Mountlake Terrace Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Commission asks residents to review draft strategic plan after demographic review

Mountlake Terrace’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Commission urged residents to review a draft strategic plan and complete an online survey by Oct. 3 after presenting demographic trends showing population growth and changing community needs. Teresa Courtney, vice chair of the Mountlake Terrace Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Commission, and Commissioner Kermit Appeil presented the findings during a commission presentation to the council meeting record. "In 2020, the City Council decided to form the Commission to promote and embrace diversity through action, education, and guidance, assure an accessible, safe, welcoming, and inclusive government and community, and eliminate and prevent all forms of discrimination," Appeil said. Courtney said the commission and staff "have been actively collecting data and recording feedback around diversity, equity, and inclusion in order to develop a work plan focused on serving our diverse communities' needs in an equitable and inclusive way." The presenters said the commission examined U.S. census data from 1970 to 2024 and community feedback to shape the draft plan. Among the findings presented: the city grew about 25% in the past 25 years; the population aged 65 and older increased by nearly 50%; the number of veterans declined by about half since 1990; and the share of people living below federal poverty limits rose about 37% since 1990. The presenters also gave current demographic snapshots: about 9% of residents are intellectually or physically disabled; roughly 1 in 5 residents are foreign-born; about 1 in 4 speak a language other than English at home; and about 1 in 18 have limited English proficiency. Racial and ethnic breakdowns cited to support planning included: white residents at about 39% of the total population; Hispanic residents about 17% and the fastest-growing group (a 91% increase since 1990); people identifying as two or more races about 11%; and Asian residents about 10% (an 81% increase since 1990). Courtney said the commission "have learned about our internal practices, policies, and operations while reaching out to community members to learn about their experiences living, working, attending school, worshiping, and using city services." The commission asked residents to submit feedback on action items in the plan's final chapter via an online survey by Oct. 3; after staff updates and a commission review, the presenters said the commission will make a recommendation to the City Council, which is expected to review and vote on the final plan on Nov. 6. "Thank you for taking time to engage in the civic process," Courtney said. "This is what participating in local government is all about. City officials need to hear your opinions to make the best decisions for you."