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City lobbyist previews 2026 legislative session; Medical Lake will pursue $230,000 capital ask for backup generators
Summary
Emily Shea, state lobbyist for Gordon Thomas Honeywell, briefed the council on the 2026 short (60‑day) legislative session and the city’s priorities, including a $230,000 capital ask to finish five FEMA‑funded backup generators and continued advocacy on a community partnership program at Eastern State Hospital.
The city’s contract lobbyist, Emily Shea of Gordon Thomas Honeywell, told the council the 2026 legislative session will be a 60‑day supplemental year focused on budget adjustments and that Medical Lake should prioritize modest, targeted requests. Shea said the administration plans to request $230,000 in capital funding during the next session to cover remaining costs on five backup generators tied to a FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant.
Shea summarized the political and budgetary environment: she said lawmakers will amend the 2025‑27 operating, capital and transportation budgets in the short session and that revenue forecasts are stable with modest adjustments. She warned that federal funding reductions for programs such as Medicaid and food assistance could trigger special sessions and that some legislators have discussed revisiting revenue options such as a wealth tax.
City priorities and advocacy: Shea said the city will continue to press for two primary items in the short session: the $230,000 capital ask for generator purchase/installation and continued support for a community partnership program for Eastern State Hospital that requires ongoing legislative approval and remains in the appropriations committee. She also said the Association of Washington Cities is advocating for transportation revenue flexibility, new local revenue tools and support for housing supply measures.
Council concerns: A council member raised juvenile‑detention policy and expressed concern about private juvenile detention facilities that serve multiple counties; the council member asked staff to research the state policy and whether juveniles should be detained in private facilities. Shea and staff said the city will continue to work with legislators, AWC and regional partners and will return with outreach plans for January committee days and the legislative session.
Next steps: Shea and city staff said they have prepared materials for committee days in December and will continue stakeholder outreach; the city will bring the formal capital request and supporting materials to the legislature in January.
