Mayor highlights climate actions, stormwater standards, EV fleet conversion and transit gains

Mayor Karen Howe told the audience that the city has prioritized environmental protection and climate action, highlighting a suite of recent steps including an enhanced level of stormwater service adopted in 2022 and the 2023 Climate Action Plan.

Howe said the city in 2022 adopted more stringent stormwater requirements than state minimums to protect wetlands, creeks and wildlife. She also noted updates to the city’s critical areas ordinances and a sustainability commission formed to advise on related matters.

On transportation and emissions, Howe said the biennial budget includes funding to begin converting the city fleet to electric vehicles and alternative fuels. She said the city is a partner in Energy Smart Eastside to help homeowners convert to heat pumps and solar, noting residential emissions account for a large share of local greenhouse gas output. "We are creating a multimodal transportation system to reduce the impacts of climate change and achieve our vehicle miles traveled reduction goals," Howe said.

Howe also cited ongoing projects: Lewis Thompson Road is under construction with stormwater, sidewalks and bike paths; the city adopted its first transportation master plan and transit plan last year; and the upcoming Sound Transit light-rail station at Mariemore Village will increase transit service with Route 269 running every 15 minutes at peak times. She said when the light rail opens across I-90, Sammamish residents will be able to reach Redmond and regional destinations with a short bus connection.

The mayor did not provide specific budgets for the EV conversion, emission reduction targets, or timelines for full fleet transition in her remarks.