City manager outlines community events, Main Street grant work and a new community academy

City Manager Carolyn Hope briefed the Mountlake Terrace City Council on community engagement, grant activity and event planning during the Jan. 23 meeting.

Hope said city staff and the events coordinator have met with community leaders forming an organized group to pursue a summer event to replace the Tour de Terrace; she said the event would be community-driven rather than a city-produced event and that the city’s role at this stage is to help with organization and to evaluate any future special-event permit requests. Hope said there is interest in maintaining many of the Tour de Terrace components — including a Seafair parade segment — but that new branding and possible changes in format are expected.

Hope also reported that seven consultant proposals were received for the Long Range Financial Sustainability Task Force and that interviews will be scheduled. She said the city is finalizing a RAISE (Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity) grant application for a Main Street project and plans to submit it early next week.

Hope noted the recently advertised Mountlake Terrace Community Academy filled in three days; letters will go to applicants. She reminded the public that a Community Conversation open to the public will be held next Wednesday at 6 p.m. at City Hall and that the conversation differs from the academy (the academy requires application). Hope said more details on all items will be shared as they become available.

Council members asked clarifying questions about event roles and in-kind city services for community-produced events. Council members encouraged community involvement and thanked staff for outreach work.