Pride, received a city proclamation recognizing June 2025 as Pride Month and invited residents to a June 14 picnic; a Mill Creek resident spoke during public comment about family inclusion.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6214178,"Mill Creek outlines planning commission duties and appoints four new commissioners",1199,1901000,3100000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3671328-56757f79c5561881661a368d4378ba86&start=1901&end=3100","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3671328-56757f79c5561881661a368d4378ba86/thumbnail_1901000.jpg","/articles/6214178/Mill-Creek/Snohomish-County/Washington/Mill-Creek-outlines-planning-commission-duties-and-appoints-four-new-commissioners","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6214178-7ed2896efd0aa05b4d284c85319635ad/orig.mp4?Expires=1770445678&Signature=bbtYSTKrnhNuhaV8DotvdV42O5Y3Z0A7wj97knZzAYzI2P461N85rXTPgtvE9JON7xUxTrmqyHQJBTEPQxQR4LK14FxJDHdTXal3qBeS01bF5IfVeRusR2uPzrcT1jVljZ0HBzKxa8EbwCw0b9FGqiWybtKIki2vxsWcEARtXkjcn2VSl3Jc8DeDbb7XJ3J4YEPn1ttv8MPvm4L2FJ5eQvEWJT2LvX~lDYQOrBe-VfFv6DWe70AQfsCGBvYYB1EkohFFqBmADQvPf6iJzxlmIEwmdn3899MNwNNkfJWiVd8Me6dcJ8Ls7~7V3Z46T5p8cl9-R-VqEpK5mKd1n6whmQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Mill Creek City Council on June 3 received a staff briefing on the planning commission's functions and upcoming work, and subsequently appointed four new planning commissioners to fill vacancies.

Planning staff explained the commission's primary duties: advising council on land‑use policy, evaluating comprehensive plan and development code amendments, conducting hearings, and gathering public comment. Staff said the city's comprehensive plan is required by the state Growth Management Act and must be updated every 10 years, with an annual amendment window for targeted changes.

Key upcoming projects for the commission include a South Town Center master plan intended to concentrate mixed‑use development in an existing center, a critical areas update (title 18) to align regulations with best available science, an annual code update this fall, and updates to parks and sign regulations. Staff said the planning commission can also initiate code amendments and hold additional hearings as needed.

After the briefing, the council appointed four people to the planning commission. Councilmember Paddock moved a slate of appointments: reappoint Jose Barunda to a three‑year term ending May 31, 2028; appoint Mercedes Hutton and Gabriel Oh to three‑year terms ending May 31, 2028; and appoint Gregory Neff to complete the unexpired term of Matthew Geiger through May 31, 2026. The motion passed unanimously.

Why it matters: Staff said the commission will play a leading role on the South Town Center master plan and multiple code updates that shape where and how the city grows. Councilmembers and staff stressed the need for continuity and community input as the commission takes on several substantial initiatives.","Council received a briefing on planning commission responsibilities and upcoming projects, then appointed four members to fill vacancies and one unexpired term; staff emphasized the commission's role in comprehensive plan amendments, code updates and the South Town Center master plan.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6214182,"Mill Creek council adopts code amendments to comply with new state housing laws over lone dissent",652,2344000,2996000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3671328-56757f79c5561881661a368d4378ba86&start=2344&end=2996","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3671328-56757f79c5561881661a368d4378ba86/thumbnail_2344000.jpg","/articles/6214182/Mill-Creek/Snohomish-County/Washington/Mill-Creek-council-adopts-code-amendments-to-comply-with-new-state-housing-laws-over-lone-dissent","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6214182-a3c303efb7b1d0748cb9517916466275/orig.mp4?Expires=1770445678&Signature=R2QKbZV4F8i-CvmI442ZrRjY1MsWtIz~p46VlY9AVcbBmHnty29pWICWtSMaV~t1PtCzIIUrpIYPKEiR3VjC33odBOE6ejBg~ms2~BpVH8dvHQ6GacD2~DrJqhcqRJTSQbtpVXvXkJ7LaMzmMBKdV1~1exFcBTAPajOAeyy2pdy-MXKhswNJvlrwMggUSLyJAW8xwZo~cBuDRTQovSa886DDQisTYtV-Yjj7ff6bw60mhXciWL9tAOxO5F5o4AbcbUoFYq~Gkz8DtbY3WRnpkWYqLfkn5dGPm8JTNmmkZsyko2gAEVp9wouRiEcrIqSsgUTnCY3nt85xfIpmxN3imQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Mill Creek City Council voted 6-1 June 3 to amend the city's municipal code to comply with recent Washington state housing legislation, including provisions from multiple bills referenced by staff.

Council considered a motion to amend the Mill Creek Municipal Code \"to comply with state housing regulations in HB 1042, HB 110, HB 1337, HB 1998, and SB 5258 and establishing an effective date.\" The ordinance as presented was described by staff as the minimum changes necessary to meet state requirements; staff recommended final technical adjustments during the city's annual code update this fall.

Councilmember Justin Cavalieri voiced the lone \"no\" vote and delivered a substantive statement opposing the state's approach. \"The continued assault on the city's rights to govern itself...is forcing cities like us to absorb the recoil of really the bad policy making of cities around us,\" Cavalieri said, arguing the state mandates undermined local discretion and could force population growth Mill Creek is ill suited to absorb. Cavalieri said he would vote against the ordinance and suggested the council consider showing capacity without formally adopting the amendments as a way to preserve legal options.

Other councilmembers urged a narrower approach. Councilmember Steckler and others noted the city's comprehensive plan already concentrates most new density in South Town Center and that the city's homeowners association covenant changes had protected much of the single-family fabric, limiting immediate impacts to most neighborhoods. A staff presentation explained that commerce guidance had reviewed the proposed amendments and found them \"sufficient for now,\" though some sections (for example, unit subdivision language) would be adjusted after final state rules were clarified.

The motion passed with six \"ayes,\" one \"no\" (Cavalieri) and no abstentions. The council did not adopt additional measures beyond the minimum changes proposed; staff said they would return with technical updates during the fall annual code update to ensure full compliance with recently enacted statutes.

Context: Staff cited the state Growth Management Act implementation and recent legislative packages that require cities to allow additional housing types, update definitions (for example, changing how co‑living or \"boarding house\" terms align with the RCW), and adopt anti‑displacement policies. City staff recommended proceeding with the ordinance now and making minor cleanup amendments in the fall when state guidance is finalized.","The council voted 6-1 June 3 to amend the Mill Creek Municipal Code to meet requirements of several recent state housing bills; one councilmember said the changes cede too much local control and warned against legal acquiescence.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6214188,"Mill Creek weighs regional growth‑center designations at Ash Way and Mariner as light rail planning advances",1536,341000,1877000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3671328-56757f79c5561881661a368d4378ba86&start=341&end=1877","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3671328-56757f79c5561881661a368d4378ba86/thumbnail_341000.jpg","/articles/6214188/Mill-Creek/Snohomish-County/Washington/Mill-Creek-weighs-regional-growthcenter-designations-at-Ash-Way-and-Mariner-as-light-rail-planning-advances","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6214188-8302e000b2a65ee11cfe46d7999a3138/orig.mp4?Expires=1770445678&Signature=mN7EBR6m8OJ903qXSEmxGnMdOd~9-kyae0W4Fd05XBJdwh8WpB4uSbGCSPUkBfp6-SugyixRdmQrv6170cK8QCP8fg658tKkcpAbgZfHLrOml3JbzxE00oeZIAtKyU1DYQkYN~1Ei9ppx2eGkgf5aNXUIWLNi8lRlSbV6IVfbLFdgfOjINwgIBmx6NIIYSKV745u3W-mwv9Z2PnOQdMcp6KHZzlCd52a4QoChx~hAGvLRbUAGPhAl1yKvGn4Xi-OmjAC9FC4W6YBgBZpCH6B5E4bKduuXX-Y9qM-rwSiHTBUiLbRW4vpuM7bjbE~Z~QnvLkW7FpxNm9RIcN07AnetA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Mill Creek officials heard a presentation June 3 on Snohomish County's application to the Puget Sound Regional Council (PSRC) to designate the Ash Way and Mariner station areas as regional growth centers tied to future light rail service.

The briefing, given by city staff member Richard Todd, explained that PSRC's regional center designations are used to prioritize federal transportation funding and that the proposed designations align with Snohomish County's new \"light rail communities\" planning around stations. \"The goal for tonight's presentation [is] no expectation of action tonight, but this is gonna be something you'll be dealing with in the future,\" Todd said.

The presentation said county planning proposes a roughly 96% increase in units per acre for the Mariner area (about a doubling of current density) and about a 250% increase around Ash Way. Todd said light rail could arrive in the area as early as 2037, possibly as late as 2041, and that designations would help the region compete for federal transportation dollars administered through PSRC.

Why it matters: PSRC's Vision 2050 framework and its regional center list are factors used to rank projects for limited federal funding. City leaders said a regional center designation would strengthen Mill Creek's ability to obtain funds for road and intersection improvements that would serve residents and future development. \"If we chose to annex, you would have a better seat at the table with the Sound Transit discussions because it would be your city as opposed to just your MUGA,\" Todd told the council, referring to the city's municipal urban growth area (MUGA).

Council members asked how the designations would affect Mill Creek's ability to shape growth. Mayor Pro Tem Daniell, who attended a recent steering committee briefing, said the city needs to \"sell\" the benefits of designation to other jurisdictions and get allies to support the application. Council members discussed outreach to neighboring cities (Lynnwood, Everett, and uncommitted Linwood) and the political competition for PSRC slots.

Next steps outlined in the presentation: a planning steering committee vote June 25 to advance the proposal, a county council briefing in August, and PSRC applications due in September. Staff said the likely implementing instrument with neighboring cities would be a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that would not itself commit any city to annexation. Todd said Snohomish County has prepared much of the background analysis and that Mill Creek's role would primarily be memorandum support and coordination.

What was not decided: the council did not take formal action June 3. Staff said the city would return with additional information and that director-level staff (including Director Ryan) would present the item again before any MOU or formal endorsement.

Background: PSRC's regional center designations were created through its Vision 2050 process and guide allocation of federal transportation funds across the Puget Sound region. Local officials said designations can improve a community's competitiveness for grants to pay for intersection work and other capital improvements; they also acknowledged potential political pushback from jurisdictions that might lose priority in funding competitions.

Taper: The council discussed possible outreach steps and timing; staff encouraged council members to consider strategy before the June 25 steering committee meeting so Mill Creek could be ready to support the county's application process.","City staff briefed the Mill Creek City Council on Snohomish County\u0000and Puget Sound Regional Council efforts to designate Ash Way and Mariner as regional growth centers tied to planned light rail stations, outlining potential density increases, a memorandum of understanding, and a timeline of county and regional decisions.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Mill Creek finance team wins GFOA budget award; city reports steady revenues and increased passport activity

Mill Creek proclaims June 2025 Pride Month; organizers invite community picnic

Mill Creek outlines planning commission duties and appoints four new commissioners

Mill Creek council adopts code amendments to comply with new state housing laws over lone dissent

Mill Creek weighs regional growth‑center designations at Ash Way and Mariner as light rail planning advances